How to Apply Buttonholes (and Why It’s Worth Knowing Before Your Wedding Day)

You’d be surprised how often this happens: you’ve invested in stunning buttonholes from a brilliant florist, they arrive on the morning of your wedding, and then… no one has the faintest idea how to pin them on.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself stepping in to save the day. Honestly? I’d say it’s around 90% of weddings I photograph. And while I don’t mind lending a hand (I’ve done my fair share of buttonhole duty!), it does mean I’m often too busy helping to actually photograph those lovely little moments of groomsmen and family members getting each other ready.

That’s a real shame because those “getting ready” photos are some of the most natural and fun shots of the morning. They tell the story of teamwork, laughter, and that slight pre-ceremony buzz as everyone figures things out together. So, if a few of your groomsmen learn how to apply a buttonhole ahead of time, you’ll end up with not just perfectly pinned flowers, but also some great candid photos too.

The Right Way to Pin a Buttonhole

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide you can share with your wedding party (and maybe even practice once or twice before the big day):

1. Positioning is everything.
   Buttonholes always go on the left lapel, above the heart. Angle them slightly so the flower head points up and outwards rather than flopping to the side.

2. Lift the lapel.
   Slide your hand under the lapel to give yourself something solid to pin against. This way, you’re not pushing the pin straight into your chest (always a bonus!).

3. Insert the pin from behind.
   Push the pin through the back of the lapel, into the stem of the buttonhole, and then back out through the lapel again. It should form a neat “stitch” that secures the flower without being visible from the front.

4. Check the angle.
   The buttonhole should sit snugly and upright. If it’s drooping, you might need a second pin to hold it in place.

5. Hide the mechanics.
   A well-pinned buttonhole shouldn’t show any pins from the front. The flower is the star of the show, not the safety pin!

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

If you take a couple of minutes to show your groomsmen how it’s done, you’ll not only avoid the morning scramble but also create those great “finishing touches” photos of people helping each other. Trust me, they look a lot better than me crouched over your best man with a pin in my hand.

So, have a chat with your florist, maybe even watch a quick demo when you pick the flowers up, and make sure at least one or two people know how to handle buttonholes on the day. It’s one of those tiny details that makes the morning smoother, calmer, and way more photogenic.

💡 Bonus tip: Buttonholes can be fragile. If you’re wearing them all day, try to avoid hugging too enthusiastically or brushing them when taking jackets on and off. A little care means they’ll look fresh for longer.

Video Example

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, buttonholes are small but mighty. They add a personal, stylish touch to the wedding party, and learning how to pin them properly is a game-changer. Plus, it frees me up to capture the real magic of the morning — the laughter, the nerves, the “teamwork” moments — instead of me playing florist’s assistant.

If you’d like more relaxed, documentary-style wedding photography tips — or you’re still looking for a photographer who’ll capture the day naturally while keeping things calm and fun — I’d love to chat. You can get in touch with me here.