How do I coordinate boutonnieres and flowers with the suit or tux colors?
The Short Answer
Coordinate personal flowers with the suits by considering the fabric color as a backdrop: light blooms pop on navy or charcoal, while richer blooms suit lighter tan or gray suiting. Match the boutonniere to the bouquet palette, and confirm suit colors before finalizing flower choices.
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The suit is the backdrop
A boutonniere sits directly against the jacket, so the suit color is effectively its background, and contrast makes it read well in photos. Light and bright blooms, white, blush, or pale greenery, pop crisply against dark suiting like navy, charcoal, or black, which is why those combinations photograph so well. On lighter suits such as tan, sage, or light gray, richer or deeper blooms stand out better than pale ones that can wash out. Think about what will actually be visible from across the room and in pictures. At Bentley Florist we ask about suit colors before finalizing boutonnieres for exactly this reason.
Keeping the whole look tied together
While the boutonniere plays off the suit, it should still connect to the wedding flowers. The right move is choosing a bloom from the bouquet palette that also happens to contrast nicely with the suiting. That way the personal flowers coordinate with each other and stand out against the jackets. Greenery choice helps too, since a touch of green often bridges the flower and the fabric. If the wedding party wears different suit colors, say a distinct groom's suit, adjust his boutonniere so it still pops against his specific jacket while echoing the group. A quick photo of the suits helps your designer nail this.
Practical coordination steps
Coordinate in the right order and confirm details in advance. Choose the bouquet and palette first, then select boutonniere blooms that both match that palette and contrast with the suits. Confirm the actual suit colors, not just what you think they will be, since rented tux shades and ordered suits sometimes differ from expectations. If the suits are not finalized when you meet your florist, lock them down before the final flower order. Bring or send a fabric swatch or photo. This small step prevents the common letdown of pale boutonnieres disappearing against a light suit, or dark blooms getting lost on a dark jacket in every photo.
Planning Tips From Our Designers
- Use light blooms on dark suits and richer blooms on light suits for contrast.
- Choose a boutonniere bloom from the bouquet palette that also pops on the suit.
- Confirm actual suit and tux colors before finalizing flowers.
- Send your florist a fabric swatch or photo of the suiting.
- Adjust the groom's boutonniere if his suit differs from the groomsmen's.
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