A lot of people get nervous pinning boutonnieres—usually because they’ve never done it before and nobody wants to get stabbed by a 3 inch needle by accident! But pinning wedding boutonnieres can be extremely easy. Here’s how you can pin one on in less than a minute and absolutely zero bloodshed (we promise!):
STEP 1: Place the Boutonniere on the Left Lapel
Boutonnieres are traditionally worn on the wearer’s left lapel (if you’re helping someone else, it’ll be the side to your right). Place it on top of the lapel, about halfway between the knot of the tie and the pocket square.
STEP 2: Fold the Lapel Over the Boutonniere
Once you have the boutonniere positioned, gently roll the lapel over towards the wearer’s shirt buttons to make a little “boutonniere taco”. You should now be able to see the backside of the lapel and have fabric on both sides of the boutonniere. Be careful not to crush or bend the flowers during this step!
STEP 3: Slide the Pin Downward Through the Back of the Lapel
Now you’ll insert the pin at a downward angle, through the back of the lapel. The downward angle is essential in ensuring that it won't fall out later. The pin should go in through the back lapel fabric, through the thickest part of the boutonniere (usually the stem of the main flower) and then come back out slightly lower on the back side of the lapel. The point of the pin should be safely sandwiched between the fabric of the lapel and the front of the jacket ensuring that nobody gets stabbed.
Other Things to Keep In Mind:
STEP 1: Place the Boutonniere on the Left Lapel
Boutonnieres are traditionally worn on the wearer’s left lapel (if you’re helping someone else, it’ll be the side to your right). Place it on top of the lapel, about halfway between the knot of the tie and the pocket square.
STEP 2: Fold the Lapel Over the Boutonniere
Once you have the boutonniere positioned, gently roll the lapel over towards the wearer’s shirt buttons to make a little “boutonniere taco”. You should now be able to see the backside of the lapel and have fabric on both sides of the boutonniere. Be careful not to crush or bend the flowers during this step!
STEP 3: Slide the Pin Downward Through the Back of the Lapel
Now you’ll insert the pin at a downward angle, through the back of the lapel. The downward angle is essential in ensuring that it won't fall out later. The pin should go in through the back lapel fabric, through the thickest part of the boutonniere (usually the stem of the main flower) and then come back out slightly lower on the back side of the lapel. The point of the pin should be safely sandwiched between the fabric of the lapel and the front of the jacket ensuring that nobody gets stabbed.
Other Things to Keep In Mind:
- Wait to pin the boutonnieres on until right before pictures so they stay looking crisp and fresh and don’t get too smooshed from hugs earlier in the day.
- Keep the boutonnieres in a cooler until you’re ready to wear—especially if your wedding is on a hot summer day!
- Make sure all of your wedding VIPs get a boutonniere. This includes: the groom(s), groomsmen/wedding party members, the couple’s fathers, grandfathers, ushers, greeters, ringbearers, and any other important suit-wearing wedding attendees you’d like to give special recognition to.
- Use similar flowers and colors in the boutonnieres as you do in the bouquets for a cohesive look.
- You can preserve your boutonnieres by placing them in silica the day after your wedding. This will help dry them out evenly so they can be a special memento for years to come!
