Buttonholes at Weddings – How to Wear Them Properly
As a wedding photographer, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen people struggling with buttonholes (or boutonnieres, if you prefer the French). They’re small, but they’re one of those details that can make or break the look of an outfit. And yet, most guests and even some grooms aren’t quite sure how to wear them.
Left or right?
For men, buttonholes are always worn on the left lapel. That’s the same side as your heart, and it’s the traditional spot. If you’re wearing a jacket with a buttonhole stitched in, that’s where it goes. For women, it’s usually worn on the right, but honestly, at weddings the “rule” is flexible — especially if you want to match the rest of the bridal party.
Flowers up or down?
The flowers should point upwards, with the bloom sitting near the collarbone and the stem angled down towards your chest. You don’t want it drooping forward or sticking out to the side — that just looks awkward.
How to pin it
A good buttonhole should be pinned from behind the lapel, so you don’t see the pin at all from the front. Push the pin through the fabric from behind, catch the stem (ideally through the binding or tape, not the actual flower), then back through the fabric to secure it. If it’s flopping about, add a second pin lower down the stem for stability.
A quick tip
If you’ve got particularly delicate flowers, or it’s a hot day, ask your florist for a spare buttonhole or two. They can wilt faster than you think, especially if you’re hugging everyone in sight.
A little history of wedding Buttonholes
Buttonholes have been around for centuries. They started as a practical way for men to fasten their cloaks or jackets with a single flower or sprig of herbs — often something fragrant, thought to ward off bad luck or illness. By the 19th century, they’d become a purely decorative touch, worn for formal occasions. Today they’re a traditional symbol at weddings, often matching the bride’s bouquet or the day’s colour scheme, and still adding that final bit of polish to a suit.
YOUR LONDON BASED DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
If you're looking for more than just posed photographs, if you want your wedding day to be documented authentically, capturing real emotions and heartfelt connections – then you've found your documentary wedding photographer. Get in touch and let's create memories together. Send your enquiry and you'll be able to download a free copy of my very useful Wedding Guide.
