2017 73c Celebration Boutonnière Stamp – Elegant Floral Accessory for Special Occasions

2017 73c Celebration Boutonnière Stamp
Buttonhole Flowers for Special Occasions

Buttonhole flowers, or boutonnières, have long been worn for special celebrations. They not only add elegance to an everyday business suit but also provide the perfect finishing touch to a formal tuxedo.

A Brief History of the Boutonnière

Boutonnières became popular in 19th century England. Specifically, when Prince Albert and Queen Victoria married, she gave him a small bouquet of flowers. As a gesture of appreciation and love, Prince Albert cut a hole in the lapel of his suit and placed the flower through it. Afterward, the prince instructed his tailor to cut similar holes in the rest of his jackets. Consequently, Prince Albert’s influence caused this fashion trend to spread quickly across Europe and beyond.

Modern Tradition: How to Wear a Boutonnière

Today, most modern suit jackets come with a buttonhole in the lapel and a small loop (about an inch down) sewn on the reverse side. To wear the boutonnière properly, simply slide the flower’s stem through the buttonhole and secure it with the loop on the back. Furthermore, tradition dictates that boutonnières should not be pinned to the lapel or contain more than one flower. Typically, the most formal boutonnières feature a white or red carnation, blue cornflower, or a gardenia. Additionally, the flower should always be freshly cut and neither too large nor too small.

The Importance of Boutonnières

Whether worn for a wedding, holiday, or another special occasion, boutonnières make sophisticated additions to any outfit. As a result, they continue to mark the wearer as a true gentleman. In fact, this tradition symbolizes refinement, elegance, and personal style.

Stamp Details and Features

• Stamp Category: Definitive
• Face Value: 73c (First-Class Mail)
• First Day of Issue: May 2, 2017
• First Day City: St. Louis, MO
• Quantity Issued: 500,000,000
• Printed By: Banknote Corporation of America
• Printing Method: Offset
• Format: Self-Adhesive
• Tagging: Nonphosphored Type III

A Timeless Symbol of Elegance

The 2017 Celebration Boutonnière stamp beautifully captures the tradition and charm of this classic floral accessory. Whether at weddings, graduations, or other formal occasions, boutonnières continue to symbolize sophistication. Ultimately, this stamp celebrates the enduring elegance of this small but meaningful floral touch.