What Is a Buttonhole & Who Should You Order One For?
When planning your wedding flowers, it’s easy to focus on the big-impact pieces—your bouquet, the ceremony backdrop, or the centrepieces. But it’s often the smallest details that carry the most meaning.
Buttonholes and corsages may be modest in size, but they’re deeply symbolic and a beautiful way to honour the people closest to you. These wearable florals create a sense of unity, tradition, and personal connection.
Often overlooked in early planning, this guide walks you through what they are, who typically wears them, how to style them, and our expert tips for ordering buttonholes and corsages that feel cohesive and intentional.
What Is a Buttonhole?
A buttonhole (also known as a boutonnière) is a small cluster of flowers or foliage, traditionally worn on the left lapel of a suit or jacket. They're most commonly worn by the groom, groomsmen, and male family members.
At Jemma Khan Bridal, our Ready to Wear buttonholes are crafted with seasonal flowers and elegant finishing touches, like ribbon, twine, or silk, ensuring they complement the overall wedding style without feeling overly formal or fussy.
Who Wears Buttonholes at a Wedding?
There’s no strict rule, but these are the most common wearers:
Groom
Groomsmen / Best man
Fathers of the bride and groom
Grandfathers
Ring bearers / Page boys
Tip: Keep a couple of spares on hand, just in case of last-minute outfit changes or unexpected tears (yes, florals can get emotional too!).
What Is a Corsage?
A corsage is a small floral arrangement worn by female members of the wedding party, usually on the wrist or pinned to a dress or jacket. It’s a thoughtful gesture that acknowledges their special role in your day.
Corsages are typically given to:
Mothers of the couple
Grandmothers
Step-parents
Godparents or other meaningful figures
Our wrist corsages are designed with soft ribbon ties or delicate bands for comfort and style. We also offer pin-on corsages, ideal for jackets or structured fabrics.
How to Style Buttonholes and Corsages
These pieces should feel like a natural extension of your wedding flowers. We recommend:
Matching the colour palette of your bouquet or bridesmaid flowers
Keeping textures consistent (e.g. soft, romantic florals vs. clean and modern)
Using ribbon or ties that reflect your wedding aesthetic
Tip: It’s best to have them delivered hydrated and ready to wear, especially during warm weather. We package all our Ready to Wear items carefully for ease on the day.
Final Thoughts
Though they may be small, buttonholes and corsages bring intimacy and connection to your wedding day. They honour the people who’ve shaped your journey and help tie your floral story together from start to finish.
Looking for elegant, locally crafted wedding flowers in Manchester? Our Ready to Wear wedding flower collection makes choosing beautiful, high-quality flowers easy and effortless.
Explore the full offering at jemmakhanbridal.co.uk or get in touch for help choosing the perfect finishing touches.