A History of Wedding Flower Buttonholes
Buttonholes ready to be given to the bridal party
A History of Wedding Flower Buttonholes
At the heart of every wedding, flowers tell a story—of love, beauty, and timeless tradition. Among these floral elements, the humble buttonhole (or boutonnière) has a history as rich and romantic as the ceremonies themselves. But where did this charming custom begin, and how has it blossomed into a must-have detail for grooms and groomsmen today?
Ancient Roots of Floral Symbolism
The tradition of wearing flowers dates back thousands of years. In Ancient Greece, men would adorn their lapels with small blooms and herbs, believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck—particularly important on one's wedding day. Similarly, during the Middle Ages, knights would wear their lady's colours or a flower from her bouquet as a token of love and fidelity when heading into battle.
From Armor to Aisles: The Buttonhole Evolves
By the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe, especially in Victorian England, buttonholes became a refined fashion statement for gentlemen. Flowers in a man’s lapel not only signified elegance and status but also carried sentimental value, especially during courtship and weddings. The name "buttonhole" itself comes from the practice of placing a small flower into the buttonhole of a suit or coat.
The Language of Flowers
The Victorians also popularised the idea of floriography—the language of flowers—where each bloom carried its own meaning. A red rose spoke of true love, a lily of purity, and a sprig of rosemary of remembrance. Grooms began to select buttonhole flowers not only for their aesthetic appeal but for their symbolism, personalising their attire with a deeper message.
Modern -Day Meaning and Style
Today, wedding buttonholes remain a staple in bridal party attire, worn by grooms, groomsmen, fathers, and even ring bearers. While traditional blooms like roses, carnations, and lilies are still popular, modern floristry has opened the door to creative combinations—featuring succulents, wildflowers, herbs, and even feathers. Each design tells a story unique to the couple, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
Why the Buttonhole Still Matters
Though small in size, the buttonhole plays a big role in tying a wedding's floral theme together. It connects the groom to the bridal bouquet, complements the colour palette, and adds a personal, polished touch to formalwear. It's a nod to heritage, a symbol of love, and a beautiful detail that brings charm and character to the day.
Buttonhole ~ spray roses, wax flower, asparagus fern, ruscus and eucalyptus