Introduction

When planning your wedding flowers, boutonnieres are an important aspect to consider. These days they can compliment the bride’s flowers in many ways, pulling the overall look of the wedding party together. This is also something a bit special for the groom and his groomsmen. When we talk to grooms they are often very specific about the look they want, they may want the rose fully blown, short or long stems, twine or ribbon. A recent request we had was for bare stems which looked lovely and natural. Below, we have a gorgeous selection of bare stemmed boutonnieres with multiple flowers, tied in twine.

What was once considered an ‘add on’ for wedding flowers is now becoming something much more focused and intentional. From a florist’s perspective, this is where we as floral designers can shine, creating beautiful boutonnieres just the way our grooms want them. Below we have an example of a more unusual boutonniere made out of felt, feathers and buttons. The opportunities are endless and the look can be unique.

Boutonnieres are also known as buttonholes and there is very little difference between the two. Boutonniere is simply French for buttonhole; but I think we now tend to think of wedding boutonnieres as being something more elaborate, and designed, whereas the wedding buttonhole is considered to be more traditional, often consisting of a single flower, framed by foliage. Below is what I would consider to be an elaborate boutonniere, containing multiple elements which are full of contrast, texture and colour. Beautiful 💚

The History of the Boutonniere

• As far back as the 16th Century boutonnieres were worn by gentlemen to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. 

• Boutonnieres were also believed to protect against disease and mask the unpleasant odours of the time. 

• During the English Civil Wars it was believed that the colour of a boutonniere would distinguish which side you were fighting for. 

• In the early 19th Century the jacket with lapels was produced and this saw the birth of the boutonniere trend that we know today as a way of dressing up such jackets for special occasions. 

• Over the years trends have come and gone but the boutonniere has remained to this present day and is especially popular for weddings. 

A ‘How To’ Guide to Pinning a Boutonniere in 3 Easy Steps

Step One: Placing the Boutonniere

The boutonniere should always be pinned on the left lapel of a jacket and it should sit on an angle in parallel with the outer seam of the lapel. It should also be positioned centrally with an equal amount of space around it. For jackets that already have a ‘buttonhole’ stitched in, the boutonniere should be pinned just below this.

Step Two: Pinning the Boutonniere

Hold the boutonniere in place and fold the lapel forward. Insert the first pin from the back of the lapel, though the stem of the boutonniere and back through the lapel. There should be 3 pinning points: the lapel, the stems and the lapel again. The sharp point of the pin should point inwards, tucking it out of the way so it can’t scratch anyone. This pin should catch the boutonniere just below the head so that it can easily support the weight of it. 

Step Three: Securing the Boutonniere

A second pin can be placed parallel and below the first pin for extra stability. Again, the sharp point of the pin should point inwards. This is especially useful when holding a large boutonniere in place as it prevents it pivoting or falling to the side.

About The Northern Flower Garden

At The Northern Flower Garden we love the opportunity to create beautiful, bespoke and unique boutonnieres for our clients. All our boutonnieres are packed in individual boxes for safe keeping and they are all individually named so they can be easily found when getting ready beforehand. Our Boutonnieres also come with two pins to hold your Boutonniere in place throughout, ensuring the Grooms party and Father of the Bride are picture perfect on the day. 

If you are looking for a wedding florist or some advice on your wedding flowers, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you 💚

Or you can browse our wedding page and brochure for more wedding flower inspiration.