How To Pin A Boutonniere
Pinning a boutonniere seems simple—until you’re standing there, shaky hands, sharp pin in hand, and the groom looking at you like you hold his fate in your hands. But don’t worry! Whether you’re the best man, a wedding planner, or just the lucky person handed the pin, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to pin a boutonniere in just a few easy steps. No stress, no injuries (hopefully), and no crooked flowers!
What You’ll Need
- The boutonniere (obviously!)
- A sturdy pin (pearl-headed pins work best)
- A cooperative lapel (and a cooperative groom, if possible)
Step 1: Pick the Perfect Spot
The boutonniere should sit on the left lapel, over the heart. If the suit has a buttonhole, that’s your guide! If not, aim for the area just below the widest part of the lapel. It should be visible but not so high that it pokes them in the chin.
Pro tip: If the groom flinches when you pin it, you’ve gone too far north.
Step 2: Hold the Boutonniere in Place
With your non-dominant hand, hold the boutonniere flat against the lapel. The flower should face outward, and the stem should point downward at a slight angle. The goal is to make it look natural—like it just happened to land perfectly on the groom’s chest.
Step 3: Insert the Pin from Behind
This is where things get real. Take the pin and, from behind the lapel, push it diagonally through the thickest part of the stem. Then, push it back into the lapel, creating a secure stitch-like hold. The pin should be hidden behind the fabric, with only the flower on display.
Avoid the classic rookie mistake: Don’t just stab the pin straight through the front. It’ll be visible, wobbly, and you might poke the groom. Nobody wants a boutonniere and a bandage in their wedding photos.
Step 4: Check and Adjust
Give the boutonniere a gentle wiggle to make sure it’s secure. If it droops or spins like a weather vane in the wind, add a second pin for extra stability. The goal is a boutonniere that stays in place through vows, photos, and an overenthusiastic hug from Grandma.
Step 5: Step Back and Admire Your Work
Congratulations! You’ve mastered how to pin a boutonniere like a pro. Take a step back, admire your handiwork, and accept the praise that is sure to follow. If you did it right, the groom won’t even notice it’s there—until someone compliments him on how sharp he looks!
Bonus Tips for Boutonniere Perfection
How to Pin a Boutonniere Like a Pro
Knowing how to pin a boutonniere is a small but essential wedding day skill. Get it right, and the groom and groomsmen will look effortlessly polished. Get it wrong, and you’ll be dealing with drooping flowers, uneven placement, or worst of all—a boutonniere that falls off mid-ceremony. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
1. Use a Sturdy Pin
Not all pins are created equal. A weak pin bends too easily, and nobody wants a boutonniere flopping around like a wilted flower by the time the vows are exchanged. Opt for a sturdy, pearl-headed pin for both function and a polished look.
2. Check for Balance
A boutonniere should sit upright and secure, not lean like it had one too many champagne toasts before the ceremony. Pin through the stem at an angle, securing it to the lapel without distorting the flower’s natural shape.
3. Keep Extra Pins Handy
Pins are tiny, and they have a way of disappearing right when you need them most. Having a few spares ensures that if a boutonniere needs a last-minute fix (and trust us, someone’s will), you’re prepared.
Now that you know how to pin a boutonniere, you’re officially ready for wedding day duties. Whether you’re pinning for the groom, groomsmen, or even the ever-enthusiastic ring bearer, you’ve got this! Just remember—steady hands, deep breaths, and please, try not to stab the suit (or the person wearing it).
If you need more wedding tips, tricks, and DIYs—including even more advice on how to pin a boutonniere—be sure to follow us on { FB | IG | YT } so you don’t miss a thing!
Cheers,
Nick & Jen Taylor
Pulse Productions Inc.
