T H E / B U T T O N H O L E S
Sometimes these pretty things are referred to as pocket flowers, boutonnière, or as some of my couples call them, a “men’s flower”. Now, whatever you choose to call them, the traditional and proper description of a buttonhole is “typically a single flower or bud, worn on the lapel of a jacket”.
For the wedding party, we often stick with this traditional style of a simplistic design of a rose and complimenting flower like gypsophelia or waxflower. But for the Groom, now he has to be special and stand out! We like to add a couple of the different flowers from the bridal bouquet, so that his is different to his male companions, and matches his blushing bride.
Buttonholes differ from “corsages”, which are a “small and delicate bouquet of wired flowers for ladies to wear on their jacket or wrist”. In years gone by, it was most definitely the done thing that the Mothers of Bride and Groom would wear a corsage. Nowadays, a buttonhole is most cost effective and really pretty! It also always used to be said, that women needed to wear their flower on one side, and men on the opposite side, and that they should wear theirs upside down. While there is nothing wrong with this, I always just say to go with whichever way you like best, and whichever way you are comfortable with! Be sure to see my top tip further on this blog!
Another option if you are going for a really relaxed and informal feel, is to not have the traditional “one single flower” buttonholes, and to instead have little mixtures of dainty flowers, arranged and tied with rustic twine. These can all be the same as eachother, or why not have them all a bit different and each person can just choose their favourite one on the day! This will also enhance the chilled out vibe, as it isn’t too “matchy matchy”!
For our photoshoot at Rudby Hall, I did a couple of different designs. One was the more traditional single orange rose, with a few signature flowers to match the bouquets. The other was less structured and contained the smaller headed flowers in a little mixture for a different style choice!
T O P / W E D D I N G / D A Y / T I P
We generally make our buttonholes without wiring, so that they can be bound with twine and stored in water until as close to the ceremony as possible. This keeps them super fresh and perky for the main event and photos!
As a top tip of mine, wear your buttonhole on the opposite side to the hand you pick your drinks up with! This will stop it getting bruised all day long as you take sips of champagne.
Photography: Emma Marie Photography-Uk
Flowers: The Countryside Florist
Cake: Gabriella Grace Cakes
Stationery: Sarah Alexis Stationery
Venue Dressing: Sheer Elegance Weddings and Events
Suits: Dandy Threads
Dresses: Joanne Kay Bridal Boutique
Video: Strike a Pose Wedding Movies
Make Up: Samantha Waring Make Up Artistry & Microblading
Hair: The Salon Redcar
Venue: Rudby Hall