From Roses to Ranunculus: 15 Best Flowers for Boutonnieres

A boutonniere may be small, but it carries a big impact. Whether for a wedding, prom, or special event, this tiny floral detail adds charm and a personal little touch to an outfit. While fresh flowers are often the go-to, artificial boutonnieres have become just as popular—offering the same stunning aesthetic without the worry of wilting, allergies, or any last-minute floral mishaps.

With so many faux floral options available, choosing the perfect flower type and boutonniere style can feel overwhelming. Do you go classic and romantic? Modern and minimal? Maybe something a little more, unexpected? In this article, we'll break down the 15 best flowers for boutonnieres, plus a few unique alternatives, along with the best ways to style them. Whether you're after a classic wedding flower look or a bold statement piece, there's a perfect bloom (or non-bloom!) for every occasion.

THE 15 BEST FLOWERS FOR BOUTONNIERES

ROSE

Roses are the ultimate symbol of romance, love, and beauty. Their structured petals and wide variety of colors make them a versatile choice for a faux flower boutonniere.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• A single open rose with a sprig of artificial eucalyptus for a classy, polished look.
• Pair a rose bud with baby’s breath for a softer, more romantic aesthetic.
• Use deep red or burgundy roses with gold accents (ribbon, beaded sprays) for a rich, vintage vibe.

CARNATION

Carnation petals have a ruffled texture that works beautifully in boutonnieres. They are also one of the most durable real flower option, making them a practical and stylish choice.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• White carnations paired with artificial greenery offer a crisp, clean look.
• Style red or pink carnations with burgundy or green berries for a pop of color.
• Layer a single carnation with mini roses or rose buds for added depth and texture.

RANUNCULUS

With their intricate, layered petals, ranunculus flowers bring a more delicate, romantic feel to flower designs. They are the perfect botanicals for those who love a voluminous yet simple flower.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Pair with seeded eucalyptus for a naturally elegant look.
• Create a boutonniere with soft pastel ranunculus and lavender sprigs for a dreamy, garden-inspired feel.
• A deep orange or burgundy ranunculus is perfect for autumn-themed weddings and events.

CALLA LILY

Calla lilies have a modern, sculptural look that makes them a perfect fit for sleek, minimalist boutonnieres. Their unique shape sets them apart from more traditional floral blooms.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• A single white calla lily boutonniere wrapped with a thin black ribbon has that formal, classic look.
• Deep purple or burgundy calla lilies matched with silver accents have a moody yet luxurious feel.
• Pair faux calla lilies with succulents for a contemporary touch.

ORCHID

Orchids bring a unique, tropical beauty to floral boutonnieres, making them a great choice for destination weddings or stylish, modern events.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Use single white orchid with dark greenery for a high-end, modern look.
• Bright purple or fuchsia orchids paired with gold details create an eye-catching piece.
• Pair a single fake orchid blossom with tropical leaves for a destination or paradise wedding vibe.

LILY OF THE VALLEY

Lily of the valley flowers are often associated with sweetness and happiness. Though lily of the valley features smaller flowers, it makes a big impact with its petite, bell-shaped blossoms.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Pair with small white roses for a timeless and vintage-inspired look.
• Arrange lily of the valley with ivy leaves for a garden-esque feel.
• Keep it simple with a few lily of the valley sprigs wrapped in a silk ribbon.

FREESIA

Real freesia is known for its light, citrusy fragrance and soft, delicate petals. Though artificial versions won’t have the scent of course, they still bring that airy, romantic aesthetic to flower designs.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Pair with faux greenery and small filler flowers for a fresh-from-the-garden look
• Yellow freesia designed small white daisies makes for a cheerful, uplifting boutonniere.
• White freesia with lavender accents have a soft, romantic feel.

STEPHANOTIS

Stephanotis is often chosen to create boutonnieres because of its white, delicate star-shaped flowers. It’s the perfect flower for classic wedding and prom boutonnieres.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Combine 1-3 stephanotis blooms with pearl accents for the perfect prom look.
• Pair stephanotis with small fake leaves, like ivy, for a traditional wedding boutonniere.
• Style with small white artificial roses for a fuller, more lush boutonniere.

ANEMONE

With their dark centers and soft petals, anemones can easily add a bold, dramatic flair to any boutonniere and outfit.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• A white anemone with black accents has a monochromatic, modern style.
• Deep blue or burgundy anemones matched with textured greenery for a more subtle but still contrasting look.
• Pair with thistle for a unique, edgy, and slightly masculine touch.

CHRYSANTHEMUM (BUTTON MUM)

Button mums are a great choice for boutonnieres! They offer many vibrant color options and can be used for multiple seasonal looks.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Pair bright green button mums with navy accents or use on navy garments for a fresh, contemporary look.
• Yellow or orange mums paired with rustic twine makes a classic fall boutonniere.
• Layer mums with small faux roses and an artificial leaf sprig for a more eye-catching boutonniere.

LAVENDER

Lavender brings a dreamy, countryside charm to boutonnieres. Artificial lavender is ideal for bohemian or outdoor weddings.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Bundle with wheat for a rustic, harvest-inspired boutonniere.
• Mix with small white flowers for a more romantic, vintage vibe.
• Tie lavender sprigs with twine for a casual, country-chic touch.

MINI OR SMALL DAHLIA

Dahlia flowers have intricate, bold petal patterns, which make them perfect for DIY-ing a statement boutonniere.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Combine deep burgundy dahlias with dark green foliage for a rich, dramatic look.
• Pair soft peach dahlias with baby's breath for a romantic, airy vibe.
• Mix with small chrysanthemums for late summer to fall event or wedding.

SCABIOSA (PINCUSHION FLOWER)

Scabiosa flowers are the perfect size for boutonnieres and add a bit of texture and uniqueness.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Create a boutonniere with blue scabiosa and fake eucalyptus for an organic, earthy look.
• Pair wtih wildflowers for a free-spirited, bohemian vibe.
• Mix scabiosa blooms with fake berries for a rustic or fall-themed boutonniere.

THISTLE

Thistle is a boutonniere favorite, adding texture and a slightly wild, rustic element to floral designs.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Mix thistle with roses for a contrast of softness and texture.
• Pair with berries, like raspberries, for a woodland-inspired look.
• Combine thistle blooms with dried elements or botanicals for a boho-chic feel.

BERRIES

Though obviously not a faux flower, artificial berries make an excellent boutonniere choice, adding pops of color and texture.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Pair berries with eucalyptus leaves for a fresh, natural aesthetic.
• Mix cream or pink berries with fake lavender for a just-picked from the field countryside look.
• Use berries alongside flowers like ranunculus or roses for a unique accent.

BEYOND FLOWERS: UNIQUE BOUTONNIERE ALTERNATIVES

Did you know? Boutonnieres don’t always have to be made with flowers! While traditional florals are the go-to, natural choice, there are plenty of other creative alternatives that can be just as stylish—if not more so. If you're looking for something long-lasting, non-traditional, or even more textural, these alternatives offer an interesting take on boutonniere design. From earthy succulents to rustic herbs and playful feathers, here are some standout options that can make just as much of an impact as fresh or artificial blooms.

SUCCULENTS

Succulents bring a contemporary, sculptural beauty to boutonnieres and flower arrangements alike. Their thick, fleshy leaves have a fresh, natural look, and they pair well with a variety of wedding or event themes—from rustic to modern! 

BEST PAIRINGS:

• A single small succulent with other faux greenery, like eucalyptus leaves, for a modern, foliage vibe.
• Pair succulents with dried florals for a desert-inspired aesthetic.
• Mix and match with a tiny pinecone or some berry accents for a nature-inspired look, or even for a winter wedding!

FEATHERS

Feathers are a fantastic way to add movement and a touch of whimsy to a boutonniere. They work well for bohemian, vintage, glam, and even rustic styles, offering an alternative to traditional floral arrangements while making a statement.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Neutral-toned feathers with dried wheat or twine for a rustic, outdoorsy feel.
• Dark, iridescent feathers with gold accents for a bold and glamorous style.
• Layer white or beige feathers with wildflowers and/or soft greenery for a romantic, chic look.

HERBS (ROSEMARY, SAGE, OR THYME)

Herbs are a simple and effective alternative to flowers. They bring an organic, earthy element to a boutonniere and can even carry symbolic meanings—rosemary for remembrance, sage for wisdom, and thyme for courage, and so on!

BEST PAIRINGS:

• A sprig of rosemary with a single dried bloom give a bohemian, minimalist look.
• Bundle with lavender and wrap with twine for a rustic, countryside feel.
• Pair herbs with ruscus or other fake greenery for a fresh, greenery inspired boutonniere.

DRIED WHEAT OR LAVENDER

Dried elements such as wheat and lavender add texture and a touch of vintage charm to boutonnieres. They work beautifully for outdoor, autumn, or rustic-themed weddings, and the longevity of dried botanicals make them an excellent keepsake after the event!

BEST PAIRINGS:

• Finish off a dried wheat boutonniere with a small burlap ribbon for a farm-inspired, country feel.
• Lavender sprigs wrapped with lace or silk ribbon have a more delicate, vintage vibe.
• A mix of dried florals and berries make for a full, textural boutonniere.

WOOD OR FABRIC FLOWERS

For those who love the look of flowers but want something even more unique and long-lasting, wooden or fabric flowers are a fantastic choice! These handcrafted pieces can usually be customized in any color, shape, or design to match a specific theme or personal style.

Note: Don't confuse a fabric flower with silk artificial flowers! A fabric flower is a handmade or manufactured flower crafted from various types of fabric, such as cotton, felt, burlap, lace, or organza. They can be sewn, glued, or folded into different floral shapes, making them a popular choice for DIY boutonnieres.

BEST PAIRINGS:

• A single wooden rose or flower bloom paired with faux greenery offers a blend of classic and rustic styles.
• Fabric flowers in deep jewel tones with lace accents are perfect for vintage or romantic themes.
• Pair small hand-carved wooden flowers with succulents for a mix of organic and artistic elements.

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Whether you’re drawn to timeless faux floral boutonnieres or looking for something a little more unconventional, there’s no wrong choice when it comes to choosing what type of flower and/or style for your boutonnieres! Artificial flowers like roses, ranunculus, and anemones offer traditional beauty, while alternatives like succulents, feathers, and berries bring in unique textures and styles. No matter the event, the key is choosing a boutonniere that complements the wearer’s personality and the overall theme—because even the smallest details can make a lasting impression. 

Have you already selected your flower type and overall boutonniere style and are looking for a quick and simple DIY? We've got you covered! Check out our step by step how-to make a boutonniere guide here.