Today we take a look at buttonholes. A gorgeous addition to any suit but for a small addition to the flowers of the day they do create their own problems! Who should wear one? If x has one, should y? And why do we wear one at all?
The tradition of wearing a buttonhole appears to come from the Ancient Greeks who wore a small bunch of scented flowers/herbs on the left side closest to the heart to ward off evil spirits. This came to England during Medieval times and replaced the knights wearing their ladies colours/ribbons that signified their everlasting love.
Who should you provide a buttonhole to? As a basic answer - those you are providing suits for
Groom, Best man (men), dad's (or those in the role) and ushers (if having any).
Corsages - Mum's (or those in the role)
It obviously is more complicated with step parents and extended family - these are my thoughts;
If you have step parents - it is a lovely gesture to provide a buttonhole for them (doesn't have to be the same as the main party)
Grandparents - It does depend on the generation, older persons would probably expect to be included, it is etiquette, but younger persons may not want one - ask first but I usually get couples to add something to the quote first, again can be something simple but you have thought of them.
Brothers, sisters - If not part of the main wedding party (see top) again a simple buttonhole would be advisable
Brother/sister- in-laws - If their partner is part of main party then definitely yes, if not use your discretion but I would again advise something small and simple.
This all does depend on how large your extended family goes and your budget. If you have many people and a low budget - keep to the wedding party only - the other advice I would add is keep it the same for both families - if you provide for one brother then all brothers should have one.
There are two sides to this - it is your day, you provide for who you want one BUT people can and do get upset if they think they are not (rightly or not) part of the immediate family and for the sake of a simple buttonhole (ours start at £5) is it really worth upsetting someone on your most precious of days?
If you are still unsure whether to buy one for a certain family member - ask them.
So to the buttonholes;
We start with the very simple type;
Tulip and leaf
Thistle
Thistle and gyp with twine around stems
gyp with twine
gyp with hessian is very popular this year and for next
Ivory roses are the classic flower, here they have eucalyptus leaves too
Gerbera and ruscus leaves
Daisies tied natural style
Dahlia and eucalyptus sprigs
Daisies, sol and fern, natural style
Rose, senecio leaf and gyp with ivory ribbon
Ivory rose, agapanthus flowers and eucalyptus (top)
Ivory rose, Rosemary and eucalyptus (bottom)
Calla lily with bear grass and looped foliage
Eustoma in the natural style
Freesia, sweet William and gerbera petals
Gerbera, daisies and eucalyptus, natural style
Traditional rose buttonholes
Gerber with lily grass loops, gyp and ivy
Gorgeous red rose with bear grass loops and ruscus leaves
Peach roses with eucalyptus leaf and lace ribbon
Double buttonhole of a rose and carnation
Rose with hydrangea florets
Scabious and hydrangea florets, natural style
Veronica, berries and foliage, natural style
Calla lily, eustoma, corsage
Rose, gerbera and daisy corsage
Freesia corsages
Rose and eustoma, lily of the valley corsage
Rose, sweet pea and gyp buttonhole, natural style
Euston, gyp and alstro buttonhole
Traditional corsage
Buttonhole of rose, campanula flowers and fern
Corsage to match above
Corsage in purple
White and grey corsage
You can add all sorts to your designs, these next have wire around the stems
Gerber and red bead wire
Lego men perhaps?
Beads and crystals?
Traditionally the groom and best man would have a double flowered buttonhole but the grooms should still stand out, and the other men a single flower, this can match the bride's bouquet or more usually the bridesmaids flowers. The ladies would wear a corsage of the flowers from the bridal bouquet to go with their outfits.
Having said all that, with todays weddings, anything goes. Go with the nature and style of your day, a relaxed informal day will require less than a formal traditional church style wedding.
Talk with your florist who can help you decide along with your flower choice.
For more ideas and inspiration check out our Pinterest Board here
Book a consultation with us soon and we will advise and inspire you
Sandra x
