How To Put On A Boutonniere
Because the last thing you need is anyone getting pricked.
The history of the boutonniere is an unclear one. Some say the trend of wearing flowers started during early English civil wars as a way for men who dressed similarly to distinguish which side they were on. Others believe that on her wedding day in 1840, Queen Victoria presented Prince Albert with a small bouquet. It is said that Albert cut a hole in his own jacket and inserted the stems through. However, he wasn't donning flowers in their famous wedding portrait, so that may just be a fable. A painting from 1771 of Captain William Wade of Bath, England, shows him donning a flower.
Regardless of where, when, or why the boutonniere originated, we're happy it did. Boutonnieres help take Southern guys' ensembles to the next level and express individual style. The only challenge with them is the actual process of putting them on, whether at prom, weddings, or other events. So it's probably best to feel equipped if someone passes you one and says, "Can you pin this for me?"
Here's how to put on a boutonniere and tips for avoiding any bloodshed during pinning.
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Boutonniere Etiquette
Who Pays for It
The occasion dictates who pays for the boutonniere. In a wedding, the groom or the groom’s family pays for the flowers for the groomsmen, ushers, fathers, grandfathers, and any special guests. For proms and other formal dances, typically the male buys the corsage for his date and the female pays for her date’s boutonniere. Today’s couples are likely to choose the flowers together and split the cost. Boutonnieres can be one or two flowers flanked by greenery or baby’s breath.
How to Place It
The boutonniere should always be placed on the left lapel, parallel to the edge outer seam, and right in the middle of the two seams.
Formerly, jackets had a buttonhole on the left lapel solely to drop flower stems in. (The word "boutonniere" is actually French for "buttonhole.") Some jackets don't have those left-lapel buttonholes anymore, but be sure to align the boutonniere in the center of the lapel under the notch in the lapel.
How To Pin It On
Put the pin through the back of the lapel, going away from the man's chest. Some people pin straight down the stem, others diagonally through it.
Regardless of which direction the pin faces, be sure you put it through the thickest part of the stem. This will ensure stability so the flower doesn't fall over or wobble on the pin. If you pin too low on the stem, the weight of the flower will cause it to fall to the side, which will look too sloppy in photographs.
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How To Keep It Secure
Additional pins can be added for extra security and stability, especially if your boutonniere is large or top-heavy. Whether you pinned diagonally or vertically, put the second pin below the first, going in the same direction—always away from the man's chest.
How To Hide the Ends
After the pin is successfully through the boutonniere stem, bring it back through the lapel fabric so that the tip of the pin is behind the lapel—and all the way behind. Be sure the pin doesn't peek out from the side of the lapel, where it could poke someone receiving a hug or even a dance partner. Both ends of the pin should be behind the fabric of the lapel so that only the boutonniere is seen on the front.
With these tips and careful execution, you should feel confident answering "Yes!" the next time someone asks if you can pin on their boutonniere. You might even have groomsmen and prom-goers lined up for your precise skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pin a boutonniere on a shirt?
To pin a boutonniere on a shirt, position it on the left side as you would pin it on a suit jacket. You can pin a boutonniere to the top of the pocket seam of a dress shirt if present.
Should you put a boutonniere in the refrigerator?
Place a boutonniere in the refrigerator if you do not plan to wear it immediately. Do not store a boutonniere near apples, as they emit gases that quicken the aging of cut flowers. Lightly spray the boutonniere with water before placing it in the refrigerator.
What type of flower goes in a boutonniere?
Carnations, roses, orchids, and calla lilies are popular boutonniere selections. Baby’s breath and greenery are typical fillers. A groom’s boutonniere flowers usually match the flowers in the bride’s bouquet.
What occasions call for a boutonniere?
While a boutonniere can be worn anytime, they are typical for special occasions like prom, formal dances, sweet sixteens, weddings, and other ceremonies.
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