Picture this: you're all dressed up for a special occasion. Your suit fits perfectly, every detail of your outfit has come together, and you're almost ready to head out. Then someone hands you a boutonniere and asks you to pin it on. Suddenly, you're wondering: Which side does it go on? Am I pinning it correctly? Is it supposed to sit this way?
Fortunately, wearing a boutonniere is easier than it looks. Once you know where it goes and how to secure it, you'll be ready in just a few minutes. This guide walks you through everything you need to know so you can wear your boutonniere with confidence.
What is a Boutonniere?
A boutonniere is a small floral piece worn on the left lapel of a suit or jacket. It may be small, but a boutonniere adds a touch of personality to a formal outfit. You'll most commonly see boutonnieres at weddings, but they're just as popular for proms, graduations, milestone celebrations, and other special occasions.
While roses and carnations remain timeless choices, many of our customers also choose seasonal blooms and textured greenery to match their wedding flowers or add a more personal touch
Which Side Should You Wear a Boutonniere?
The traditional placement for a boutonniere is on the left lapel of your jacket or suit, just above the heart. It's the standard choice for weddings, proms, and most formal events, whether you're the groom, a groomsman, or attending a special celebration.
If your jacket has a built-in buttonhole on the left lapel, the flower is designed to sit there. If it doesn't, don't worry - you can easily secure it with a floral pin from behind the lapel without affecting its appearance.
Putting on a boutonniere only takes a minute when you know the correct technique. Follow these simple steps to keep it secure and looking its best throughout your event.
How to Wear a Boutonniere in 5 Simple Steps
Follow these simple steps to wear a boutonniere the right way for prom, wedding, or formal event
Step 1: Position the Boutonniere
Place the boutonniere on the left lapel of your jacket or shirt, with the flower facing outward and the stem pointing downward. Position it just above the heart so the flower rests comfortably against the lapel. If your jacket has a functional lapel buttonhole, position the flower through it before securing the stem with a pin. If not, simply pin the boutonniere to the lapel.
Step 2: Hold It in Place
Use one hand to gently hold the boutonniere where you want it to sit. Keeping it steady while you pin it helps prevent the flower from shifting or tilting.
Step 3: Insert the Pin from Behind the Lapel
Working from the back of the lapel, push the pin through the fabric, catch the stem of the boutonniere, and guide the pin back into the lapel. This keeps the pin hidden from the front while holding the flower securely. If the stem feels thick or firm, angle the pin slightly instead of forcing it straight through. This helps secure the boutonniere without damaging the stem or flowers.
Step 4: Check That It's Secure
Give the boutonniere a gentle wiggle to make sure it stays in place. If it feels loose, adjust the pin before heading out to avoid having to fix it later.
Step 5: Make the Final Adjustments
Straighten the flower so it sits upright and isn't hidden by the lapel. Take one last look in the mirror to make sure the flower is sitting straight before you head out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing a Boutonniere
Even though a boutonniere is a small part of your outfit, a few simple mistakes can make it look out of place or cause it to come loose. Avoiding these mistakes will save you from making last-minute adjustments during the event.
Wearing It on the Wrong Side
A boutonniere is traditionally worn on the left lapel. If you're unsure where it belongs, just remember - it's worn above your heart.
Letting the Pin Show
The pin is there to hold the boutonniere in place, not to be part of the look. Try to pin it from behind the lapel so it's hidden and the focus stays on the flowers.
Putting It On Too Early
It's tempting to get everything ready well before the event, but fresh flowers are best pinned on shortly before you leave or just before the ceremony begins. This helps them stay fresh for longer.
Choosing a Design That's Too Large
A boutonniere should complement your outfit, not steal the spotlight. Oversized boutonnieres can feel heavy and may shift around as you move. In our experience, smaller designs are usually more comfortable to wear and stay in place better throughout the day.
Skipping a Final Check
Before you head out, take a quick look in the mirror. If the flower is sitting straight and feels secure, you're all set for the day ahead.
How to Match a Boutonniere With Your Outfit
Choosing a boutonniere is less about matching every detail and more about making sure it feels right with the rest of your outfit. A few simple guidelines can help you choose one with confidence.
Consider the Colour of Your Suit
The colour of your suit is a great place to begin. White and soft pastel flowers stand out beautifully against navy or black jackets, while deeper blooms can add just the right amount of contrast to lighter-coloured suits.
Consider the Occasion
The occasion can also influence your choice of flowers. White roses and orchids are timeless options for weddings, while colourful blooms or seasonal flowers can be a great fit for proms, graduations, and other celebrations.
Don't Worry About Matching Everything Exactly
Your boutonniere doesn't have to be the exact same colour as your tie or pocket square. In fact, a coordinated look usually feels more natural than trying to match every detail.
If It's for a Wedding, Coordinate with the Florals
If you're attending a wedding, choose a boutonniere that coordinates with the bouquet or other floral arrangements. Using similar flowers, greenery, or colours as the bridal bouquet and other wedding arrangements creates a look that feels thoughtfully put together.
How to Keep Your Boutonniere Fresh During the Event
A few simple habits can help your boutonniere stay fresh from the ceremony to the last photo.
Put It On Just Before the Event
Fresh flowers last longer when they're worn closer to the ceremony or celebration. If possible, wait until you're ready to leave or just before the event begins.
Keep It Cool Before Wearing It
Until it's time to put it on, store your boutonniere in the refrigerator. This helps the flowers stay hydrated and look fresh. Also avoid storing your boutonniere near fruits like apples or bananas. As they ripen, they release ethylene gas, which can shorten the life of fresh flowers.
Avoid Too Much Heat
If you're spending time outdoors for photos or a ceremony, try to keep your boutonniere out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Excessive heat can cause fresh flowers to wilt more quickly.
Handle It Gently
Try not to touch or adjust your boutonniere throughout the day. Fresh flowers are delicate, and frequent handling can bruise the petals or loosen the pin.
Florist Tip: If you're attending an outdoor event on a warm day, keep your boutonniere refrigerated until you're ready to leave. Even 20 to 30 extra minutes in the heat can cause delicate flowers to lose their freshness sooner.
Shop Handcrafted Boutonnieres at Eloquent Flora
Once you've chosen the right boutonniere and know how to wear it, the rest comes down to selecting a design that suits your style and the occasion. Every boutonniere at Eloquent Flora is made to order using fresh flowers, so it arrives looking its best for your special occasion. Whether you're matching a bridal bouquet or looking for a standalone design, we can create a boutonniere that suits both your outfit and the occasion, be it a wedding, prom night, or graduation ceremony. Visit our website to explore the boutonniere collection and enjoy same-day/next-day delivery across Milton and the entire GTA. If you'd rather pick up your order in person, we'd be happy to welcome you to our Milton shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side do I wear a boutonniere on?
You wear a boutonniere on the left lapel, just above the breast pocket. That placement is standard for weddings, proms, and formal events. It should sit over your heart, with the flower facing outward.
How do I stop my boutonniere from falling off?
The key is how it’s pinned. Make sure the pin goes through the stem and back into the lapel so it locks in place from behind. Avoid loose pinning or placing it only on the surface of the fabric, as that can cause it to shift or drop.
When should I put on my boutonniere?
Put it on just before you leave or right before the ceremony starts. Fresh flowers stay at their best for a few hours, and this timing helps them look crisp in photos and throughout the event.
What do I do if my jacket doesn’t have a buttonhole?
That’s completely fine. Most modern jackets don’t have a functional buttonhole. In that case, simply pin the boutonniere directly onto the left lapel using a floral pin from behind the fabric.
Can I wear a boutonniere without a suit jacket?
Yes. You can pin it onto a vest, waistcoat, or even a formal shirt. Just make sure the fabric is firm enough to hold the pin so it stays secure during movement.
