
Introduction:
Have you ever stopped to appreciate the small flower on a bridal suit or the one on a young man’s tuxedo at a prom? This small flower, which is called a Boutonniere, they seldom taken the trouble to attend to. But behind its thin petals lies the story of tradition, symbolism, and style. It is a boutonniere; it is a French word, boutonniere, which signifies a buttonhole, and it is something more than a bit of trimming.
It is more or less a constant brand of beauty, love, and quality. A boutonniere says something, but it is without rhetoric whether the flora is a flower, herbs, or something a bit more exotic, such as a cog of an ancient clock. As will be revealed in this paper, the origin of such tradition will be unraveled, and how it still has relevance in this modern day, and how you can make the most of it during your next most formal event.
Bite-Size History of Little Boutonniere Short History of
The concept of flower decoration on the garments is very historic. In such civilizations as ancient Greece and ancient Rome, men would put together small bundles of herbs or even flowers in attempts to ward off bad smells and bad spirits. They also put them on the warrior before any battle to show that the warrior had the gods as a friend and thus courage.
Jump to the 18th and 19th centuries, and you have the contemporary form of the boutonniere taking root in European society. The aristocrats, dandies would also pin flowers on their lapel jackets- and would steal them even out of the hand of a lady- in a romantic gesture. In the Victorian era, when floral language (floriography) reached its peak of popularity, a flower in a lapel could say more than words:
It could tell about love, friendship, sorrow, or even secret admiration. Eventually, the boutonniere feature came to become a standard in men across the board as far as the first part of the 20th century goes, at least concerning weddings, prom night, military parades, and funerals.
The question is naturally why we still wear boutonnieres today.
With every new season, fashion changes, and to many people, it is a wonder how the boutonniere has remained. But it has a classical quality to it.
1. It’s Personal
A boutonniere is not a stylish jewelry; it is a tale. This flower may pay tribute to a memory, or be a motif for a wedding, or the memory of a loved one. The groom frequently selects a flower that is similar to the bouquet of the bride, which is representative of their commitment to one another.
2. It’s Symbolic
When you have a boutonniere, it means that you belong to something important. When it applies to grooms and groomsmen, it signifies solidarity. The white flowers are used as a sign of mourning, and respect is shown during a funeral. A corsage that a young man attaches to a girl is a sweet gesture of affection, even at the prom, where he wears her matching boutonniere.
3. It’s Stylish
Of course, a well-chosen boutonniere turns your suit into a shiny one and makes it more characterful. It is an attention to detail that people will notice in a picture, and it makes them feel that you pay attention to details.

What are the Events when one wears a Boutonniere?
No one said there has to be a rule book, but the most typical instances in which wearing a boutonniere is a good idea, mostly even an obligatory requirement, are as follows:
- Weddings: Men and wedding guests match the colors of the wedding colors or wedding flowers with boutonnieres placed on the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers during the ceremony, and ring bearers on occasion.
- Proms and Formal Dances: The men also pin on boutonnieres that go with either the dress or corsage of the girl.
- Funerals: The convenient way out is the simple white carnation or a rose; it is the respectful one.
- Military / Memorial Ceremonies: Red poppy is also usually worn in honor of the veterans or the fallen soldiers.
- Galas or Black-Tie Events: Galas and other black tie events may include designer boutonnieres as part of red carpet style by both celebrities and dignitaries.
The Right Boutonniere: Flowers and Meaning
All flowers have the privilege to be fashioned into boutonnieres. The flower you choose can carry meaning — and practicality matters too. You’ll want something that holds up throughout the day or evening without wilting.
Here are some popular boutonniere choices and what they symbolize:
Flower | Meaning | Best For |
Rose | Love, passion (red); purity (white) | Weddings, Proms |
Carnation | Loyalty, remembrance | Funerals, Military |
Baby’s Breath | Innocence, everlasting love | Rustic weddings |
Orchid | Luxury, strength, elegance | Galas, Tropical themes |
Lavender | Peace, devotion | Boho or country events |
Calla Lily | Beauty, faith | Sophisticated weddings |
Some people go floral-free — using paper flowers, metal pins, buttons, or even Lego characters for themed events!
How to wear a Boutonniere (Properly!)
Unbelievably, many people are mistaken on this.
This is the way a boutonniere ought to be pinned on
- Side: On the left lapel at all times, that is, on the same side as your heart.
- High up on the breast of the jacket,–preferably over the button-hole.
- Angel: Straight; that is to say, out and palpably tipped up.
- Attachment: Plant it wearing the coat inside out, so that it can be fingered up through the
stem and coat towards the back of the lapel, and so maintained quite out of sight.
A boutonniere holder will be necessary (often a small magnetic one) if your jacket does not come complete with a buttonhole or stem holder. If your jacket lacks the latter, you may order a sturdy, wired one at a florist shop.
DIY: What is a Boutonniere and How to Create Your Own
In case you like crafts or want to make someone feel special at a wedding or a prom, a boutonniere will not be as difficult as it may seem. There is a simple rule:
Materials:
- 1 mini focal flower (such as rose, mini carnation)
- Plant-Life (eucalyptus, fern, etc.
- Floral tape
- Advocaci√pod pracovn√≠ n√°stroji na trhu s kvetem
- Ribbon
- scissors/flora/vp nutrition spelhole
- Safety pin, or a boutonniere pin
Steps:
- Branches are 3-4 inches.
- You must carry this greenery and flowers in the middle of it.
- Trim around the floral tape of the foundation.
- Put a fancy ribbon on and fasten it.
- You can keep it refrigerated until you need to wear it.
Hiking-made boutonnieres are particularly special in weddings -and they take photographs very well.
New Fashion in Boutonnieres
That traditional red rose is not disappearing anywhere, yet, this season, the addition to the boutonnieres is given a new twist. Some of the trends at the moment are:
1. Dried Florals
Green and not to be replaced soon, dried flowers such as pampas grass, lavender, or preserved roses are increasing in popularity.
2. Mini Succulents
Succulents are tough, contemporary, and gender-free. They are most apt for outdoor or desert-related occasions.
3. Personalization
Feeling like including a patch of cloth from a loved one’s shirt? Well, something that you happen to be lucky in, with your initials? A daguerreotype key? Just do it. The available boutonnieres may be made as personal as you desire them to be today.
4. Theme-Based
The mini lightsabers are used among Star Wars fans. Herbs are used by gardeners. The musicians may cut in with a guitar pick. Creativity has been applied to the boutonniere.

Boutonniere and Corsage: What is the Difference?
These are the two floral accessories that people get confused about. The difference between them is as follows:
- A boutonniere is used by men on the left lapel of a suit or a tuxedo
- Women usually wear a corsage on the wrist, shoulder, or even on the waist.
Both may match, and others can be the same color coordinated and will also match when couples are attending the same event, but their designs vary in size and complexity.
Do’s and Don’ts of Boutonniere Etiquette
So as not to get ratchet and tacky, here are some rapid-fire lists of etiquette:
Do:
- You can tape your boutonniere according to the theme or colors of the event.
- Match the outfit of your partner or his/her bouquet.
- Make sure to treat the flowers gingerly as they are so fragile!
- Before the event, store it in a cool place.
Don’t:
- Mount it askew or too low.
- Apply flowers that are too big or too strong-smelling.
- Let it hang the long way or allow it to get water sprayed upon it, as it is necessary.
Au revoir: Cézanne in Boutonniere: The Need To Care
It is true that in the modern world of digital-first and fast-paced lifestyles, you may ask yourself why we have not abandoned traditions, such as the boutonniere. The fact is, the boutonniere survives because it accomplishes the one thing that is rarely done: it makes us move slowly. It causes us to think twice. It keeps us in mind that time is everything.
Wedding, funeral, your last high school dance; whatever the special occasion, when you wear a boutonniere, you are saying, This is something to remember. And in that regard, the boutonniere is not simply a flower. It is an embodiment of tenderness, convention, and human relations.
Next time you see somebody with one on, think twice. A lot of meaning can indeed be put into that little flower which words cannot describe.
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