How to pin on a buttonhole or corsage: a step-by-step guide

25 September 2024

And so it begins: the wedding season in New Zealand is just around the corner, and it’s an exciting time for Fleur DK. As an award-winning florist in Christchurch, we cherish the role we play in helping couples celebrate their nuptials in style. Wedding flowers go beyond the bridal bouquet and venue arrangements – they also include buttonholes and corsages, small lapel posies that add a personal touch and a pop of colour to outfits while helping to identify the members of the wedding party.


Choosing flowers for a buttonhole

Historically, buttonholes (also called boutonnieres) and corsages were worn to ward off evil spirits. Thankfully today, these wedding flowers are chosen more to complement the bride’s dress, the groom’s suit and the wedding colour scheme to create a unity in the wedding palette. But they are also an opportunity to florally express the couple’s unique story. Whether it’s a thistle symbolising Celtic heritage, or a sunflower representing happiness, these small but impactful details add to the magic and romance of the special day.


Roses are always a popular timeless romantic choice of flower for buttonholes, but there are many alternatives to choose from. There has been a growing trend for more natural, eclectic buttonholes, including a variety of different flowers, fragrant herbs and foliage. If you are looking for inspiration for bespoke floral buttonholes, come and visit Fleur DK flower shop in Christchurch to explore options to create something truly unique. 


A woman is putting a flower in a man 's pocket.

How to correctly pin a buttonhole or corsage

For men, buttonholes are traditionally worn on their left lapel (above their heart), and for women, on their right below the shoulder, but they can also be worn as a wrist accessory. If the fabric on the ladies’ outfits is delicate, magnets can be used to hold the corsage in place to prevent damage to the fabric. It’s best to have one person on buttonhole pinning duty so they are placed uniformly across the party.


  • Prepare the buttonhole: ensure the flower is facing outward, is the right way up and the greenery is behind the bloom.
  • Place on the lapel: holding the buttonhole upright, position the flower on the left side of the chest, above the heart but just below the collarbone, with the flowers facing outward.
  • Pin from behind: once in the correct position, turn the lapel over to expose the back. Slide the pin through the fabric of the lapel from behind, catching the flower’s stem. Insert the pin at an upward angle and then back through the stem for security.
  • Double-check placement: The flower should sit upright and not dangle. Adjust if necessary so it stays in place throughout the event.
  • Add an extra pin: some flower heads are heavy, and some quite large, use an extra pin for additional security and to keep it in place.


Trust Fleur by DK in Merivale for your wedding flowers

At Fleurs, we understand how every detail counts on your wedding day. Our talented team of expert Christchurch florists craft buttonholes and corsages that reflect your personal style, but most importantly, create beautiful floral memories to last a lifetime. Come and visit our Merivale flower shop or call 03 355 0464 to book a consultation with our wedding florists.

 

A vase filled with pink and purple flowers is sitting on a table.

Floral design for business events: style, strategy, and seasonal beauty

by Simon Mullinger • 23 June 2025
When it comes to creating memorable events, nothing transforms a space quite like expertly chosen floral arrangements. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a grand corporate gathering, the right flowers elevate your corporate event from ordinary to extraordinary. Selecting the perfect flowers requires the careful consideration of multiple factors that come together to create a cohesive, stunning display. Understanding your event's unique requirements As an award-winning flower shop in Christchurch, Fleur by DK has been recognised for our creative flower displays and arrangements, but our success relies on our ability to connect with our clients on a human level. Every successful event begins with truly understanding the atmosphere you wish to create and how you want the flowers to make the attendees feel . The type of celebration you're hosting is the greatest influence on your floral options, from the scale of arrangements to the specific varieties that will best complement the occasion. Flowers for formal events For formal occasions like corporate launches, awards ceremonies, or business conferences, the choice of flowers should reflect elegance and professionalism and be brand appropriate. Orchids are a Christchurch business flower favourite, often recommended as these exotic blooms ooze sophistication and yet have an impressive longevity. When paired with structured tropical foliage, such as anthuriums or sleek line flowers, they create eye-catching arrangements that enhance the setting without distracting from the event’s purpose. Purple irises, which symbolise wisdom, can also be a thoughtful addition, subtly reinforcing brand values while adding a touch of colour to reception areas or stage displays. Flowers for casual events Casual corporate events, such as team-building days, office birthdays, client socials, or milestone celebrations, allow for a more relaxed and creative approach to floral styling. These occasions are ideal for incorporating personal touches that reflect company culture or the interests of the team. Think flowers with vibrant colour palettes , playful arrangements, Instagrammable walls, or blooms that tie into the event’s theme. For example, a summer BBQ might call for bright sunflowers and bold tropicals, while a laid-back networking evening could feature simple, seasonal posies in jars for a welcoming, informal vibe. 
A living room with a couch and a glass coffee table with a vase of flowers on it.

Fresh flowers for beautiful interiors: the art of styling your space

23 May 2025
It will be no surprise to learn that as one of Christchurch’s best florists, Fleurs by DK relish how our beautiful fresh flowers have the capacity to effortlessly transform a space. Beyond their natural beauty and fragrance, our thoughtfully curated arrangements elevate a home's interior design style. We've helped countless homes bloom through carefully curated arrangements. Here's how you can capture the power of flowers to transform your living spaces. Create striking first impressions Your hallway sets the tone for your entire home. A statement arrangement on a foyer table welcomes guests with colour, fragrance, and style. For maximum impact, consider a seasonal display that changes with the calendar – seasonal bright flowers in September or festive Christmas flowers in December. Many clients use our flower delivery Christchurch service to ensure their entrance makes a statement – is there anything more pleasing than coming home to beautiful fresh flowers? Add living texture to any room Where furniture and décor provide structure, flowers add organic movement and texture. A thoughtfully positioned flower arrangement softens angular furniture pieces and complements existing textiles. For living rooms, fuller arrangements with varied heights and textures add vitality. For dining tables, lower arrangements allow comfortable conversation while still adding elegance. At Fleurs by DK, our professional florists craft flower arrangements specifically designed to enhance your home's unique aesthetic. Transform awkward spaces Every home has challenging corners or nooks that resist traditional décor solutions. These spaces are perfect for placing flowers. A tall, sculptural arrangement can fill an empty corner, while smaller posies bring life to bathrooms or bedside tables. Our flower shop in Christchurch specialises in creating custom arrangements for these often-overlooked spaces. 
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