Let's Get Down to the Details
As a Nova Scotia Wedding Photographer, I spend a lot of time documenting the small moments that happen throughout a wedding day, and one of the most common is watching the groom and groomsmen try to work out how to attach a boutonniere.
In fact, I'd estimate that at least 90% of the weddings I photograph involve someone asking, "Does anyone know how this goes on?"
The good news is that it's actually quite simple once you know how.
Which Side Does A Boutonniere Go On?
A wedding boutonniere should be worn on the groom's left lapel, which is the same side as your heart. Traditionally, this is where the buttonhole on a suit jacket is located.
The flower should sit upright with the stem pointing downwards and should rest neatly against the lapel rather than sticking out.
The Secret To Making It Look Neat
One of the biggest mistakes I see is pins being pushed through the front of the boutonniere where they remain visible in photographs.
Instead, insert the pin from behind the lapel and through the stem before securing it back into the fabric.
This helps hide the pin completely and creates a much cleaner look in photographs.
Trust me, your photographer will thank you.
Consider Having A Spare Boutonniere
This is a little tip that many florists and photographers love.
If your budget allows, ask your florist to create a second boutonniere for the groom and keep it refrigerated throughout the day.
Wedding days can be surprisingly hard on flowers, especially during warm summer weddings. Between hugs, movement, heat and long hours, even the freshest flowers can start to show signs of wear.
Having a fresh boutonniere ready for golden hour portraits or evening photographs can make a surprising difference and ensures everything still looks its best later in the day.
Which Flowers Last Best?
Some flowers naturally hold up better than others throughout a wedding day.
Hardier blooms such as spray roses, ranunculus, thistle, wax flower and certain varieties of orchids tend to photograph beautifully from morning until evening.
More delicate flowers can wilt quickly in hot weather, particularly if they are out of water for long periods.
If you're planning a summer wedding, it's worth speaking with your florist about flowers that are known for their durability as well as their appearance.
If you're getting married during warmer months, you may also enjoy reading my guide to Hot Weather Wedding Tips In Nova Scotia.
What About Dried Flower Boutonnieres?
Dried flower boutonnieres have become increasingly popular and can be a fantastic option.
Because they don't require water, they often remain looking exactly the same throughout the entire wedding day. They're also ideal if you're hoping to keep your boutonniere as a keepsake after the wedding.
Just make sure they are stored carefully before the wedding as dried flowers can be more fragile and prone to breaking.
Are Artificial Flowers A Good Idea?
The answer is yes... sometimes.
There are some incredibly realistic artificial flowers available today that photograph beautifully. High quality faux flowers often look soft, natural and almost indistinguishable from fresh flowers in photographs.
Unfortunately, there are also some very poor quality artificial flowers on the market.
Cheap artificial flowers can appear shiny, plastic looking and unrealistic, particularly in close up photographs. They can instantly make an otherwise elegant wedding look less refined.
My advice is simple. If you choose artificial flowers, invest in high quality ones.
You only get married once, and the details you choose will appear in your photographs for years to come.
Final Thoughts
A boutonniere may seem like a small detail, but it plays an important role in completing the groom's wedding day look.
Wear it on the left lapel, hide the pin behind the fabric, and if possible, keep a spare fresh one ready for later in the day.
The result will be a cleaner, more polished look that photographs beautifully from the ceremony right through to sunset portraits.
If you're currently planning your wedding, you may also find these helpful:
Planning your wedding in Nova Scotia?
From helping grooms pin on boutonnieres to capturing every meaningful moment of your day, I'm here to help make the wedding experience feel relaxed, enjoyable and beautifully documented. If you're looking for a Nova Scotia Wedding Photographer who can guide you through the little details as well as the big moments, I'd love to hear more about your plans.