Boutonniere in Fashion

What Is a Boutonniere?

A boutonniere is a small floral decoration worn on the lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket. Traditionally, this single blossom or cluster of tiny flowers serves as a personal adornment for formal occasions. While boutonnieres once signified allegiance or social status, today they are popular accessories for weddings, proms, and red-carpet events.

History and Cultural Significance

The practice of wearing a boutonniere flower dates back to medieval Europe, when knights would tuck fragrant herbs and petals into their armor to ward off bad luck or disease. By the Victorian era, boutonnieres had evolved into ornate displays of delicate blooms, each color conveying a specific sentiment. Over time, the boutonniere became a symbol of refinement and romance, cementing its role in ceremonies like the wedding boutonniere exchange.

Choosing the Right Boutonniere Flower

Classic White Boutonniere

A white boutonniere offers timeless elegance. Often crafted from a single white rose or stephanotis, it complements darker suits and serves as a staple for black-tie events.

Vibrant Red Boutonniere

For a bolder statement, a red boutonniere can turn heads. A miniature red carnation or rose brings passion to the lapel, ideal for celebrations or fashion-forward mens boutonniere styles.

Practical Guide: How to Put on a Boutonniere

How to Pin a Boutonniere

To secure your boutonniere, first position the bloom just above the heart-shaped notch in the left lapel. Hold the stem straight and pierce the fabric from the inside out, catching the flower’s wire wrapped stem.

How to Pin on a Boutonniere

Alternatively, some prefer to angle the pin downward. After slipping the corsage boutonniere stem through the lapel’s buttonhole, insert the pin from the back of the lapel toward the front, ensuring the flower sits snugly without drooping.

Boutonnieres in Modern Fashion

Wedding Boutonniere

A wedding boutonniere often matches the bridal bouquet. Groomsmen and fathers of the couple wear coordinating boutonnieres, creating visual harmony. Lightweight blooms and foliage keep the arrangement fresh through long ceremonies.

Mens Boutonniere and Corsage Boutonniere Combinations

At dances or formal gatherings, pairing a corsage boutonniere for women and a coordinating mens boutonniere for their partners reflects thoughtful styling. Matching ribbon or greenery unites the duo’s outfits.

Caring for Your Boutonniere

To preserve freshness, store your boutonniere in a cool place until ready to wear. Mist lightly with water and keep in a sealed container. Avoid direct sunlight and heat to maintain the integrity of delicate petals.

By understanding what is a boutonniere and how to select, pin, and care for it, anyone can elevate their formal attire with a touch of floral sophistication.