Buttonhole Etiquette
These un-assuming delicate little bundles of flowers, made to complement the Bridal bouquet, have their own set of rules and etiquette for where to wear them. Buttonholes are usually worn by the Gents of a Bridal party such as the Groom, Best Man, Fathers etc but Ladie’s also wear them and it is customary for the mothers of the Bride & Groom to wear a more feminine version, called a Corsage.
Buttonholes for Gents are worn on the left lapel and Corsages for Ladie’s are worn on the right lapel.
There is lots to consider when choosing Buttonholes for your Wedding and I always like to ensure the Groom has a more special arrangement than the rest of the Buttonholes, to make him really stand out and match the florals of the beautiful bride. Roses are very traditional because they are long lasting and robust plus the variety of colours available is wide ranging. However, anything goes these days, and, in the past, I have incorporated all sorts of unusual and fun items such as feathers, dried florals and even poker chips into Buttonholes to match a theme!
I regularly use Eryngium Thistles for groomsmen buttonholes, which come in glorious shades of either bright blue or silvery green, combined with Eucalyptus and a luxurious flourish of satin or chiffon ribbon to complete the look. They are a strong flower that will not wilt even on the hottest of summer days and look amazing all day long.
How to attach a Buttonhole
When I deliver your Wedding florals, I will spend time with you and your groomsmen, helping show you how to attach your buttonholes correctly so that they stay in place all day. If you are driving yourself to a venue or church, place your Buttonhole on at your destination to avoid it being damaged by your seatbelt. You may find after my demonstration; it is easier for yourself and your groomsmen to place each other’s buttonholes on to ensure security and accurate placement.
1. I always provide two buttonhole pins, one for the back of the lapel and one goes in the front.
2. Place your buttonhole arrangement on your left lapel, ensuring you are happy with the position and that the florals are facing in the correct direction
3. Once in position, using your other hand, gently flap over the lapel to reveal the underside and push through a pin in a straight up direction, through the suit material and into the flower stems
4. Now follow this same process from the front, pushing the second pin through the stem of the flowers and suit material
5. Check that both pins are secure and that the buttonhole is securely and firmly in place.
Top Tip
Have your photographer on hand when you and your groomsmen are placing your buttonholes, it makes for a great shot!
