Getting ready for a wedding? It’s time to discuss one small detail that can make a big impact - the boutonniere. It's surprising how often these get placed just about anywhere (from the center of the lapel to tucked inside a pocket) but where they should be. And how to wear a boutonniere, right, you may be wondering? Let’s find out together!
Correct Boutonniere Placement on a Suit Jacket: 3 Methods
So, where does the boutonniere go? Well, there are at least three different techniques to ensure it looks sharp and stays secure. Each method suits different styles, so pick one that aligns best with your suit and personal flair.
Method 1: Pinning to the Left Lapel
So, this is a classic approach. Here's how you do it:
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Identify the left lapel as your canvas. Worn on the left side, this is the traditional spot - it aligns the boutonniere with your heart.
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Pin from the inside of the lapel to hide the mechanics. Start by placing the boutonniere pin through the fabric from behind the lapel.
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Push the pin into the thickest part of the boutonniere stem to secure it firmly without damaging the bloom.
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Guide the pin back inside the lapel to conceal it and check that the decoration is securely fastened and upright.
Avoid pinning through very thin areas of the stem, as this can cause the flower to droop or even fall off.
Which Blooms Fit Best?
For traditional lapel placement, roses and carnations are excellent. They've got robust, sturdy stems that can withstand pinning. Roses, in particular, symbolize love and beauty, so they can add a meaningful touch to the attire.
When choosing a flower, consider a bloom that becomes the focal point of the lapel - not too large to overwhelm the jacket but significant enough to be noticed. Lighter colors like whites and pastels often stand out elegantly against darker suit fabrics.
Method 2: On the Shirt
Now, where do boutonnieres go besides the lapel? The second popular variant is the shirt as such. Here's how you place it there:
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Choose a spot on your shirt, ideally close to the heart but off-center to the right side.
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Insert the boutonniere pin slightly to the right of where you want the boutonniere to sit, pushing it through the fabric.
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Gently place the boutonniere in the desired location and maneuver the pin to come out slightly to the left of the stem, securing the flower in place.
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Smooth out the fabric and ensure the boutonniere is fixed properly without any puckering or pulling on the shirt.
Be careful not to pin too tightly, which can gather the fabric unnaturally.
Method 3: Through the Buttonhole
Want more alternatives where to put a boutonniere? The buttonhole is another perfect spot for this decoration. Here's what to do exactly:
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Examine the left lapel for a buttonhole, which is designed specifically for boutonnieres.
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Slide the boutonniere stem through the buttonhole until it reaches the latch on the inside of the lapel.
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Secure the flower with a boutonniere pin or a special floral latch if your suit has one, ensuring it doesn't shift around.
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Double-check the security of the attachment, especially if you'll be moving around a lot.
Avoid forcing a too-large stem into a small buttonhole, which can damage both the suit and the flower.
Which Boutonniere Flowers Fit Best?
Here, gardenias and orchids are ideal due to their compact size and singular beauty. Gardenias offer a lush elegance, while orchids can add an exotic touch to the groom's attire.
Mistakes That Happen More Than You'd Think
Real talk - most boutonniere disasters aren't about the flower. They're about the person pinning it.
Pinning it too high. This is probably the most common one. The boutonniere should sit about 4 inches below the left shoulder seam, roughly at the same level as a pocket square. Any higher and it starts creeping toward the collar, which just looks off.
Skipping the second pin. One pin isn't enough for a full evening of dancing, hugging, and photos. Use two - one through the boutonniere stem from the front, one angled from behind the lapel. That combination keeps it locked in place no matter what.
Pinning through just the petals. It seems intuitive to pin through the flower itself, but that's how you end up with a drooping, damaged bloom by cocktail hour. Always go through the stem.
Waiting too long to pin it. Seriously - don't leave this for 10 minutes before the ceremony. Pin it at least 30 minutes ahead so you have time to fix any issues. Rushing almost always leads to crooked placement or a poked finger.
And one more thing nobody talks about: the angle matters. The boutonniere should sit slightly angled, with the bloom tilting just a touch outward. Perfectly vertical looks stiff. A slight tilt looks natural and intentional.
Wearing a Boutonniere to Prom? A Few Extra Notes
Wedding rules apply at prom too, mostly. Left side, stem down, two pins. But there are a few things worth knowing specifically for prom night.
Prom suits and tuxedos tend to run lighter in fabric - think slim-fit, lightweight blends. That means the flower doesn't need to be heavy. A single rose bud or a small wrist-style bloom cut from its base works really well here. Big, full flowers can pull the lapel forward on lighter jackets.
Groomsmen and prom dates alike often skip this detail, but corsage and boutonniere coordination matters more at prom than at weddings. At a wedding, the florist handles matching. At prom, you and your date are figuring it out yourselves. A simple rule: match one color from her corsage to your boutonniere. Doesn't have to be identical, just connected.
One last prom-specific tip: take a photo before you leave the house. Not just because it's a nice memory - but because if anything shifts during the night, you have a reference for how it's supposed to look.
Hands-On Floral Workshops
Knowing how to put on a boutonniere right is the basics. The next level is crafting this decoration on your own. Join ART Flowers LA for an interactive workshop where you can practice this and more. It's a great way to ensure every detail of your wedding day is picture-perfect.
As you see, putting on a boutonniere is no rocket science. All you need to do is familiarize yourself with the main methods and find the right decoration. If you are looking for cool floral designs, visit ART Flowers LA, online, at the shop, or by phone (+1-310-817-0605). If you are 4 miles away from the shop or closer, you’ll get your order delivered for free!
FAQ
Do you cross the pins when putting on a boutonniere?
Yes, and it actually makes a difference. Crossing two boutonniere pins in an X pattern through the stem is the most secure way to attach a boutonniere - it prevents the flower from rotating or tilting forward during the event. One straight pin rarely holds all night, especially if you're dancing or moving around a lot.
Can you use magnets instead of pins for a boutonniere?
You can. Magnetic boutonniere holders are a real thing, and they work well on thinner suit fabrics where pinning feels risky. One magnet goes behind the lapel, one in front - the flower sits between them. The downside is they don't grip as firmly on thick wool lapels, so if you're wearing a heavier suit, pins are still the more reliable option.
Should you flip the lapel over when pinning a boutonniere?
Yes - this is actually the cleanest technique. Turn the lapel over to expose the underside of the fabric, then insert the pin from behind. That way you control exactly where the pin exits, and the mechanics stay hidden. Most people try to pin from the front and end up with a visible pin head on the lapel.
Should a boutonniere go in the breast pocket?
No. The breast pocket is for a pocket square - putting a boutonniere there looks casual at best and confused at worst. The correct placement is on the left side of the lapel, about 4 inches below the shoulder seam. If your jacket doesn't have a lapel buttonhole, pin it directly to the lapel fabric.
How many pins should you use for a boutonniere?
Two is standard. For larger or heavier boutonnieres - think a full garden rose or something with extra greenery - a second pin is basically non-negotiable. Use one boutonniere pin angled through the front of the stem, the second through the back of the lapel. Together they keep the flower upright even after hours of wear.
How do you know if a boutonniere is pinned securely?
Gently move it side to side after pinning. If it shifts or tilts, it needs another pin or a better angle. The boutonniere should feel firmly anchored - not wiggling, not spinning. Do this check before the ceremony, not during.
Who traditionally buys the boutonniere - the guy or the girl?
Traditionally, the girl buys the boutonniere for her date, and the guy buys her corsage. This is especially common at prom. At weddings, the florist typically handles both as part of the wedding party package, so it's less of a question there.
What's the difference between a boutonniere and a corsage?
A boutonniere is a single small floral piece worn by men as part of their formal attire, pinned to the left lapel. A corsage is worn by women - either on the wrist or pinned to a dress - and tends to be more elaborate in design with multiple blooms and ribbon work. They're often coordinated to match for special events like prom or weddings.
How do you keep a boutonniere fresh in hot weather?
Ask your florist for a small water tube for the boutonniere stem - it's a tiny plastic vial with a cap that holds water and keeps the flower hydrated. This is especially useful for outdoor summer weddings or long prom nights. Without it, stems can dry out within a few hours in heat, and the bloom starts to droop noticeably.
