Secure a buttonhole, the right way

Buttonholes are believed to have originated in ancient Greece, when men wore miniature bunches of flowers and herbs to the left of their chest close to the heart to ward off unwanted spirits.

 The buttonhole has never gone out of fashion – but it's enjoyed a renaissance of late with stand-out colours and asymmetric designs.

 So, it's your wedding morning. Your carefully coordinated buttonholes have been delivered, the flowers fresh and bright. But how do you attach it?

 Believe it or not, there is a right and a wrong way, so read on to find out how.

 
A man having a flower attached to his blazer for an ARC wedding.

1. Choose your buttonhole

Traditionally the groom has a slightly bigger buttonhole than the best man/men and fathers of the bride and groom, and often the design makes it feel a bit more special.

 It’s a good idea to coordinate the choice of colours, flowers and foliage to the style of the suits and the wedding; and to complement the flowers in the bouquet. However, I believe buttonholes are a great way for the groom to put his personal stamp on the styling. Keep an eye on the proportions of the buttonhole in relation to the groom and the style of his suit but don't be afraid to take risks, have fun and express yourself!

2. Positioning

Place the buttonhole on the man's left lapel, just above the heart, and centre it horizontally. The flowers should rest on or just below the widest part of the lapel. Position the stem so that it’s parallel to the edge of the lapel.

N.B. On women, the buttonhole or corsage should be worn on the right. Women can, if they wish, choose to wear the flower facing down, stem parallel to the edge of the lapel, so that it sits more naturally on the bust.

3. Securing

Use a round-headed pearl pin. Turn the lapel over to expose the back. Thread the pin horizontally through the fabric and through the stem just below the flower heads. Finish by threading the pin back in the fabric, as if you were making a stitch, at a slight downward angle. Wiggle the buttonhole to make sure it’s well attached… and you are done!

Tip: ask someone to help you! 

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