Mothers of the bride and groom are not required by etiquette to wear flowers, but it is customary to give them something: a pin-on corsage, a wrist corsage, a small bouquet, or a single bloom pinned to a clutch. For the dads, the choice is easy: a boutonniere. For the moms, it takes a little more thought, because many are far too stylish for anything that feels like prom flowers. Here are four modern ideas, plus the etiquette on who receives flowers and who pays for them.
Mother of the bride flowers at a glance
- Are they required? No. Flowers for parents are a custom, not a rule.
- Who receives them: mothers and grandmothers on both sides. Fathers and grandfathers wear boutonnieres.
- The options: a pin-on corsage, a wrist corsage, a mini bouquet (nosegay), or a flower on her clutch.
- Who pays: traditionally the groom’s parents. Many couples now add them to their own floral order.
- The best rule: ask each mom what she would like to wear.
Mother of the Bride Flower Ideas
1. A Pin-On Flower, or a Bloom on Her Clutch
A classic pin-on corsage still works beautifully when it is a single, well-chosen flower. Or skip the pin entirely and attach a small flower to her clutch. It is a good choice for the moms who would rather not fling petals across the room as they tear it up on the dance floor!
{gardenia clutch photo by Lauren Clark Photography from Kristopher + Ashley’s Wedding; white carnation pin-on photo by Meg Smith Photography via Ritzy Bee}
2. A Mini Bouquet or Nosegay
How about a smaller bouquet? A mini bouquet, also called a nosegay, gives her something lovely to carry down the aisle and set at her place at dinner. It can echo the bridal bouquet in a smaller scale. If you are making your own, our nosegay tutorial shows the technique.
{mother’s bouquet by Lucy’s Informal Flowers, photo by Missy Cochran, via Style Me Pretty; mini bouquet by Sharla Flock Designs, photo by Gia Canali Photography via Style Me Pretty}
{mini bouquets by La Partie Events, photo by ErinHeartsCourt, via Style Me Pretty}
3. A Modern Wrist Corsage
What makes up a corsage makes ALL the difference in whether it has that 90’s prom feel. Baby’s breath plus spray roses says prom. Explore fresher options for both the flowers and the wristlet itself. I love this pearl beaded wristlet!
{pearl and mum corsage by and via JL Designs, photo by Jill Thomas}
How great is this gold succulent corsage? It looks like a cuff. And in the one on the right, freesia and sweet pea are much better companions to roses than baby’s breath!
{gold succulent wristlet by JL Designs, photo by Jose Villa, via Green Wedding Shoes; white ribbon corsage by The Lone Hydrangea, photo by Tom Blachford Photography, via Style Me Pretty}
Mother of the Bride Flower Etiquette
Who Receives Flowers at a Wedding?
Along with the wedding party, it is customary to give flowers to the mothers and grandmothers of both the bride and the groom, and boutonnieres to the fathers and grandfathers. If the dads need one, here is how to make a boutonniere.
Who Pays for the Mothers’ Corsages?
By tradition, the groom’s parents pay for the bride’s bouquet, the corsages for mothers and grandmothers, and the boutonnieres, as New Orleans Magazine explains in its wedding etiquette column. Today, many couples simply include them in their own floral order.
How to Choose Flowers for the Mothers
Most important of all is to ask the moms what they would like to wear. Perhaps his mom is traditional and really wants a pin-on corsage, or your mother would prefer to carry a little nosegay than have a corsage on her wrist all day. Pull the blooms from your wedding palette so everything feels considered, and if her dress is a delicate fabric, a wrist corsage or a clutch flower avoids pinning anything to it. There are options for every stylish mom.
Mother of the Bride Flowers FAQ
It is not required by etiquette, but it is customary. Most couples give both mothers a corsage, a wrist corsage, a mini bouquet, or a flower for her clutch.
Usually, yes. Mothers typically wear or carry flowers, and fathers wear a boutonniere. It is a custom that sets the parents apart as honored guests, not a rule.
Either is correct. A pin-on or wrist corsage keeps her hands free. A mini bouquet, or nosegay, photographs beautifully and suits a mom who does not want anything pinned to her dress. Ask her which she prefers.
Traditionally the groom’s parents pay for corsages for the mothers and grandmothers. Many couples now include them in their own floral order.