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25 Unique and Stylish Boutonnieres

Whether you’re looking for a fresh take on the traditional blossom or a totally outside-the-box design, be inspired by these stylish boutonnieres.

By: Mary Wozniak

Enter Slideshow
  • Natural Non-florals

    Natural Non-florals

    An on-trend succulent rosette is wrapped in rustic twine.

    Photo Credit: Urban Succulents

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    Lovely for a winter wedding: sprigs of fragrant cedar and miniature pine cones are wrapped with jute and satin ribbon.

    Photo Credit: Which Goose/Etsy

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    A nautical rope knot is a clever alternative for your seaside celebration.

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    Rustic feathers are embellished with a bronze arrow for a woodsy, boho look.

    Photo Credit: Luxe and Luster/Etsy

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    A gorgeous vintage-inspired floral features a single peach rose and silvery lambs ear, bound with cream lace and twine.

  • Reflect Your Themed Event

    Reflect Your Themed Event

    A blooming burgundy wine cork is the perfect choice for a vineyard or winery setting.

    Photo Credit: Kate Said Yes/Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    A playful paper rose is handmade from comic book pages.

    Photo Credit: The Vintage Owl/Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    For your beach theme, a genuine starfish is embellished with pearls and floral accents.

    Photo Credit: Artseero/Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    Preserve your memories with a sweet sola wood gardenia.

    Photo Credit: Kristy Claire/Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    He holds the key to your heart; a vintage skeleton key boutonniere is an elegant option.

    Photo Credit: Which Goose/ Etsy

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    Bright-hued handmade paper flowers will make for awesome photographs.

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    This quirky vintage bottle cap has enamel and rhinestone accents.

    Photo Credit: Jason Diehl via The Ritzy Rose/Etsy

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    A traditional baby’s breath buttonhole is adorned with Australian spinning gum and white satin ribbon.

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    A simple and sophisticated red bloom makes a stylish fabric lapel pin.

    Photo Credit: Mojca Kropec via Nevestica/Etsy

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    A beautiful blush rose and soft pink hydrangea will last for years — these real blooms are glycerin preserved.

    Photo Credit: Floral Escence

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    Lovely silk calla lily and plumeria in beachy shades of aqua and coral are wrapped in Tiffany blue.

  • Exquisite Florals

    Exquisite Florals

    The classic single rose is stunning in a lavender hue.

  • Natural Non-florals

    Natural Non-florals

    A natural cotton boll has simple rustic charm.

    Photo Credit: Floral Escence

  • Natural Non-florals

    Natural Non-florals

    For the craft beer enthusiast or your brewery venue: hops with rye stalks and dried gomphrena.

    Photo Credit: Black Creek Hops/Etsy

  • Natural Non-florals

    Natural Non-florals

    A unique air plant is adorned with berries and preserved seeded eucalyptus.

  • Especially for the Groom

    Especially for the Groom

    For the fisherman groom: bold-hued feathers embellished with a fishing hook, line, and bobble.

    Photo Credit: Kristy Claire/Etsy

  • Especially for the Groom

    Especially for the Groom

    Pretty yellow roses get a bit of masculine flair with a gold shotgun shell.

    Photo Credit: Kate Said Yes/Etsy

  • Especially for the Groom

    Especially for the Groom

    A fun alternative for the golf fanatic, made wedding-appropriate with pretty pastel hues and sweet baby’s breath.

  • Especially for the Groom

    Especially for the Groom

    Beautiful traditional roses hold a hidden nod to the groom's favorite Star Wars characters.

  • Whimsical Alternatives

    Whimsical Alternatives

    This modern leaf and branch design is 3-D printed in stainless steel.

25 Unique and Stylish Boutonnieres

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20+ Ways to Include Irish Wedding Traditions in Your Big Day

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here are some of our favorite ways to honor your Irish heritage in your wedding day. 

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Choose Your Date Wisely

    Choose Your Date Wisely

    In ancient times, Irish couples were cautioned against marrying between May and August — the busiest time in Irish life. As the saying goes,

    "Marry when the year is new, always loving, kind, and true. When February birds do mate, you may wed, nor dread your fate. If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know. Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man. Marry in the month of May, you will surely rue the day. Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you'll go. They who in July do wed, must labor always for their bread. Whoever wed in August be, many a change are sure to see. Marry in September's shine, your living will be rich and fine. If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry. If you wed in bleak November, only joy will come, remember. When December's rain fall fast, marry and true love will last." 

  • Claddagh Ring

    Claddagh Ring

    The claddagh ring is one of the most well-known Irish wedding traditions. Typically passed down from mother to daughter or grandmother to granddaughter, the ring represents love, friendship, and loyalty. Single ladies wear the ring on their right hand with the point of the heart facing the fingertip. When in a relationship, the ring is flipped around so that the point faces the wrist, symbolizing that her heart has been captured. And when the woman becomes engaged, the ring is moved over to her left hand, with the point of the heart facing the fingertips. The ring is flipped around at the wedding.

    Photo courtesy of claddagh.com

  • Flowers

    Flowers

    Another one of the most popular wedding flowers in Ireland is the Bells of Ireland.

    Photo Credit: Scott Piner

  • Entertainment

    Entertainment

    Make a bold statement by having bagpipes as you exit the ceremony or during the cocktail hour.

    Photo Credit: Allyson Magda

  • Bells

    Bells

    Use modified bells as candle holders.

    Photo courtesy of Malmark

  • Irish Blessings

    Irish Blessings

    Kick off the evening by having the father of the bride offer an Irish blessing:

    "May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace. May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past. May your hands be forever clasped in friendship and your hearts joined forever in love. Your lives are very special, God has touched you in many ways. May his blessings rest upon you and fill all your coming days."

    Photo courtesy of The Birdman of Orange/Etsy

  • Cake

    Cake

    The Irish wedding cake is a hearty fruitcake made with honey and soaked in an Irish whiskey, then frosted with a sweet white glaze. Top the cake with shamrocks or four-leaf clovers for good luck.

    Photo Credit: Michael Paul Photo

  • Horseshoes

    Horseshoes

    Add some good luck to your wedding day with a horseshoe. Make sure you keep the horseshoe upright, resembling a "U" — otherwise, legend says the luck will run out! Incorporate a horseshoe in your bouquet, wear a horseshoe necklace, or sew a small porcelain version inside your gown.

    Photo Credit: Michael Paul Photo

  • Food & Drink

    Food & Drink

    During your cocktail hour, add a corned beef carving station or an elaborate potato bar. Be sure to stock the bar with plenty of Guinness, Bailey's Irish Cream, and Jameson, and display an appropriate Irish proverb. A favorite: "An Irishman is never drunk as long as he can hold onto one blade of grass and not fall off the face of the earth." Sláinte!

    Photo Credit: Milou + Olin Photography

  • Flowers

    Flowers

    Many Irish brides traditionally carry wildflowers.

  • Flowers

    Flowers

    Wear a wildflower wreath in lieu of a veil. Add a sprig of English lavender; it symbolizes love and devotion. And herbs stand for the bride's fidelity to her new husband. 

  • Bells

    Bells

    A traditional wedding gift for Irish couples, the chime of the bell is said to keep evil spirits away. Ring a bell together after reciting your vows. As you venture into married life, keep your wedding bells in a safe place at home; if you argue, ring the bell and it'll remind you of your wedding vows. 

    Photo courtesy of Malmark

  • Your Look

    Your Look

    Although green is the color most commonly associated with Ireland, it's actually blue that's said to bring good luck to the bride on her wedding day.

  • Your Look

    Your Look

    Many Irish grooms opt to wear kilts.

  • Horseshoes

    Horseshoes

    Wear your horseshoe around your neck.

    Photo courtesy of Blue Nile

  • Horseshoes

    Horseshoes

    Add a horseshoe (and four-leaf clovers!) to your wedding stationery.

    Photo courtesy of Minted

  • Handfasting

    Handfasting

    In this ancient Celtic tradition, the hands of the bride and groom are literally tied together to symbolize the joining of husband and wife. It's the origin of the phrase "tying the knot." 

    Photo Credit: Larissa Cleveland

  • Honeymoon

    Honeymoon

    What better place to honeymoon than in a traditional Irish castle? In Gaelic, "honeymoon" is "mi na meala," meaning "the month of honey." It was customary for the newlyweds to spend a month alone together drinking mead, a wine made of fermented honey.  The sweet wine is said to boost virility and fertility — babies born nine months after the wedding were attributed to the mead!

    Photo courtesy of Dromoland Castle

  • Entertainment

    Entertainment

    Have a harpist play traditional Irish music before your ceremony — the harp was the national emblem of Ireland from the early times to the end of the 19th century.

    Photo Credit: Brawns Photography

  • Bells

    Bells

    Transform a bell into a vase.

    Photo courtesy of Malmark

  • Bells

    Bells

    Hand out bells to your guests and have them ring away as you exit the ceremony or reception, and let those bells work double duty as escort card holders at the reception.

    Photo courtesy of Malmark

  • Claddagh Ring

    Claddagh Ring

    Already have an engagement ring? Incorporate the claddagh in your invitations:

    Photos courtesy of Minted 

  • Your Look

    Your Look

    Dress up your braid with a few pretty flowers.

    Photo Credit: Michelle Lemley

  • Your Look

    Your Look

    Incorporate a braid in your hair; it's an ancient Irish symbol of power and luck.

20+ Ways to Include Irish Wedding Traditions in Your Big Day

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Our Favorite Wedding-Day Barbies

In honor of the beloved doll, we decided to take a look back at all of the bridal Barbies that have been released over the years. Here, check out some of our favorites.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • 1959: The original Wedding Day Barbie Doll and Ken Set

    1959: The original Wedding Day Barbie Doll and Ken Set

    Re-released in 2009 to celebrate the doll's 50th anniversary, this iconic doll's sweetheart neckline and gloves perfectly reflect the era's wedding-day style

    Photo courtesy of Mattel

  • 1963: Barbie Wedding Bride’s Dream

    1963: Barbie Wedding Bride’s Dream

    Sweet and feminine, this short-sleeved gown with a ruffled skirt is topped off with a fur cape.

    Photo via Ebay

  • 1979: Wedding Belles

    1979: Wedding Belles

    Looking hippie-chic with their bridesmaid and flower girl, Malibu Barbie and Ken tie the knot.

    Photo via Ebay

  • 1989: Barbie Fantasy

    1989: Barbie Fantasy

    With its oversized puffy sleeves and high neckline, this dress perfectly reflects '80s bridal fashion.

    Photo via Flickr

  • 1992: Bob Mackie Empress Barbie

    1992: Bob Mackie Empress Barbie

    The details on this gown are just stunning!

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 1995: Star Lily Bride Barbie

    1995: Star Lily Bride Barbie

    Part of a special collection dedicated to wedding flowers, this Barbie's gown features floral detailing, and she carries a beautiful bouquet of lilies.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 1996: Romantic Rose Bride Barbie

    1996: Romantic Rose Bride Barbie

    From her rosette crown to the hem of her billowing skirt, this bride is covered in her namesake flower.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 1997: Blushing Orchid Bride Barbie

    1997: Blushing Orchid Bride Barbie

    Another bride from the Wedding Flowers Collection, we love how the lace on her skirt resembles flower petals.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2000: Millennium Wedding Bride Barbie

    2000: Millennium Wedding Bride Barbie

    Barbie kicks off the new millennium in style with a strapless princess ballgown.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2000: Elizabeth Taylor in

    2000: Elizabeth Taylor in 'Father of the Bride'

    Part of a collection celebrating the screen legend, this doll wears a replica of Taylor's beautiful wedding gown from the hit film.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2001: Romantic Wedding Barbie

    2001: Romantic Wedding Barbie

    A whimsical princess gown with embroidered flowers on the bodice and a floral pattern on the skirt. 

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2002: Sophisticated Wedding Barbie

    2002: Sophisticated Wedding Barbie

    Slim-cut with a dramatic jacquard train, this dress is a welcome departure from Barbie's typical princess-style wedding dress.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2002: Maria Therese

    2002: Maria Therese

    With a sheer bateau neckline and full skirt, this Barbie exudes elegance.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2004: Badgley Mischka Bride Barbie

    2004: Badgley Mischka Bride Barbie

    Fashion-forward with a bit of a Gatsby vibe, the illusion top covered in iridescent beading and rhinestones is complemented by a simple organza-covered satin skirt.

    Photo via Ebay

  • 2004: David

    2004: David's Bridal Unforgettable Barbie

    David's Bridal's first wedding-day Barbie features a Basque-waist dress with a sparkly tulle skirt, elbow-length gloves, and a sweet rose bouquet.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2005: Carolina Herrera Bride Barbie

    2005: Carolina Herrera Bride Barbie

    The famed designer created an elegant all-over lace gown for her signature wedding-day Barbie.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2005: David

    2005: David's Bridal Perfect Pair Tommy and Kelly

    David's Bridal added an adorable ring bearer and flower girl, complete with a ring pillow and a basket of petals! Check out the 15 cutest child attendants in real weddings.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2005: David

    2005: David's Bridal Eternal Barbie

    David's Bridal's second Barbie style features a glittery top with a satin skirt.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2006: David

    2006: David's Bridal Romance Barbie

    The last of David's Bridal's wedding-day Barbies, this gown was inspired by one of the most popular styles that year.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2006: Monique Lhuillier Bride Barbie

    2006: Monique Lhuillier Bride Barbie

    Known for her romantic wedding gowns, Lhuiller's Barbie version is no different. The lace bodice with a tulle skirt is accentuated by an oversized sash.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2006: Couture Confection Bride Barbie

    2006: Couture Confection Bride Barbie

    A fantasy wedding gown designed by Bob Mackie (best known for outfitting divas like Diana Ross and Cher), this sparkly floral gown is topped with a dramatic veil.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2007: Reem Acra Bride Barbie

    2007: Reem Acra Bride Barbie

    We love the pearl details on this gorgeous train!

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2008: Elvis and Priscilla Presley Barbies

    2008: Elvis and Priscilla Presley Barbies

    The King and his beautiful bride are commemorated in these lookalike dolls.

    Photo via Barbie Collector

  • 2011: Vera Wang Bride: The Traditionalist

    2011: Vera Wang Bride: The Traditionalist

    This luxurious dress, based on the designer's "Dovima" gown, features a watercolor pattern on the skirt.

    Photo via Amazon

  • 2011: Grace Kelly Bride Barbie

    2011: Grace Kelly Bride Barbie

    Specially-sculpted to resemble the princess, this beautiful doll wears a gorgeous replica of Grace Kelly's iconic gown from her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco.

    Photo courtesy of Mattel

  • 2012: Twilight

    2012: Twilight's Bella and Edward Cullen

    Following the release of Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Mattel released Bella and Edward dolls in their wedding-day attire. 

    Photo courtesy of Mattel

  • 2012: Twilight

    2012: Twilight's Bella and Edward Cullen

    Here's a back view of Bella's gorgeous dress.

    Photo courtesy of Mattel

  • 2012: William & Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset

    2012: William & Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset

    In honor of the Prince and Duchess's first anniversary, Mattel released wedding-day replicas of the couple.

    Photo courtesy of Mattel

  • 2012: William & Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset

    2012: William & Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset

    Here's a closer look at the royal couple.

    Photo courtesy of Mattel

  • 2016: Oscar de la Renta "Something Blue" Barbie

    2016: Oscar de la Renta "Something Blue" Barbie

    A vision in ivory, the stunning guipure and chiffon trumpet silhouette trails with voluminous tiers of light blue tulle, marrying a modern, clean-lined design with Oscar de la Renta’s romantic artistry.

Our Favorite Wedding-Day Barbies

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