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What is a Boutonniere, tips to grooms for a perfect wedding
There are a few personal flower elements that are true cornerstones of a wedding celebration. Boutonnières (or buttonholes in English), just like corsages, signify celebration, special roles, and beautiful traditions.
However — as I always tell my clients during our first consultation — I’ll share all the classic “shoulds” of a wedding with you, but nothing is ever a must unless you decide it is.
What is a bouttonnier, should you have it??
A boutonniere (or boutonnière in French) is a small floral arrangement typically worn on the left lapel of your suit or tuxedo jacket. It symbolizes celebration and honor, and it’s a subtle yet elegant way to mark your special role on the big day.
It’s absolutely not mandatory, it comes down to personal preference. That said, I always recommend it to my grooms, because not only it helps distinguish the groom from the rest of the guests and wedding party; but it also ties beautifully into the wedding’s floral design and color palette.
And don’t worry, it won’t be too big! Boutonnières are tiny floral accents made of about 1–5 small flower stems. Unless you ask us to make a bold statement piece (which we’re always up for 😉), it will stay beautifully proportionate and never overwhelm your look.
Who Should Wear a Boutonnière?
Traditionally, the groom and groomsmen wear boutonnières, and sometimes the fathers of the couple as well. In addition, it’s quite common for the groom’s boutonnière to be slightly different from the others — a little extra detail to set him apart.
However, there are no strict rules here; after all, weddings are deeply personal, and every couple chooses to express themselves differently. Therefore, you can include anyone you’d like to honor with this small yet meaningful gesture.
For example, some common choices besides the groom include:
Father of the bride and groom
Groomsmen
Ring bearer boy
Brothers
Grandfathers
Or anyone who holds a special place in your heart
Furthermore, while some couples prefer only the groom to wear one, others choose to include several loved ones — either way, it’s entirely up to you. In other words, there’s no right or wrong decision here.
That said, some couples prefer only the groom to wear one, and that’s perfectly fine too. Like everything in wedding design, it’s your call — a reflection of your taste, your relationships, and your vision for the day.
How to Wear a Boutonniere – Proper Boutonniere Placement
The boutonnière should be pinned on the left lapel of your suit, with the flower heads neatly covering the buttonhole. In most cases, this placement ensures the design looks balanced and refined.
When it comes to attaching it, there are several options; pinheads, magnets, or built-in pins. However, based on my experience, classic pinheads are the most secure choice. While magnets can work beautifully for smaller, lighter versions, they often struggle to hold heavier flowers in place. Similarly, built-in pins can sometimes snap off, making them a bit less reliable.
That said, don’t worry about damaging your jacket, it’s just two tiny, invisible pinholes, and in the end, the result is absolutely flawless.
How to Match Your Boutonnière with the wedding
our boutonnière should create a harmonious unity, as it symbolizes the connection between you and your partner in the language of flowers. In essence, it’s a small but meaningful reflection of your shared story and aesthetic.
That said, it doesn’t have to be an exact miniature of the bride’s bouquet. In fact, the most elegant designs are coordinated, not identical. The key is to create visual harmony rather than repetition.
To achieve this, here are a few simple yet effective ideas:
- Shared flowers: Use the same focal flower as in the bridal bouquet or pick one or two shared flowers or colours.
E.g.: If the bride’s bouquet features roses and olive greenery, your boutonnière could include a single rose bud with a hint of olive foliage. This way, the connection feels intentional and cohesive without looking overly matched. - Matching colors: Incorporate complementary colors that echo the bouquet’s palette.
- Coordinated ribbons or textures: Boutonnières often photograph beautifully when they include interesting textures — silk ribbon, suede, linen, or even metallic wire details. These subtle elements can echo the bouquet wrap or bridal accessories, creating an understated but luxurious unity.
Above all don’t worry about getting lost in the details of flower selection, styles, or design. Once your wedding concept is finalized, I’ll guide you through the process to make sure your boutonnière perfectly reflects the overall look and feel of your day.
Unique Boutonnière Ideas
Boutonnières are usually made from the same flowers as the bride’s bouquet, but they can also be designed as a statement piece to reflect your personality and wedding style.
We can make it unique by:
- Choosing unusual flower types or textures
- Designing modern shapes like pocket boutonnières
- Adding small ornaments or charms for a personal touch
It’s all about creativity, your wedding theme, and your personal flair.
Price of a Boutonnière
As with every floral detail, the final design and price depend on the wedding style and flowers used.
The typical starting price is around 10–15 EUR per piece, but a custom quote is always included as part of your full wedding design plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing a Boutonnière
Even though a boutonnière is a small floral detail, it can easily look off if worn incorrectly.
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid — and how to fix them:
- Pinning it on too early
Since boutonnières are made from fresh flowers and cannot be placed back in water after use (unlike bridal bouquets), they will naturally start to wilt over time.
Resolution: Ask your florist or planner to pin it on right before you leave for the ceremony, that way, it stays fresh and picture-perfect. - Messing up the placement
Pinning it too high, too low, or even worse — inserting it into the pocket (unless it’s intentionally designed as a pocket boutonnière) can throw off the proportions.
Resolution: The boutonnière should sit neatly on the left lapel, with the flower heads covering the buttonhole. Don’t worry — we’re always happy to help pin it on site.
- Forgetting to order a spare one for your photo session
Boutonnières often get a little crushed after all the ceremony hugs and kisses.
Resolution: If your creative photo session takes place after the ceremony (instead of a first look beforehand), it’s a smart idea to have a spare boutonnière on hand. Ask one of your groomsmen to remind you to switch it before heading out for photos. It’ll make a big difference in your pictures.
A boutonnière might be a small floral detail — but it holds great symbolic value. It connects
you to the wedding’s floral story and adds that final touch of refinement to your suit.
If you’d like to create a cohesive floral design that ties your boutonnière, bridal bouquet, and overall wedding concept together, get in touch with me and I’ll design something that’s uniquely yours.
If you’d like to create a cohesive floral design that ties your boutonnière, bridal bouquet, and overall wedding concept together, get in touch with me and I’ll design something that’s uniquely yours
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All the pictures in this article represent our work. Photography credits: 1.-2 Peter Harman Photo, 3. Vamos Wedding Cover Photo: GDGMP
Hello, I'm Letti
Founder and Head Designer of Blush Wedding Decor
Sharing real wedding stories, practical tips, and expert advice on planning luxury destination and international weddings.
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Hello, I'm Letti
Founder and Head Designer of Blush Wedding Decor
Sharing real wedding stories, practical tips, and expert advice on planning luxury destination and international weddings.