A boutonniere, also known as a buttonhole in British English, is a floral decoration typically worn on the lapel of a tuxedo or suit jacket. It is usually a single flower or bud and is worn on special occasions for which formal wear is standard, such as weddings and proms. Women who wear jackets on these occasions may also wear boutonnieres, but more typically a woman would wear a corsage. Boutonnieres were used in the 16th century to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, and to keep bad scents away and protect against diseases. During the 19th century, boutonnieres became popular with followers of the Romantic movement, adding fresh color to attire. Today, boutonnieres are still part of a mans formal attire, chiefly used on special occasions such as weddings, proms, or ceremonies. There are many types and styles of boutonnieres to choose from, and they often match the flowers (corsages) of the bride or date.

To pin a boutonniere, follow these three easy steps:

1. Place the boutonniere on the left lapel, on top of the lapel and on the left side. If you’re pinning the boutonniere on someone else, then it should be placed to the right of the tie. The boutonniere is typically placed lower than the tie, but above the pocket square.
2. Fold the lapel over the boutonniere, forming a taco shape by folding the material over the flower so that you can see the back of the lapel.
3. Slide the needle downward into the back of the lapel, inserting the needle at a downward angle making sure it runs through both sides of the lapel. Be sure to stick the needle through the thickest part of the boutonniere, the flower stem. It’s important to insert the needle at a downward angle to ensure that the boutonniere stays in place throughout the event. After you’ve pinned the boutonniere, check and see that the needle is not visible from the front and the boutonniere is secure. You could also work with two pins for more stability.