
A wedding is a special occasion, and for grooms, it is a chance to dress up and feel your best. A well-chosen suit or tuxedo, paired with the right accessories, can elevate your look and make you stand out. One such accessory is the boutonnière, or lapel flower, which is a small floral arrangement worn on the left lapel of a jacket. The tradition of wearing flowers on the lapel has a long history, dating back to the medieval era, and it continues to be a popular way to add a touch of elegance, sophistication, and personality to your wedding suit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement | Left lapel, slightly above the heart |
| Colour | Matches the bride's bouquet or wedding palette |
| Style | Bold or classic, pinned or buttoned |
| Type of flower | Carnations, roses, gardenias, lilies, or cornflowers |
| Size | 2-5 inches |
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What You'll Learn
- Lapel flower placement: left lapel, slightly above the heart
- Choose a flower: roses, carnations, gardenias, lilies, etc
- Pick a style: single flower, small cluster, or elaborate arrangement
- Pin the boutonnière: secure the pin through the top of the thickest part of the stem
- Coordinate colours: match the bridal bouquet, wedding party, or decor flowers

Lapel flower placement: left lapel, slightly above the heart
Lapel flowers are a great way to add a touch of elegance and style to your wedding suit. Here are some detailed instructions for placing your lapel flower on the left lapel, slightly above the heart:
Firstly, select a lapel flower that complements your overall look and the occasion. For a wedding, you may want to choose a flower that matches the bride's bouquet or the primary colours of the wedding theme. The size of the lapel flower is also important; it should be small and subtle, adding a delicate touch to your outfit.
Now, let's talk about placement. Lapel flowers are typically worn on the left lapel of your jacket, slightly above the breast pocket, and in line with your heart. This placement is traditional and symbolises elegance and attention to detail.
When securing your lapel flower, use the thumbtack-style pin hidden behind the lapel for a discreet look. Ensure the pin is long enough to go through the fabric of your jacket and into the lapel, and check that it is secure so that it doesn't fall out during your wedding celebrations.
If your lapel flower has a visible pin bar, place it neatly so that it adds a stylish detail to your outfit without detracting from the overall look. You can choose to show or hide the stem of the flower, but it should generally not be visible.
Finally, don't forget to coordinate your lapel flower with the rest of your outfit. It should pair well with your shirt, tie, pocket square, and even your socks!
By following these instructions, you will be able to confidently wear your lapel flower and add a unique touch to your wedding suit.
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Choose a flower: roses, carnations, gardenias, lilies, etc
Choosing the right flower for your wedding suit is an important decision, as it can add a stylish touch and complement your overall look. Here are some popular flower choices to consider:
Roses
Roses are a timeless and classic choice for wedding suits. They symbolise beauty, love and romance, making them a perfect option for such a special occasion. Roses come in various colours, each carrying its own meaning. For example, red roses signify passionate love, while white roses represent purity. Roses can also be used as filler flowers to add depth to your arrangement. If you're looking for a more subtle rose option, consider spray roses, which have a delicate appearance and no overpowering fragrance.
Carnations
Carnations are a versatile and budget-friendly option, as they are available in a wide range of colours and can be easily dyed to match your wedding colour palette. They are also very durable, making them ideal if you want a flower that can withstand the entire day. While carnations may be a simple choice, they can look stunning when used in bulk or grouped together.
Gardenias
Gardenias are unique flowers that offer a beautiful fragrance, making them perfect for personal arrangements like boutonnieres and corsages. However, if you or your guests are sensitive to strong scents, it is best to use them sparingly. Gardenias are a special choice for weddings, adding interest and beauty to your floral arrangements.
Lilies
Lilies are a popular choice for wedding bouquets due to their elegant trumpet-like shape and the wide variety of colours and varieties available. Calla lilies, in particular, are an excellent option for minimalist couples, while stargazer and tiger lilies are also popular varieties. However, it is important to note that lilies have strong pollen and a powerful fragrance, which may be overpowering for some. Additionally, they are toxic to cats and dogs, so consider this if your furry friends will be in attendance.
When choosing a flower for your wedding suit, it is essential to consider the overall style and colour palette of your outfit and the occasion. Lapel flowers are typically worn on the left lapel of the jacket and should complement your entire ensemble. Whether you choose a subtle or bold flower, it can add a stylish and personal touch to your wedding suit.
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Pick a style: single flower, small cluster, or elaborate arrangement
When it comes to choosing a style for your wedding suit flower arrangement, you have several options, including a single flower, a small cluster, or an elaborate arrangement. Here are some tips to help you decide:
Single Flower
A single flower, also known as a boutonnière, is a classic and elegant choice. It is typically worn on the left lapel of your jacket and can be pinned or placed through a buttonhole, depending on the style of your jacket. If your jacket lapel has a keyhole-shaped buttonhole, you can push the stem of the flower through the hole and secure it with a pin. If there is no buttonhole, you can simply pin the flower to your lapel. When choosing a single flower, consider selecting one that complements the bride's bouquet or reflects the primary colours of the wedding palette.
Small Cluster
If you're looking for something a little more subtle, a small cluster of flowers can be a great choice. This style can be pinned to your lapel or, if you're wearing a more casual outfit without a jacket, pinned to your shirt. Small clusters can also be attached to a square and placed in your jacket's breast pocket, creating a pocket boutonnière or floral pocket square. When choosing a small cluster, opt for lightweight flowers and textures to avoid creasing your shirt or jacket.
Elaborate Arrangement
For a bolder statement, consider an elaborate arrangement, which can include multiple flowers, greenery, and unique textures. This style typically works best with a suit jacket, as it can handle larger and more fun arrangements. You can choose anything from a single large rose to a cluster of flowers that match the wedding's flowers and textures. When selecting an elaborate arrangement, consider the weight and size of the flowers, especially if you're wearing a button-down shirt, as the weight may need to be supported by suspenders.
No matter which style you choose, ensure that your flower arrangement complements your outfit and the overall wedding theme.
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Pin the boutonnière: secure the pin through the top of the thickest part of the stem
The key to wearing a boutonnière is proper placement. The boutonnière is always worn on the left lapel, just above your heart. The largest part of the flower should be placed over the buttonhole, with the base of the flower where the ribbon-covered stem begins resting on the lapel below the buttonhole. The stem of the boutonnière should be aligned with the sides of the lapel so it angles in the same direction.
When pinning your boutonnière, you need to consider the weight of the arrangement. If it's a single flower, it is easiest to pin along the stem at its thickest point. This ensures stability and keeps it perkily upright. The pin should enter from the back of the lapel and face away from your chest and down to avoid accidental pricks. If you're using two pins, the back of the lapel should look like an X with the placement of the pins. The pins should not be visible from the front of the suit and should grab only a small part of the fabric.
If your boutonnière is an arrangement, you'll want to pin it securely so it doesn't droop, shift, or flop. If it's a particularly heavy arrangement or top-heavy and pulling your lapel forward, you can brace the base of the stem with a discreet pin. If your suit has a small latch or loop lower down on the back of the lapel, you can use this instead of a pin.
Lapel pin placement is also essential. Most lapel flowers have a closure with a small thumbtack-style pin hidden behind the lapel for a clean and discreet look. However, modern designs sometimes feature the pin bar visible on the front, adding a bold detail to your outfit.
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Coordinate colours: match the bridal bouquet, wedding party, or decor flowers
When it comes to wedding flowers, there are no hard and fast rules. While some people prefer a very coordinated and matching bridal party look, others are inspired by contrast and love the idea of their bridal bouquet being unique.
If you want your wedding flowers to be coordinated, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the colour of the dresses. You can choose to coordinate or contrast the colour of the flowers with the dresses. For example, if you're wearing a white wedding dress, you might choose a classic red bouquet to symbolise romance, passion and sensuality. Or, if you want to stand out from your bridesmaids, you could opt for a colourful bouquet that pops against your gown.
Another way to coordinate your wedding flowers is to match them to the groom's outfit. Traditionally, grooms and groomsmen wear matching or complementary boutonnières to demonstrate their connection to the bride and the wedding party. For example, the groom might wear a lapel flower that reflects the primary colours of the bride's bouquet in a smaller form. This small detail can help complete the groom's wedding look and visually tie the couple together.
If you're looking for a more subtle way to incorporate flowers into the groom's outfit, consider a lapel pin or flower. These can be small and discreet, adding a touch of elegance to a formal look. Lapel flowers can also be used to add a playful or sophisticated touch, depending on the style you choose. For example, a bold polka dot lapel flower can create a playful yet sophisticated look, while a black lapel flower pairs beautifully with a classic black tuxedo for a sleek and timeless appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
A boutonnière is a small flower or other ornamental decoration worn on the lapel of a suit jacket. The name comes from the French word for "buttonhole", where the stem of the flower is placed.
The type of flower you choose depends on the style you want to achieve. Common flowers used for boutonnières include roses, carnations, gardenias, and lilies. If you want to make a statement, you could opt for a bolder style, like a polka dot lapel flower. You may also want to match your boutonnière to your bride's bouquet or the wedding's colour palette.
Most lapel flowers have a closure with a small pin hidden behind the lapel for a discreet look. However, some modern designs feature the pin bar visible on the front. When pinning the flower, put the pin through the top of the stem where the ribbon begins and the stem is thickest to secure it in place.
The boutonnière is traditionally placed on the left lapel of the jacket, slightly above the heart.








































