How to pin on a buttonhole or corsage: a step-by-step guide
The Christchurch school ball season is fast approaching, and hot on its heels is the classic New Zealand wedding season. It is an incredibly exciting time of year for the team here at Fleur By DK. As an award-winning florist based in Merivale Christchurch, we absolutely love the role we play in helping students and couples celebrate their big milestones in style.
When most people think of event florals, they immediately picture grand venue arrangements or cascading bridal bouquets. However, it is often the smaller, finer details that make the biggest impact. Buttonholes and corsages are those perfect little floral accents that add a pop of colour, tie an outfit together, and give the wearer an undeniable sense of occasion.
Whether you are a nervous school leaver heading to your first formal or a groomsman trying not to ruin a hired suit, pinning on these delicate florals can be surprisingly stressful. Here is our master florist's guide to choosing, caring for, and correctly pinning your buttonholes and corsages.
The History And Meaning Behind The Blooms
Historically, buttonholes (also commonly called boutonnieres) and corsages were worn to ward off evil spirits, bad luck, and even disease. Thankfully, today’s traditions are far more romantic. These bespoke floral accents are chosen specifically to complement the bride’s dress, the groom’s suit, or your school ball partner's outfit, creating a cohesive visual unity in your colour scheme.
They also offer a fantastic opportunity to florally express a unique story or personality. Whether it is a thistle symbolising your Celtic heritage, a miniature succulent for a modern twist, or a bright sunflower representing pure happiness, these small details add genuine magic to your special day.
Choosing The Perfect Flowers For A Buttonhole
Roses will always be a timeless, romantic choice for buttonholes, offering a sleek and traditional silhouette. However, the floral world is your oyster, and there are countless stunning alternatives to explore.
Recently, we have seen a massive surge in popularity for highly textured, natural, and eclectic buttonholes. These often incorporate a mix of native New Zealand greenery, fragrant herbs like rosemary, dried elements, and architectural focal points like miniature orchids. If you are looking for inspiration for bespoke floral buttonholes, we highly recommend coming into our Merivale studio to explore the seasonal options. We can help you create something entirely unique that will withstand a long day of photos and dancing.
Wrist Corsage Vs. Pin-On Corsage: Which Is Better?
For the ladies, you generally have two main options when it comes to corsages: a traditional pin-on arrangement or a modern wrist corsage.
- The Wrist Corsage: This is incredibly popular for school balls and modern weddings. The flowers are attached to a comfortable elastic or ribbon band, worn neatly on the wrist. It leaves your hands free, removes any risk of damaging delicate dress fabrics, and acts as a beautiful piece of living jewellery.
- The Pin-On Corsage: This is the traditional classic. It is pinned directly to the outfit, usually just below the right shoulder. It is elegant and timeless, but it does require a slightly sturdier dress fabric to support the weight of the blooms.
Master Florist Tip: If your outfit is made of fine silk or delicate lace, but you still want a traditional placement, ask us about magnetic corsages. We can use powerful floral magnets to hold the arrangement securely in place without a single pin ever piercing your dress.
How To Keep Your Buttonhole Or Corsage Fresh
Because these arrangements do not have a water source, keeping them fresh before the event requires a little bit of care.
When you collect your buttonholes or corsages from Fleur By DK, they will be perfectly hydrated. Keep them in their protective packaging and store them in a cool, dark place until the very last moment. The vegetable crisper drawer in your fridge is usually an excellent spot—just make sure they aren't pushed up against the back wall where they might freeze, and keep them well away from ripening fruit.
How To Correctly Pin A Buttonhole (Boutonniere)
For men, buttonholes are traditionally worn on the left lapel, sitting proudly above the heart. It is highly recommended to appoint one steady-handed person on "pinning duty" so that everyone in the wedding or ball party has their flowers positioned uniformly.
Follow these steps to get it right the first time without spiking your fingers:
- Prepare The Placement: Ensure the focal flower is facing outward and is the right way up. The decorative greenery should sit neatly behind the main bloom.
- Position It On The Lapel: Holding the buttonhole upright, position the flower on the left side of the chest, right in the middle of the lapel. It should sit above the heart but just below the collarbone.
- Pin From Behind (The Secret Trick): Once the flower is in the correct position, flip the lapel over to expose the back side of the fabric. Slide the pin through the fabric from behind, catching a good, solid chunk of the flower’s stem.
- Weave For Security: Insert the pin at a slightly upward angle, pushing it through the stem, and then weave it back into the lapel fabric (much like a simple sewing stitch). The sharp end of the pin should end up safely behind the lapel, not exposed on the front.
- The Wiggle Test: The flower should sit flush and upright against the chest. If it naturally wants to dangle or flop forward, adjust your pin. For heavy flower heads or larger native arrangements, do not hesitate to use a second pin in an 'X' formation for rock-solid security.
How To Pin A Traditional Ladies Corsage
The technique for pinning a traditional ladies' corsage is very similar to a men's buttonhole, with a few minor adjustments.
Women traditionally wear a pinned corsage on their right side, below the shoulder. Because ladies' garments often lack a thick, structured lapel, you need to be mindful of the fabric. Always gather a slightly thicker pinch of the dress material before pushing the pin through to ensure it can bear the weight of the flowers without tearing the garment. Again, weave the pin through the back, into the stem, and out again to lock it in place.
Trust Fleur By DK In Merivale For Your Event Florals
At Fleur By DK, we understand that absolutely every detail counts on your big day. Our talented team of expert Christchurch florists crafts bespoke buttonholes and corsages that not only reflect your personal style but also create beautiful, living memories to last a lifetime.
Do not leave your school ball or wedding florals to the last minute. Come and visit our Merivale flower shop at 186 Papanui Road, or call us directly on 03 355 0464 to lock in your order or book a dedicated consultation with our wedding team today.
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