Wedding Boutonnieres: Traditions, How to Pin and DIY

A boutonniere is a small detail that ties the groom's look to the bridal bouquet. Here is where the tradition comes from, who wears one, where and how to pin it, which flowers last all day without water, and how to make a boutonniere yourself — including for a winter wedding.

It's easiest to order a boutonniere together with the bouquet — see our bridal bouquets.

Where the tradition comes from

A flower in the buttonhole became fashionable in the 19th century, when jackets even had a dedicated lapel buttonhole for the stem. Over time the boutonniere became part of the groom's wedding outfit, a counterpart to the bride's bouquet. In Ukrainian tradition it is often pinned on the groom by the bride or her mother before the ceremony.

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Who wears a boutonniere

• The groom — the most prominent one, echoing the flowers or colour of the bouquet.
• Groomsmen — matching and slightly simpler than the groom's.
• Fathers of the couple and close relatives — optional, in the same palette.
• Bridesmaids sometimes wear wrist corsages instead.

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How to pin it

1. On the left lapel, over the heart, stem down and parallel to the lapel edge.
2. If the lapel has a buttonhole, pass the stem through it and secure it with a pin from behind.
3. Push the pin in from the underside of the lapel so it doesn't show; magnets are handy for delicate fabrics.
4. Pin it on just before you leave, not hours ahead, so it doesn't get crushed.

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Which flowers to choose

A boutonniere goes all day without water, so it needs small, hardy flowers:

• Roses — a single bud or a spray rose, the most popular choice.
• Ranunculus, carnations, freesia — smart and long-lasting.
• Dendrobium orchid — for an elegant look.
• Succulents, cotton, eryngium, lavender, hypericum — for boho and eco styles.

Avoid lilies (the pollen stains suits) and very delicate flowers that wilt quickly out of water. Match the colour to the bouquet — ideas in our guide to wedding colour palettes.

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DIY boutonniere

You'll need 1–3 small flowers, a little greenery, floral tape, florist wire, ribbon and a pin or magnet.

1. Cut stems to 5–7 cm and strip the leaves.
2. If a stem is soft, insert wire into it or run wire along it so the boutonniere holds its shape.
3. Arrange the pieces: the main flower in front, greenery and small details behind.
4. Wrap the stems tightly with floral tape, stretching it so it sticks to itself.
5. Cover with ribbon or twine and secure with a dot of glue.
6. Make one or two spares in case one gets crushed.

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Keeping it fresh

Make the boutonniere the day before or the morning of the wedding. Until it's needed, keep it in a box in the fridge at 3–6 °C, away from fruit — never in the freezer. A light mist before storing helps petals stay firm.

Boutonnieres for a winter wedding

In winter choose hardy materials that don't mind the cold: sprigs of pine, cotton, cones, hypericum or holly berries (decorative, not edible), dried flowers, plus white roses and lisianthus. Colours: white, silver, burgundy, dark green.

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FAQ

Who buys the groom's boutonniere?

It's usually ordered from the same florist as the bridal bouquet so the two match.

Can a boutonniere be made from artificial flowers?

Yes, especially for a long winter photoshoot, but fresh flowers look more natural up close.

Is a boutonniere worn on the left or right?

On the left lapel, over the heart.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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