Lyla Dejesus
Wedding traditions vary, but one small yet significant accessory that is often worn by a select few in the wedding party is the buttonhole. Placed on the left lapel of the jacket, the groom's buttonhole usually mirrors the flowers in the bride's bouquet, symbolizing the unity of the couple. Groomsmen, as key members of the wedding party, commonly wear buttonholes that match the groom's. This cohesive choice adds a touch of elegance and unity to the overall look of the bridal party. Traditionally, the fathers of the bride and groom, the officiant, ushers, and page boys also wear buttonholes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who wears buttonholes | The groom, groomsmen, fathers of the couple, grandparents, officiant, ushers, special guests, mothers, grandmothers, and honorary guests |
| Placement | Lapel of a tuxedo, suit jacket, or dress |
| Cost | Starting from £9 and going up depending on the flowers required |
| Attachment | Pin or magnet |
| Timing | Delivered on the morning of the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Who should wear them?
The groom is the quintessential wearer of a buttonhole, and it holds symbolic significance. Placed on the left lapel of the jacket, the groom's buttonhole usually mirrors the flowers in the bride's bouquet, symbolising the unity of the couple.
Groomsmen, as key members of the wedding party, commonly wear buttonholes that match the groom's. This cohesive choice adds a touch of elegance and unity to the overall look of the bridal party.
Traditionally, the fathers of the bride and groom also wear buttonholes. In some weddings, the honour extends to the grandparents, particularly if they play a pivotal role in the couple's lives.
The officiant and ushers, integral to the smooth flow of the ceremony, may also wear buttonholes. This adds a touch of formality and serves as a gesture of appreciation for their roles in making the wedding a success.
Special guests such as close friends, godparents, or other significant individuals may also be adorned with buttonholes. This personalised approach allows for flexibility in acknowledging those who hold a special place in the hearts of the couple.
In the UK, it was traditional for all guests to wear a buttonhole flower, usually a white or red carnation. However, more recent traditions suggest that only close family and the bridal party will wear buttonholes.
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Are they expensive?
The cost of wedding buttonholes varies depending on the type of flowers used, whether they are in season, and the number of buttonholes required. Florists may also charge for labour, which can vary depending on the setup and pack-down rules of the venue.
Some sources suggest that the cost of buttonholes can be relatively inexpensive. One person reported that their buttonholes cost £9 each, while another reported a cost of £15 each. In the US, one source reported a cost of $15 per buttonhole.
However, other sources indicate that the cost of buttonholes can add up, especially when a large number is needed. One person reported being quoted $75-100 for each buttonhole, while another said they were quoted $32 per buttonhole for grooms and $25 for groomsmen. In some cases, the cost of buttonholes may be included in the overall floral budget for the wedding, which can range from $3,500 to $7,500 or more, depending on the couple's preferences.
To save money, some couples may choose to make their own buttonholes or use alternative materials such as sola wood flowers or fake flowers. However, this option may require a significant amount of time, skill, and storage space for the flowers.
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What are they made of?
Wedding buttonholes, also known as boutonnières, are typically made from flowers, with a single flower or a small collection of flowers being the most common. These flowers are usually fresh and can be chosen from the wedding bouquet or designed to match it. The stems of the flowers are often wrapped with ribbon or twine to create an attractive finish and can be used to tie in colours, such as the bridesmaids' dresses. In addition to flowers, buttonholes can also include decorative accents such as greenery, feathers, fabric, and herbs.
Buttonholes are typically supplied with pins, which are used to secure them to the lapel of a jacket or blazer. The pin is inserted through the back of the lapel, into the stems of the flowers, and then back into the fabric of the lapel at a slight angle to ensure it is not visible. Alternatively, magnets can be used to attach buttonholes, especially for corsages where the fabric of dresses may be thinner and more fragile. However, it is important to note that magnets should be avoided if anyone in the wedding party has a pacemaker or other internal or external medical equipment.
While the specific flowers and colours used in buttonholes may vary depending on personal preferences and the wedding theme, traditional buttonholes often featured carnations, with white representing the bride's side and red representing the groom's side. This tradition dates back to ancient Greece, where male members of the wedding party would wear small bunches of flowers and herbs close to their hearts to ward off evil spirits believed to cause the groom to turn his heart against the bride.
In addition to fresh flowers, silk flowers can also be used to make buttonholes, either through DIY methods or with the help of a florist. While DIY buttonholes can be a fun project, they can also add extra tasks to an already busy wedding planning process. It is important to consider the weight of the buttonhole when attaching it, as heavier ones may cause the lapel to flop over if not secured correctly.
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How are they attached?
Wedding buttonholes are typically attached with pins. The florist or wedding planner may attach them, or they may come with instructions for the wearer. The pin is inserted through a small piece of fabric on the lapel, near or beside the buttonhole, with most of its length left free. The buttonhole is then slid onto the pin, with the flowers facing forward. The pin should support the weight of the buttonhole, so it doesn't flop forward. To do this, the end of the pin is pushed through another piece of the lapel, leaving it facing out.
Some buttonholes are attached with magnets, particularly corsages, as these work well with thinner, more fragile fabrics. However, magnets must be used with caution, as they are very strong and not suitable for those with pacemakers or other medical equipment.
Buttonholes can also be attached with tape and wire, giving a more traditional look, or with brooch-style fastenings, which are a good option for children.
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Are they just for men?
While buttonholes are most commonly worn by men at weddings, they are not exclusively for men. The groom is the quintessential wearer of a buttonhole, and it holds symbolic significance. The buttonhole is usually placed on the left lapel of the jacket and mirrors the flowers in the bride's bouquet, symbolizing the unity of the couple.
In addition to the groom, groomsmen often wear buttonholes that match the groom's, adding elegance and unity to the bridal party's overall look. Fathers of the couple also traditionally wear buttonholes, honouring this long-standing wedding tradition.
However, buttonholes are not just limited to these male members of the wedding party. In some weddings, the honour of wearing buttonholes extends to the mothers of the couple, grandmothers, and even grandfathers. Ushers, officiants, and special guests such as close friends or godparents may also wear buttonholes as a gesture of appreciation or to acknowledge their special place in the couple's hearts.
Ultimately, the decision to include buttonholes for anyone beyond the groom is entirely up to the couple. While tradition may dictate that certain individuals wear them, modern weddings often see couples breaking free from these conventions and creating their own unique rules.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to include buttonholes at your wedding. However, they are a traditional accessory, often worn by the groom and groomsmen, and can add a nice touch to the day.
The groom usually wears a buttonhole, and it's also common for the groomsmen, fathers of the couple, grandparents, ushers, and special guests to wear them too.
No, the bride and bridesmaids usually carry a bouquet. Corsages are sometimes given to the mothers, grandmothers, and other women in the family.
Buttonholes are usually small floral arrangements, but they can also be made from other natural materials like seedpods and grasses.
The cost of buttonholes depends on the flowers used. They can start from as little as £9 and go up from there.
