Boutonnière

Origins and history

The term comes from French for buttonhole. In the sixteenth century, people wore these flowers to ward off evil spirits and bad smells. They believed the scent protected them from disease. By the eighteenth century, men in Europe wore them as fashion items on frock coats. The romantic movement of the nineteenth century made them popular for adding color to clothing. Cinema later cemented their status as a symbol of elegance and good breeding.

Flowers and styles

Carnations are the most common choice, with white being the most formal option. Clove red is a classic alternative. Gardenias are sometimes preferred for their beauty and fragrance. Cornflowers provide a blue option. Modern arrangements often include leaves or multiple stems, resembling a mini-bouquet. These designs allow for better coordination with the bride's corsage or bouquet.

Wearing the flower

Traditionally, the stem is pushed through the lapel buttonhole on the left side. A loop of thread on the back holds it in place. Today, pins are more common because they do not require a pierced buttonhole. This method avoids damaging the fabric but may look less traditional. Some jackets feature a small pocket behind the lapel to hold the stem instead.

How Boutonnière is kept

The groom wears the boutonnière on his left lapel during the ceremony. Groomsmen and the father of the bride also wear them to show their role in the wedding party. The flower usually matches the colors of the bride's bouquet. It is either tucked into the buttonhole or pinned securely to the fabric. This creates a unified visual appearance for the wedding party.

When and where

It is worn during the wedding ceremony itself. The date is set by the wedding schedule rather than a specific calendar day.

It is worn on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo. This custom is common in Western countries where formal suits are standard wedding attire.

What Boutonnière means

The flower connects the groom visually to the bride through matching colors. Historically, it was thought to bring good luck and protect against negative energies. Today, it signifies formality and participation in the wedding ritual.

Who takes part

• the groom: wears the boutonnière on his lapel
• the groomsmen: wear matching flowers to identify their role
• the father of the bride: wears a boutonnière to show family connection

If you are a guest

Guests do not wear boutonnières unless they are part of the wedding party. Attendees should dress formally if the event requires it. No specific gifts or actions are required regarding the flower itself.

Then and now

Pinning has replaced buttonholes as the primary method of attachment. This change protects the garment from damage. The custom remains strong for formal weddings but is less common in casual ceremonies.

Questions people ask about Boutonnière

See also

White weddingA formal Western ceremony marked by a white bridal gown and traditional Christian rituals.Wedding superstitionsTraditional beliefs about luck and omens that shape wedding rituals across culturesWedding dressThe ceremonial garment worn by the bride during her marriage rite.Bridal bouquetThe handheld flower arrangement carried by the bride during her wedding ceremony.

Good reading and sources

• Boutonnière on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.