How to Wear a Boutonniere: Placement, Pinning, and Style

A boutonniere is a small flower worn on the jacket lapel (the folded flap of fabric on the front of the jacket), and it shows up in every close-up photo, so it's worth getting right. The rules are simpler than they look: left lapel, above the heart, pinned from behind so nothing shows.

Here is a step-by-step guide to how to wear a boutonniere, from placement and pinning to picking a style that fits the day.

Here's what this guide walks through, step by step:

• Which side a boutonniere goes on
• How to pin one in a few steps
• Placement by lapel type
• Who wears a boutonniere, and style ideas

Which Side Does a Boutonniere Go On

Start with the basics, since placement is where most people hesitate.

Left Lapel, Above the Heart

A boutonniere goes on the left lapel, sitting above the heart. Most jacket lapels have a small buttonhole there that works as a built-in guide. Place the flower over or slightly above that hole, stem pointing down, angled to run parallel with the outer edge of the lapel.

• Left lapel, every time
• On the wide part of the lapel, not near the collar
• Around 4 inches down from the shoulder seam
• Angled to follow the lapel edge, not straight up

How to Pin a Boutonniere

Pinning looks tricky but takes under a minute once you know the motion.

The Pinning Steps

Work from behind the lapel so the pin stays hidden.

• Hold the flower flat against the left lapel
• Push the pin up from behind, through the thickest part of the stem
• Weave it back through the lapel so the point hides behind the fabric
• Add a second pin below for heavy blooms or a night of dancing

Common Pinning Mistakes

A few small fixes keep it photo-ready.

• Skip pinning it dead center on the lapel
• Keep the pin from showing on the front
• Avoid placing it too high near the collar

Boutonniere Placement by Lapel Type

Placement shifts a little depending on the jacket, especially on a tuxedo.

Notch and Peak Lapels

Notch and peak lapels give you a buttonhole to aim for. A notch lapel has a small step cut where the collar meets the lapel, and that notch marks the spot.

• Use the buttonhole as your guide
• Center the base of the flower slightly above it

Shawl and Satin Tuxedo Lapels

A tuxedo's satin shawl lapel is one smooth curve with no notch, so use the shirt instead.

• Line the base of the flower with the second shirt button
• Keep the stem parallel to the lapel edge

Renting a tux? Our guide to ​tuxedo styles for 2026 covers lapels in detail.

Who Wears a Boutonniere and Style Ideas

Boutonnieres mark the key people of the day and pull the whole look together.

Who Wears One

The flower is shared across the wedding party.

• The groom, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers
• Ring bearers and ushers often wear one too
• The groom's is usually a little more special than the rest

Groom Boutonniere Ideas

Keep it clean and let the flower accent the suit.

• One bloom like a rose, calla lily, or ranunculus
• A color that echoes the bridal bouquet, not an exact match
• A ​well-fitted suit or tuxedo that gives the flower a sharp backdrop

For groomsmen wearing one, our guide on ​what a groomsman does covers their role.

The groom can start a ​free Home Try-On to check the jacket before the big day.

Build Your Wedding Look

Ready to set the stage for that boutonniere? Order ​free swatches to match your flowers to the suit, then see ​how your suit should fit so everything sits clean in photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side does a boutonniere go on?

A boutonniere goes on the left lapel, above the heart. Nearly every men's jacket has a buttonhole on the left lapel that acts as a guide, so the flower sits over or slightly above it, with the stem pointing down.

How do you pin a boutonniere so it stays put?

Pin from behind the lapel, pushing the pin up through the thickest part of the stem and back through the fabric so the point hides behind. For heavy flowers or a lot of dancing, add a second pin about half an inch below the first.

Do boutonnieres go through the buttonhole?

Usually no. On most modern jackets, the flower is pinned slightly above or over the buttonhole rather than threaded through it, since the loop that once held the stem is often gone. The buttonhole still works as a handy placement guide.

Who wears a boutonniere at a wedding?

The groom, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers typically wear one, and ring bearers and ushers often do too. The groom's boutonniere is usually a bit more distinct, so he stands out from the rest of the wedding party in photos.

What flowers make a good boutonniere?

Sturdy, long-lasting blooms work best, since a boutonniere sits out of water for hours. Roses, calla lilies, ranunculus, and carnations all hold up well, often with a small sprig of greenery. One clean flower usually looks sharper than a crowded cluster.

Can you wear a boutonniere on a tuxedo?

Yes. On a tuxedo with a satin shawl lapel, there's no notch to guide you, so line the base of the flower with the second shirt button and keep the stem parallel to the lapel edge. The look stays classic and formal.