I must admit that I didn’t have a clue how to pin a wedding flower button-hole when I first started shooting weddings.
But I quickly realised this was a skill I needed to learn if I was able to provide any practical help to panicking groomsmen on the morning of their big day…
Button-holes are traditionally worn by a select few – including the groom, groomsmen, the father of the groom and other special wedding guests. It is believed the tradition dates back to ancient Greece, where the buttonhole was thought to fend off evil spirits. Nowadays they symbolise the unity of the bridal couple, with the groom’s buttonhole often mirroring the flowers in the bride’s bouquet.
Tips
Anyway, let’s get into some quick tips:
- Which side? The buttonhole goes on the left lapel, over your heart. So you need to look for a buttonhole or, if your suit is fancy, a built-in loop on the back of the lapel.
- Positioning: Hold the flower by its stem, and place it over the lapel so the bloom faces outward. The stem should run straight down the lapel. If it looks like it’s trying to escape, you’ve got it wrong.
- Pinning the flower: Here’s where it gets a little tricky. You’ll need a pin. Pierce the back of the lapel, then spear through the stem of the flower, and finally, back through the lapel.
- Admire Your Work: Step back, take a look. The pin should be invisible if you’ve done your job right. Give it a gentle tug to ensure it’s not about to desert you at the altar. Looking sharp, sir.
Wear it with pride, you’ve mastered the art of the button-hole.
Finally, if you’re still undecided about what to wear and don’t fancy ‘normal’ button-holes then perhaps consider wearing something like dried flowers or even fabric? If it matches the vibe of your wedding & reveals more of an personalised touch then go for it – they will look stylish in any form!
