How to pin a buttonhole onto a suit
The origins of a wedding Buttonhole
Traditionally dating back to ancient Greece, male wedding party members would wear small gatherings of herbs close to their hearts in order to ward off evil spirits. Some thought that not doing so would mean that the groom would never find love with his bride. Medieval times, Knights wore their ladies colours on their chests to show their everlasting love and commitment. Roll on further and the 19th century saw a grand and romantic revival not only for weddings but also for society events, gatherings and even blockbuster films. Think Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger or Carry Grant in To Catch a Thief.
Now a days; we keep the tradition of wearing a buttonhole alive purely for two reasons:
They’re a romantic way to make the key wedding party members feel included and special.
They distinguish the main wedding party from guests. Making it easier for the photographer, planner, staff or guests to find them if they need them.
Who wears a buttonhole at a wedding?
Buttonholes are for men only (women wear corsages which are a different design specifically for ladies).
With some religions it it the tradition that all guests receive a buttonhole. However we suggest to our couples that only the main wedding party are included. This normally includes:
The groom - Who’s buttonhole is slightly more elaborate so that it links beautifully with the bridal bouquet.
The best man
Father/s of the Bride and Groom
Ushers, Groomsmen or pageboys
Grandfathers are lovely to include as well.
On the day of your wedding, you’ll find the buttonholes neatly packaged together with individual labels on to tell you who each one is for.
Where do you pin
on a buttonhole?
The proper placement for a gentlemen’s wedding buttonhole is on his left hand side suit lapel.
Or if you’re the one pinning it on - this would be the right side as you look straight at them.
How to put a buttonhole onto a suit
Whether you have chosen a classic single bloom or a cluster buttonhole made from lots of different flowers; the process of how to pin a buttonhole onto a suit is still the same.
Hold the buttonhole upright with the blooms at the top and stems at the bottom.
Find the mid section of the lapel and place the buttonhole flat onto it
Take your pearl headed pin and start from the underside of the lapel, drive the pin through the fabric, through the stems and back again through the fabric the other side.
Repeat step 3 with the second pearl headed pin, this will secure it so it wont move, drop or spin.
If you need a little extra guidance about how to pin a buttonhole onto a suit, please do watch the video below where you can see how I put a buttonhole onto a suit