How to Pin a Boutonnière Onto a Jacket

If you went to high school prom, or any school dance for that matter, you probably remember getting or receiving a boutonnière while taking photos with your date. Back then, these accessories were typically made with carnations and baby's breath from a local town florist, but for today’s weddings, there’s a whole new world of special boutonnières for grooms and groomsmen to wear.

To simply break it down, a boutonnière is a floral accessory worn on the lapel of a tuxedo or suit jacket for weddings and other special occasions. The French word for "buttonhole," this accessory has been a popular addition to many men's looks, especially for those hoping to add a bit of personal style to their day-of attire. However, even though this floral piece has been a formalwear staple for years, many people still don't know the exact requirements when it comes to putting one on.

Ahead, with the help of wedding planner Krystal Gardenia, florist Meredith Daufenbach, and wardrobe stylist Ashley Michelle Miller, we help answer the top boutonnière-related questions, in addition to highlighting a few trends and style tips to know. Read on to learn more.

How to Pin a Boutonnière

In order to secure your boutonnière, start with the pin behind the lapel and punch it through the top of the stem either diagonally or straight down. Then, weave the pin back through the front of the lapel, and voilà, you're all set! If done correctly, the head of the pin should be hidden behind the lapel and not visible at all. Additionally, it should only take one pin to complete, though you can use a couple to make sure it’s super secure. 

Which Side Does the Boutonnière Go On?

A boutonnière is traditionally worn on the center of the left lapel of a tuxedo or suit jacket (over the heart). Many jackets also have buttonholes on the left lapels made specifically for boutonnières.

As with most wedding traditions, though, Gardenia believes that couples can break the rules when it comes to wearing this accessory. "I am all for foregoing 'tradition' in exchange for doing something that makes more logistical or visual sense, or for something more personal to the couple," she says.

She further shares that "Traditionally, the groom’s side stands on the right, which is why the boutonnière is typically on the left. However, if you choose to stand on a different side, or if the bride has bridesmen in her party, then opt for whichever lapel side faces the crowd," And, if there are two grooms, their boutonnières should be on opposite lapels so both can face the guests. 

Are Boutonnierès Still in Style?

According to Daufenbach, boutonnières are absoltely still in style. "They are such a small but intentional way to make sure your floral story is cohesive. We treat them like small versions of an arrangement."

Miller echos that sentiment, sharing that they are a "much needed" accessory for the men in the wedding party. "I also love to add an extra personal touch," she shares. "With all of my clients, I am inspired to style them based on who they are, their story, and what makes them special. For example, maybe the groom proposed on the Pont des Arts 'Love Lock' bridge in Paris. You could incorporate a key in all the boutonnières to symbolize the special and memorable moment that commemorated the start of the union. Think beyond traditional, be memorable, and add personalized elevated touches."

On the other hand, since purchasing boutonnières for the entire wedding party can get expensive, some couples are choosing to skip them altogether. "While traditional couples still choose to go with boutonnières, more couples nowadays are either foregoing them completely or choosing to just include them for only the groom to save on costs," Gardenia shares.

Boutonnière Trends and Style Tips

Ready for some additional style tips? Keep reading below for more information on how to sport this classic accessory in a modern and trendy way.

Mix Fresh and Dried Flowers

According to Daufenbach, grooms have recently been more involved in picking out their boutonnières, with tiny delphinium and hellebores flowers as the most popular choices. What's more, many people are also choosing to mix fresh and dried flowers, with the main focal point being a fresh bloom that matches the motif. "Dried florals are definitely trending," echoes Gardenia. "Boho weddings are very in right now and you can't have a boho wedding without lots of pampas grass and other dried florals."

Match the Wedding Bouquet and Day-Of Florals

To make the floral design flow, Daufenbach says that the boutonnières should be made in the same design scope as the rest of the arrangements. Gardenia also notes that they usually include one of the primary flowers from the bride's bouquet and two accent stems, which could be greenery or dried florals. "The colors will play off of the color of the suit rather than the color of the bouquet to a certain degree," she explains, further noting that there should be some contrast between the suit and flower hues.

Miller adds, "I love thinking of weddings as a representation of the love story of the bride and groom. In regards to the bouquet and the boutonnière story, they should tie together in some way whether by the wedding colors, specific type of flowers, or even by the ribbon used to wrap the arrangement."

Make the Groom's Boutonnière Unique

There should be a difference between the groom's and groomsmen's boutonnières, just as there is a difference between the bride's and bridesmaids' bouquet. However, because they're so small, this difference is usually very subtle. "Our grooms always get a little something extra! Sometimes it’s an extra bloom or an extra special flower," says Daufenbach. "We are getting grooms dressing differently than their wedding party more and more, so you have to lean into that."