Wedding Buttonholes: The Secret to Perfect Groom & Groomsmen Styling

Calla Lily Buttonhole

Wedding Buttonholes: The Secret to Perfect Groom & Groomsmen Styling

When planning your wedding, it is easy to focus all your attention on the bridal bouquet. However at Extra Gorgeous Blooms, we believe the smaller details deserve just as much love!

Wedding buttonholes, also known as boutonnieres are the ultimate finishing touch for the groom, groomsmen, and key members of your wedding party. Far from just a simple flower pinned to a lapel, a well designed buttonhole ties your entire wedding theme together.

Here is our expert guide on how to choose, style, and wear your wedding buttonholes for a flawless look on your big day.

What is a Buttonhole and Who Wears One?

Historically, buttonholes were worn to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. Today, they are a beautiful way to distinguish the most important people at your wedding.

Traditionally, buttonholes were worn by:

• The Groom (often slightly larger or more unique to stand out)

• The Best Man and Ushers

• The Fathers of both the bride and groom

• Step-fathers and Grandfathers

Styling Tip: Mothers and grandmother traditionally wear a "corsage" which is a slightly larger, often downward-facing floral cluster worn on the lapel or the wrist.

Pocket Boutonnieres: The modern Trend

While the classic pinned lapel flower will never go out of style, we are seeing a massive rise in popularity for pocket boutonnieres among couples marrying in Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and West Sussex.

Instead of pinning to the lapel, these modern designs are crafted on a flat fabric or cardboard insert that slips directly into the suit's breast pocket. They offer a sleek, contemporary look and ensure zero damage to expensive rented suits.

How to Choose the Perfect Floral Recipe

A great buttonhole should complement the bridal bouquet without being a perfect miniature copy. We love incorporating interesting textures and hardy stems that can withstand a day full of hugs and celebrations.

Some of our favourite buttonhole ingredients include:

• Spray Roses or Ranunculus: Perfect, compact floral flowers that look incredibly elegant.

• Eryngium (Sea Holly) or Thistle: Adds a beautiful, rustic texture and a pop of modern blue-grey.

• Fragrant Herbs: Rosemary, lavender, or eucalyptus add a gorgeous scent and a relaxed, English-garden feel.

• Textural Foliage: Autumnal berries, seed heads, or delicate ferns create an organic, wild aesthetic.

Beautiful Fresh Buttonhole

How to Wear a Buttonhole: The Golden Rules

As a wedding florist in Hampshire, we have seen many buttonholes pinned incorrectly in the morning rush. Keep these simple rules in mind:

• Left Side Only: The buttonhole always goes on the left lapel, directly over the heart.

• Positions Matter: It should sit on the widest part of the lapel, just above or over the buttonhole slit

• Secure the Stem: Pin it from the back of the lapel, pushing the pin through the fabric, through the thickest part of the stem, and back into the fabric. The pin should be completely invisible from the front.

Bespoke Wedding Floristry in the South if England

From grand statement arches to the tiniest, delicate buttonholes, Extra Gorgeous Blooms brings organic, airy, and luxury feel to every element of your wedding.

We proudly design and deliver custom wedding floral's across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire & Sussex. We ensure every single floral detail aligns perfectly with your overall vision.

Let's Discuss Your Wedding Details

Ready to map out your dream wedding flowers? Head over to our contact page to share your wedding date and venue, and let's start planning.