Best Man's Button Hole: A Wedding Must-Have?

The best man is a key member of the wedding party, and it is customary for him to wear a buttonhole, also known as a corsage or boutonnière. This floral accessory is typically worn on the left-hand side of the lapel of the best man's suit jacket, above the heart, and pointing towards the left shoulder. The colours and flowers chosen for the buttonhole are usually selected to complement the bridal bouquet and other floral arrangements, while also standing out against the groom's attire. While fresh flowers are a popular choice, buttonholes can also be made from fabric, feathers, buttons, and charms, offering a longer-lasting keepsake.

What is a buttonhole?

A buttonhole is a reinforced hole in a piece of fabric that a button can pass through, allowing one piece of fabric to be secured to another. The raw edges of a buttonhole are usually finished with stitching, which can be done by hand or using a sewing machine. The term "buttonhole" can also refer to the flower worn in the lapel buttonhole of a coat or jacket, known as a "boutonnière".

Buttonholes for fastening or closing clothing with buttons first appeared in Germany during the 13th century and became widespread with the rise of snug-fitting garments in 13th- and 14th-century Europe. Today, they are commonly used to fasten shirts, coats, and other garments.

Traditionally, men's clothing buttonholes are on the left side, while women's clothing buttonholes are on the right. This tradition is said to have originated from the practice of wealthy women having their chambermaids dress them, and so the buttons and holes were 'switched' to avoid confusing the chambermaids.

There are several types of buttonholes, including plain, Milanese, bound, and keyhole buttonholes. A plain buttonhole is the most common type, where the raw edges of the fabric are finished with closely spaced stitches. A Milanese buttonhole, on the other hand, is a more intricate style where a length of silk thread is laid around the edges of the buttonhole and then sewn through the surrounding cloth. This type of buttonhole is often used in bespoke menswear as it adds a unique touch of elegance and prestige to a suit.

Who wears a buttonhole?

The tradition of wearing flowers as buttonholes, also known as boutonnieres, has a long and rich history that spans various cultures and traditions. The practice dates back to ancient civilizations, where people would wear flowers for symbolic, religious, or medicinal purposes.

In the context of weddings, the groom and his groomsmen typically wear buttonholes as a symbol of fertility and good luck. The buttonholes are usually designed to complement the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids' decorations, creating a fashionable yet discreet and effortless look.

Today, the tradition of wearing flowers as buttonholes is still popular, especially at formal events like weddings and other celebrations. It adds a touch of nature and elegance to formal attire.

At a wedding, the men in the main wedding party typically wear buttonholes, although this may vary depending on religion and culture. This includes the groom, fathers of the bride and groom, ushers, groomsmen, pageboys, bridesmen, and attendants. Grandfathers are also sometimes included in this tradition. The groom's buttonhole is usually slightly more elaborate than those of the rest of the party.

Buttonhole style rules

The grooms and best men's buttonholes, also known as "Corsage", are usually made in combination with the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids' decorations. This way, they complement each other in a fashionable yet discrete and effortless way.

The colours and flowers in a buttonhole arrangement are selected to complement the bride's bouquet and the other floral arrangements, but they should also stand out against the groom's outfit. The groomsmen's buttonholes don't have to match the groom's. You can have one special one for the groom, with complementary buttonholes for the groomsmen.

Buttonholes don't have to be made from flowers. There are alternatives made from fabric, feathers, buttons, and charms, which look great and will last a lifetime as a keepsake.

Traditionally, the buttonhole should be worn on the left-hand side, above the heart, and pointing towards the left shoulder for men. For women, the buttonhole should be worn on the right-hand side. Alternatively, using ribbon, you can create a beautiful wrist corsage.

On which side should a buttonhole be worn?

When it comes to buttonholes, there is a set of rules and an etiquette to follow.

For Men

Traditionally, men should wear buttonholes on the left-hand side, above the heart, with the flower's stem and head pointing towards the left shoulder. This is the case for weddings and other formal events. The buttonhole is one of the final preparation steps, so it is important to ensure that hands are washed to avoid leaving fingerprints on the outfit.

For Women

Women should wear buttonholes on the right-hand side. Alternatively, a wrist corsage can be created using a ribbon.

Placement

The placement of the buttonhole will depend on whether it is vertical or horizontal. For vertical buttonholes, the button and buttonhole will be placed exactly at the centre front. For horizontal buttonholes, the button is set at the centre front, but the hole is started 1/8" away from the centre, towards the finished edge.

How to put on a buttonhole

Wearing a buttonhole is a great way to add a stylish floral touch to your outfit for a wedding or other formal event. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to put on a buttonhole:

Prepare the Buttonhole

Before you begin, wash your hands to avoid leaving any smudges or fingerprints on your outfit. The buttonhole should be placed on the left lapel of your suit jacket, above your heart, and pointing towards your left shoulder. Position the buttonhole so that the flower stem and head are upright.

Pin the Buttonhole in Place

Hold the buttonhole in the correct position with your non-dominant hand. With your dominant hand, lift the lapel to expose the back. Insert the pin through the back of the lapel, pushing it through the fabric and into the top of the flower stem. You can push the pin diagonally or straight down.

Secure the Buttonhole

Now, guide the pin back through the stem and lapel, as if you are making a stitch. Ensure that the pin is secure and lays vertically against the lapel. You can add an extra wiggle to make sure it is tightly fastened. If needed, add a second pin for more support, especially if the buttonhole is heavy.

Final Checks

Take a step back and examine the placement of the buttonhole to ensure it is straight and secure. You may need to adjust it slightly so that it does not pivot on the pin.

Additional Tips

• It is recommended to have one person attach all the buttonholes for continuity and to avoid any placement confusion.
• If you are attaching buttonholes to children or delicate fabrics, consider using magnets instead of pins for safety.
• If you are wearing a shirt without a lapel, you can still pin the buttonhole to the upper left side of the shirt, above the heart.

Frequently asked questions