
Lapel flowers are a great way to add a touch of elegance and style to your wedding outfit. Worn on the left lapel of a jacket, they are usually reserved for formal occasions and are said to have been popularised by Prince Albert, who cut a hole in his lapel to place a small bouquet given to him by Queen Victoria on their wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement | Left lapel, above the breast pocket, slightly above the heart |
| Flower | Carnations, roses, cornflowers, or other flowers to match the wedding theme and colour palette |
| Style | Simple or intricate, with or without leaves or other natural touches, pinned or placed in the buttonhole |
| Occasion | Weddings, proms, galas, and other formal events |
| History | Symbol of good breeding, elegance, and sophistication; derived from the French word "boutonnière," meaning "buttonhole flower" |
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What You'll Learn

Lapel flowers are worn on the left side
Lapel flowers, also known as boutonnières, are floral decorations typically worn on the left lapel of a jacket or suit. The tradition of wearing flowers on the lapel is said to have originated with Prince Albert, who, upon receiving a small bouquet from Queen Victoria on their wedding day, cut a hole in his lapel to place the flowers. This gesture sparked a trend, and society soon followed suit.
Today, lapel flowers are primarily reserved for special occasions such as weddings, proms, and formal events. They are a way to add a touch of elegance, personality, and style to one's attire. When worn at a wedding, the groom's lapel flower is typically chosen to complement the bride's bouquet or the bridesmaids' corsages.
The proper way to wear a lapel flower is to position it on the left lapel, slightly above the breast pocket. Most lapel flowers have a small pin or thumbtack-style closure hidden behind the lapel, ensuring a discreet and secure placement. Alternatively, some modern designs feature a visible pin bar at the front, adding a bold detail to the outfit.
It is important to note that the size of the lapel flower should be considered. A smaller flower adds subtlety and elegance, while a supersized bloom might overwhelm the outfit, especially when combined with a pocket square. The key is to ensure the lapel flower pairs well with the overall ensemble, including the shirt and tie.
In summary, lapel flowers are traditionally worn on the left lapel of a jacket, adding a touch of sophistication and style to formal attire. Whether it's a wedding or any other special occasion, lapel flowers are a great way to showcase one's fashion sense and commemorate the momentous occasion.
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Flowers should be pinned through the buttonhole
Flowers should always be pinned through the buttonhole on the left lapel of a jacket, above the breast pocket. This is the correct way to wear a flower on your lapel, and it is also the most elegant. The flower should sit flat and discreetly, with the pin hidden behind the lapel.
The tradition of wearing flowers on the lapel began with Prince Albert, who cut a hole in his lapel to place flowers in it on his wedding day. This set a trend, and now the buttonhole is a standard feature of suit jackets. The purpose of the buttonhole is to hold flowers, so it is best to use it for this reason. Pinning a flower to the lapel can damage the garment, as the pin can break threads.
If the buttonhole is closed, or there is no buttonhole, it is best not to wear a flower. However, there may be occasions, such as weddings, where it is considered rude not to wear a flower if everyone else is. In this case, it is better to go against the rule and pin the flower to your lapel, rather than offend your family and friends.
When selecting a flower to wear on your lapel, it is important to choose one that complements your outfit and the occasion. It is also important to consider the size of the flower, as a large flower may overload your outfit.
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Boutonnières are worn at weddings, proms, galas
Boutonnières, or buttonholes, are small floral arrangements worn on the lapel of a jacket. They are typically reserved for formal occasions such as weddings, proms, galas, and other special events. The tradition of wearing flowers on the lapel dates back centuries, with men from kings to soldiers adorning their jackets with blooms. Today, boutonnières add a touch of elegance, style, and personality to a man's formal attire.
When it comes to weddings, the groom's boutonnière often complements the bride's bouquet, reflecting the primary colours or flowers in a smaller form. The groomsmen and the father of the bride may also wear matching boutonnières, adding a cohesive and elegant touch to the occasion. Boutonnières can be simple or elaborate, ranging from a single flower to arrangements that include flowers, leaves, and pins.
Proper placement of the boutonnière is essential. Traditionally, it is worn on the left lapel, slightly above the heart, and positioned over the buttonhole. The stem of the flower is inserted through the buttonhole, with the base of the flower resting on the lapel below the hole. This placement allows the boutonnière to lay flat and secure, ensuring it stays in place throughout the event.
When selecting a boutonnière, it is important to choose one that complements the overall look and occasion. The size of the flower is also crucial, as a super-sized bloom might overwhelm the outfit. Boutonnières can be purchased ready-made or custom-made to match the theme of the event.
Boutonnières are a timeless accessory that adds flair and sophistication to formal wear. Whether it is a wedding, prom, or gala, these floral accents bring a splash of colour and personality to any special occasion.
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Lapel flowers add personality and style
Lapel flowers, also known as boutonnières, are a great way to add a touch of personality and style to your outfit. Whether you're attending a wedding, a formal event, or simply want to elevate your everyday look, wearing a lapel flower can make a significant impact.
The tradition of wearing lapel flowers dates back centuries, with men from kings to soldiers adorning their lapels with flowers to signify elegance, sophistication, and attention to detail. In modern times, lapel flowers are typically reserved for special occasions, such as weddings, proms, and galas, where they add a splash of colour and personality to formal attire.
When selecting a lapel flower, it's important to choose one that complements your overall look and the occasion. Lapel flowers come in various styles, from simple designs like a single rosebud to more intricate patterns that include leaves or other natural elements. You can also find lapel flowers made from unique materials like feathers, beads, or fabric, allowing you to add a personal touch to your outfit.
To wear a lapel flower correctly, it is typically placed on the left lapel of your jacket, above the breast pocket. Most lapel flowers have a small pin or thumbtack-style closure that attaches behind the lapel, allowing the flower to sit flat and discreetly. If your lapel flower has a visible pin bar, ensure it's placed neatly so it doesn't detract from your overall look.
Whether you're the groom, groomsmen, or a guest at a wedding, lapel flowers are a perfect way to add a touch of elegance and personality to your outfit. By choosing the right flower and placement, you can stand out while also showing respect for the special occasion.
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The groom's flower should complement the bride's bouquet
The groom's lapel flower, known as a boutonnière, is an important part of a wedding. It is a small but impactful floral accent that brings a splash of colour and personality to the groom's outfit. The groom's boutonnière should complement the bride's bouquet, usually by reflecting the primary colours or flowers in a smaller form. For example, if the bride's bouquet features red roses, the groom's boutonnière could be a single red rose or a small cluster of red flowers.
The boutonnière is typically worn on the left lapel of the groom's jacket, slightly above the heart, and is placed directly over the buttonhole. This placement allows the boutonnière to be easily seen and appreciated and is said to symbolise elegance and attention to detail. The flower's stem is usually held in place with a loop at the back of the lapel, although some modern designs feature a visible pin bar adding a bold detail to the outfit.
When choosing a boutonnière, it is important to consider the overall style and colour palette of the wedding. The boutonnière should complement not only the bride's bouquet but also the groom's outfit and the wedding's theme. From classic floral designs to more unconventional styles, there are endless options to choose from to add a personal touch to the groom's formal attire.
The groomsmen may also wear boutonnières, which can be in the same style as the groom or slightly different, usually smaller, while still following the same colour palette. Fathers and grandfathers often wear boutonnières too, which can be in the same style as the groom or groomsmen, or completely different.
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Frequently asked questions
A boutonnière is a small floral arrangement, typically a single flower or bud, worn on the lapel of a jacket for special occasions such as weddings.
Wedding flowers are traditionally worn on the left lapel, slightly above the heart or breast pocket.
Most lapel flowers have a small pin or thumbtack-style pin that attaches behind the lapel, making the flower sit flat and discreetly. If your flower has a visible pin bar, ensure it's placed neatly.
The choice of flower depends on your preference and the occasion. Common wedding flowers include carnations, roses, and cornflowers. You can also add leaves or other natural elements for a complementary look.
The tradition of wearing flowers on lapels is said to have originated with Prince Albert, who, on his wedding day, received a small bouquet from Queen Victoria and cut a hole in his lapel to place the flowers there.











































