The Ultimate Guide to Boutonnieres: Types, Styles & How to Wear One
A boutonniere is a small flower arrangement worn on the lapel of a suit or tux — usually by the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers — on special occasions, most often weddings.
Traditional, yes. But also one of the easiest ways to personalize your wedding day look without reinventing the whole outfit.
Every wedding I have the honor of photographing, there is one thing I can count on — helping pin on all the damn boutonnieres. So here’s everything I’ve picked up along the way: the types, the history, how to wear one, how to care for it, and the questions couples actually ask me on the day.
History of Boutonnieres
The word boutonniere comes from the French boutonnière, which means buttonhole.
They were first worn in the 16th century, when men used to slip flowers into the buttonholes of their jackets as a symbol of allegiance to a particular political faction. Over time the practice got less political and more fashionable, and eventually landed where it is today — a small, intentional accessory reserved mostly for weddings and formal occasions.
Short version: what started as a loyalty pin is now one of the more charming little details on a wedding day.
Types of Boutonnieres
You wouldn’t think there’s more than one kind. There is. Here are the five most common styles to pick from:
Single Bloom
The classic. One flower — usually a rose or a carnation — with a touch of greenery. Clean, traditional, hard to mess up.
Cluster
Multiple small flowers or blooms arranged together in one piece. A little fuller and more textured than a single bloom, without going overboard.
Theme
Built to match the theme of the wedding. Beach wedding? Maybe seashells or starfish tucked in. Garden wedding? Wildflowers and softer greenery. Great for couples who’ve committed to a specific vibe and want the details to match.
Herbal
Herbs instead of (or alongside) flowers — rosemary, lavender, sage. Works beautifully for rustic, bohemian, farm, or outdoor weddings. Also smells incredible.
The dapper move. Fresh flowers paired with a vibrant pocket square, popping out of the breast pocket instead of sitting on the lapel. Stands out in photos without trying too hard.
How to Wear a Boutonniere
Attaching one is simple, but there’s a right way to do it so it actually stays put for the whole day. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Make sure the stem is clean — no leaves, no thorns.
- Hold the boutonniere by the stem with one hand and the lapel of the jacket with the other.
- Position it on the left lapel so the bloom faces up and angles slightly toward the shoulder.
- Insert the stem through the buttonhole of the lapel.
- If the buttonhole is too small or doesn’t exist, use a pin. Insert the pin through the stem and the lapel, making sure not to poke through the other side of the fabric.
- Adjust so it sits straight and level with the lapel.
- Give it a little tug to make sure it’s secure. If it moves, re-pin it.
Boutonniere Care
To keep your daring chest enhancement looking its finest, a few basics:
- Store it in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to wear it.
- Keep it away from water.
- Avoid crushing the petals or blooms — careful with hugs, coats, and seatbelts.
- Remove it at the end of the event and dispose of it properly (or press it if you want the keepsake).
Boutonniere FAQs
Do the groomsmen wear a different boutonniere than the groom?
Yes. Groomsmen can absolutely wear one, but it shouldn’t be identical to the groom’s. Theirs should be a little different — or at least smaller — while still following the same style and color palette. The groom’s should stand out.
Does anyone else wear a boutonniere at the wedding?
Usually fathers and grandfathers, and sometimes officiants or ring bearers too. These can match the groomsmen, match the groom, or be their own thing entirely. Completely up to you.
Who pins the boutonniere on the groom?
Traditionally it’s the best man or one of the groom’s parents — and that’s a great photo moment. Honest truth though: it’s tricky to get right, so a stylist, planner, or florist on hand usually does the real final pin after the photo op.
Which side does the boutonniere go on?
Left side. Always. On the left lapel, roughly over the heart, bloom angled slightly toward the shoulder.
How far in advance should we order boutonnieres?
Order them through your florist along with the rest of your wedding flowers — usually locked in a few months out. They’re typically made the day before or the morning of so they’re fresh.
Wrapping Things Up
Boutonnieres are a classic detail that can add just the right amount of kick to your wedding style. With this guide you’ve got the history, the main types, how to wear one, how to keep it alive through cocktail hour, and the answers to the questions that usually come up on the day.
And honestly — if you cared this much about getting the boutonniere right, you probably care even more about how your wedding photos turn out.
About Ladman Studios
I’m TJ. I’m a Marine Corps vet based in Brooklyn, Connecticut, and I shoot documentary weddings all over the state. My approach is candid and intentional — real moments, caught as they happen, plus short breakout portraits when the light is doing something worth stopping for.
I help couples who want to actually live their wedding day, not perform it. If that sounds like you, let’s talk.
Planning a Connecticut wedding? Let’s make sure the boutonnieres — and everything else — get documented the way they deserve.
