The Buttonhole

The history behind the buttonhole and how to wear one on the wedding day

Every groom who wore a buttonhole at their wedding added a special touch of personality and meaning to their attire. Luan wore a white rose on his wedding day to compliment his black tuxedo jacket, which brought a modern flare to his wedding at the lavish Landmark Hotel in Marylebone.

Lee also wore a white rose, accompanied by a small pin, which had a photograph of his late father at his luxury wedding at the stunning Hedsor House mansion.

Dayo chose a traditional red rose that complemented Sofiyah's bouquet perfectly at their wedding at Putteridge Bury.

Gile's stunning red rose contrasted beautifully with Javneet's amazing blue bouquet at their central London wedding at the 10-11 Carlton House Terrace.

The buttonhole not only adds beauty but also has a significant symbolic meaning. It symbolizes the commitment to one's partner, as the buttonhole is a personal and intimate accessory at the wedding that only the groom and his groomsmen wear.

Many couples opt for traditional floral buttonholes, such as the elegant white rose or a red rose. However, some couples prefer a more personal touch and opt for unique buttonholes made of dried flowers or other non-traditional materials. For instance, Leah-ann chose to go against tradition and had her groomsmen sport dried flowers at her Gunnersbury park wedding. Adding personal touches to the buttonholes can make them stand out more and add that extra bit of uniqueness to a couple's special day.

There are certain guidelines that should be followed when wearing a buttonhole. Traditionally, buttonholes are worn on the left lapel, opposite the pocket square, while ladies wear a buttonhole on the right. The flower should be held with the stems and anchored in place with a pin. The stems should rest on the outside of the lapel, over the top of the buttonhole, not through it. The flowers should point upward towards the shoulder. These tips can help ensure that the buttonholes look neat and tidy without causing any damage to the suit or tuxedo jacket.

The tradition of wearing a buttonhole at weddings has been around for many years, and it continues to be a popular choice for grooms and their groomsmen. It adds a touch of elegance and personal style to the wedding attire and symbolizes the commitment of the couple to each other. Whether opting for traditional floral buttonholes or a more unique touch, every groom can infuse his personality into the buttonhole design. As a wedding photographer, I've seen many stunning buttonholes and am always in awe of their beauty and significance. I hope this blog has helped you understand the tradition and beauty behind the buttonhole and given you some ideas for your special day.