Boutonnieres and Corsages

Corsages and Boutonnieres for Matric Dance and Weddings

There is a moment, just before you leave the house, when one of you pins a flower onto the other. Hands are a little unsteady. Somebody laughs. Somebody's mother is already crying behind the camera. It takes ten seconds, and it is in every photograph of the night after that. That is what a corsage and boutonniere are really for.

We make ours to match, so the corsage on her wrist and the boutonniere on his lapel share the same flowers, the same colour story and the same care. Every piece is made by hand in our Claremont studio by florists who have been doing this since 1999, and who have earned 5,800+ reviews across Google, Trustpilot and Loox along the way.

Matric Dance Corsages That Match His Boutonniere

Matric dance is the first black-tie night most South African teenagers get, and the corsage is part of the ritual. Traditionally, the date brings the corsage and is given a boutonniere in return, though plenty of couples now order the pair together so nothing clashes. Start with the dress. A white or ivory gown suits the White Rose Wrist Corsage, navy and silver love the White Rose and Blue Thistle Wrist Corsage, and blush, champagne or nude dresses glow beside the Blush Rose Wrist Corsage. Not sure of the dress yet? The Gypsophila Wrist Corsage goes with every colour.

To finish the look, add a crown such as the Angelic Flower Crown or the Sapphire Mist Blue Silk Flower Crown. And when matric year draws to a close, our farewell flowers and graduation gifts are there for the rest of the celebrations.

Wedding Buttonholes for the Groom, Groomsmen and Fathers

A buttonhole ties the men of the wedding party to the bride's flowers without competing with them. The White Spray Rose Boutonniere is the classic choice for a groom in navy or black. The White Rose and Blue Thistle Boutonniere brings a little edge to velvet and dinner jackets, and the Blush Rose and Waxflower Boutonniere softens a black tuxedo for a blush wedding. The Rustic Peach Rose Boutonniere, with its bunny tails and jute bow, belongs at a relaxed winelands wedding in tweed or linen. For a big wedding party, a Gypsophila Boutonniere for every groomsman looks generous and consistent in every photo.

Still planning the day? Our pick of Cape Town wedding venues, Tess and Greg's Nantes Estate wedding and our guide to wedding flowers for tables are good places to start.

Wrist Corsages for Mothers, Bridesmaids and Dates

Wrist corsages are not only for matric. Mothers of the bride and groom, grandmothers and bridesmaids wear them at weddings, engagements and graduations, so their hands stay free for hugs, glasses and photos. The Rustic Peach Rose Wrist Corsage suits a boho bridesmaid in sage or cream, and the White Rose Wrist Corsage is the one we suggest for mothers. For the celebrations around the big day, see our engagement gifts and graduation flowers.

Our Five Matching Pairs at a Glance

• Classic White: White Spray Rose Boutonniere and White Rose Wrist Corsage. Goes with everything.
• Midnight Thistle: White Rose and Blue Thistle Boutonniere and Wrist Corsage. For navy, black and velvet.
• Blush: Blush Rose and Waxflower Boutonniere and Blush Rose Wrist Corsage. For pink, champagne and nude.
• Rustic Garden: Rustic Peach Rose Boutonniere and Wrist Corsage. For tweed, linen and winelands weddings.
• Cloud: Gypsophila Boutonniere and Wrist Corsage. For every colour, and for big groups.

How to Choose: Start With the Dress, Then the Suit

If you remember one thing, make it this: match the corsage to the dress, then match the boutonniere to the corsage. White and ivory go with everything, which is why our white flowers and white rose bouquets are so popular. Pinks pick up blush and champagne, just like our pink roses, and baby's breath flowers are the safe choice when you have not seen the dress yet. Our White Rose Wrist Corsage uses lisianthus for its soft, rose-like ruffle, and every pair is built around roses or gypsophila because they hold up beautifully on a long night. If you want to know what each flower says, our guide to wedding flower meanings explains.

How to Pin a Boutonniere and Wear a Wrist Corsage

A boutonniere goes on the left lapel, over the heart, with the flowers facing up and the stem pointing down. Push the pin in from behind the lapel, through the stem and back out again, so it holds through every hug. A wrist corsage goes on the left wrist, or whichever wrist you use less, with the flowers sitting on top of the wrist. If you would like a crown to go with it, our guide shows you how to make your own flower crown.

Keeping Your Corsage Fresh Until the Big Night

Fresh flowers love cool air. Keep your corsage and boutonniere in the fridge (never the freezer) until you leave, away from fruit, because ripening fruit releases a gas that makes flowers age faster. On a hot day, a light mist of water helps. Our flower care guide and our tips on caring for flowers in a vase cover the rest.

Same-Day Corsage Delivery in Cape Town

Order before 12pm, Monday to Saturday, and our own drivers will deliver your corsage and boutonniere the same day across Cape Town, from Claremont, Rondebosch and Newlands to Constantia, Sea Point and Durbanville. Because these are fresh flowers made to be worn on the day, they are delivered in Cape Town only. See all our same-day flower delivery and flower delivery in Cape Town options, and our guide to the best Cape Town venues for special occasions for the after-party.

Want to send flowers to the house before the dance or the wedding? Our flower bouquets, gifts for her, romantic gifts, thank you gifts and wedding gifts are all close by, and the Pure Snow Rose Bouquet is a beautiful way to say good luck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a corsage and a boutonniere?

A corsage is worn by a woman, usually on the wrist. A boutonniere, also called a buttonhole, is worn by a man on the left lapel. At matric dances and weddings they are often made to match, which is how we design ours.

What is the female version of a boutonniere?

The corsage. Where a boutonniere is pinned to a lapel, a corsage is worn on the wrist or pinned to a dress.

Do guys get the girl a corsage?

Traditionally, yes. The date brings the corsage and is given a boutonniere in return. Many couples now order the pair together so the flowers match.

What does wearing a corsage mean?

A corsage is a small gift of flowers worn at a formal event. It says someone thought about you and the night ahead, and it marks you out as a couple in the photos.

Which wrist does a corsage go on?

Traditionally the left wrist. If you are left-handed, wear it on the right so it stays out of the way when you eat and dance.

How much is a corsage?

Each corsage and boutonniere shows its live price on the product page. They are sold separately, so you only pay for what you need, whether that is one corsage, a matching pair or a boutonniere for every groomsman.

Can I buy a corsage or boutonniere on its own?

Yes. Every corsage and boutonniere is sold separately.

How far in advance should I order for matric dance?

You can order before 12pm for same-day delivery in Cape Town, but matric dance season is busy, so we suggest ordering a few days ahead and choosing your delivery date at checkout.

Do you deliver corsages outside Cape Town?

No. Our corsages and boutonnieres are fresh flowers made to be worn on the day, so we deliver them in Cape Town only.

How long will a fresh corsage last?

Kept cool until you leave, it will look its best for the whole event. Roses, gypsophila and blue thistle are all chosen because they hold up well through a long night.

Last updated: 20 October 2026