Things To Know About Buttonholes and Corsages

There is a BIG difference between a buttonhole and a corsage and who wears what as well as which side it is to worn on. Find three things you should know about button holes and corsages below from Dee McMeeking Wedding Styling & Flower Design.

Today’s modern bride-to-be has a fabulous array of ideas to choose from when it comes to her wedding bouquet, ranging from pearls to feathers, and lets not forget to mention the flowers! The flowers are chosen to suit the bride and groom’s outfits, and let’s not forget the bridesmaids, best man, flowers girls and, of course, mothers of the bride and groom.

deemcmeeking buttonholes 3

So many of brides-to-be order button holes or corsages for the wedding day and then on the day have no idea how people should wear them! I’ve seen this so often at weddings where the button holes or boutonnieres (if you prefer it in French) arrive and there are a group of lovely men standing looking at them, then at each other, then at the button holes and then they look for the nearest lady to help them! So here are my 3 top tips to share.

You might also like: Wedding flower trends for 2020

deemcmeeking buttonhole1

Gents wear a button hole on their left lapel

If there is a button hole there, then pushing the stem right through the fabric will be the best option and will keep it secure and in place. If, however, this is sewn up he will need to have it pinned on to the fabric of his lapel. A pin should come with the button hole when it arrives, the longer it is the better. The aim is to have the pin trap and hold the stem against his jacket. Make sure that the flower head is point up towards his left shoulder. Simple!

deemcmeeking buttinholes 2
Ladies wear a button hole / corsage on their right

And this is the bit most people don’t know. Ladies wear the flower differently to the men, on the opposite side. But it doesn’t stop there – a lady should have the flowers pointing downwards. So the stem should be pointing towards her shoulder. The reason for this? Gravity and busts! The flower is top heavy and so are most women. When you wear it stem pointing up there is a much better chance of it sitting against you and it won’t feel as if it is pulling your clothes away from you! Top tip of the day to give to the mother of the bride and mother of the groom.

Hugging squashes flowers!

After the ceremony when the world and his wife come to squeeze you in excitement and congratulate you – yep you guessed it – the flowers crush. Only a problem if you have yet to have your wedding photographs taken. But of course the clever groom will know that and have a spare on order to swap in time for the photo shoot if he needs to! As simple as that.

Happy planning!

Dee McMeeking Wedding Styling & Floral Design is a wedding stylist & floral designer who creates your unique wedding style down to the very last detail.

Book your tickets here!