Buttonholes, boutonnières, corsages – they definitely create the most chaos and confusion in the wedding chats, who’s supposed to wear them? What should they look like? Where are they supposed to go? And how on earth do you attach them?! Worry no more, here is a comprehensive guide to understanding everything there is to know about buttonholes!

Everything you need to know about buttonholes

Boutonnières, or buttonholes as they’re more commonly known as, are a decorative wearable formed of a single flower or a cluster of stems to create a beautiful flourish on a suit or blazer. Usually worn by men within the wedding party on the lapel of their suits. While corsages are typically worn by women.

They make for a lovely way to distinguish VIP’s from the rest of your guests. This can often include the couple themselves, ushers, parents, grandparents, siblings, children, step-family and close friends. Often anyone that’s playing an important role in the wedding day itself or has done in the run up to the wedding. It really makes them feel extra special and is a beautiful why to tie in with the floral decor and wedding bouquets.

So, ‘who should wear them?’

Anyone you like!

How to attach a buttonhole

Positioning

Gents traditionally wear theirs on the left lapel with flowers facing up and stems pointing down. It is typically placed lower than the tie, but above the pocket square.

Ladies wear theirs on the right hand side, traditionally with flowers facing down and stems pointing up. The modern positioning would be with stems pointing down if you prefer.

Fastening with pins

Most often buttonholes are supplied with pins. Position the buttonhole then insert the pin through the back of the lapel, through into the top of the stems then back into the fabric at the back of the lapel. This is best done on a slight angle so the pin doesn't show. You can use two pins for stability if you wish.

Fastening with safety brooch fastening

Your florist can attach brooch style fastenings, these are great for children! Much like a safety pin you simply unhook the pin, weave into the fabric then back out and into the locked position.

Fastening with magnets

Magnets are another option for attaching boutonnières, these work particularly well for corsages where fabrics on dresses can be thinner and more fragile than that of a suit lapel. One side is attached within the corsage itself, the other piece can be detached, the corsage is positioned over the fabric then the magnet piece is slipped behind the fabric and it will fasten in place. It’s worth noting that you have to be very very careful with this option, they are very strong magnets and they are not suitable for certain medical reasons, if anyone in the wedding party has a pacemaker or any other internal or external medical equipment they must be avoided! If in any doubt stick with pins, they do the job beautifully. Or, swap for wrist corsages for women with delicate dresses.

Styles of buttonhole

What they should look like can be a tricky choice to make too! Typical matching the colour and style to the wedding bouquet and other arrangements is perfect but there’s still some different finishes. Here’s my run-down of the most common you see

The Classic Focal Flower

Most often this is a rose with a touch of greenery or texture. This is typically a more formal option that will look incredibly smart. Often finished with a bound stem for a discreet finish.

The Mini-Bouquet

A cluster of stems, this style ranges beautifully rustic to incredibly elegant depending on the style you’re having for the rest of your arrangements. A fun way to mix several colours and textures. Beautiful finishes with twine for a rustic look or silk ribbon for something more elegant.

The Pocket Square / Pocket Meadow

Not strictly a boutonnière at all but a lovely alternative. Just the right amount of extra and a chance to have some fun design wise – a statement mini-meadow style pocket square can be gorgeous, something grassy and alternative, or classic and timeless yet unique.

Bound Stems vs Exposed Stems

Stems can be bound with tape or left exposed. Traditionally every flower is wired and taped for precise positioning and longevity. However the exposed stem look is very popular for a slightly more relaxed feel. The full binding is a more formal look. Typically you see the focal flower style and corsages with fully bound stems, while the mini-bouquet style lends itself to the exposed stems.

Ribbon vs Twine

Boutonnière are most often wrapped with a ribbon or twine around the stems to create an attractive finish. Again the vibe and style of your wedding will lend itself to either option. Ribbons are a great way to tie in colours, for example to match bridesmaids dresses. Twine has a more rustic finish and offers an attractive texture. With fully bound stems they can be left bare for a sleek and discreet finish.

Hopefully you now feel well versed in the boutonnière! Your florist is going to be your most helpful asset here and will guide you to a direction that feels consistent with the feel for your day. But it’s always good to have a sense for what you do and don’t like to make that decision making process a little easier!

For more buttonhole inspiration I have a Pinterest board dedicated to them, head over for a nose.