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.

 

Woman receiving a bouquet of flowers at her front door. A delivery person smiles in the background.

Fleur by DK: changing the perceptions of flower gifting in Christchurch

4 August 2025
Flower giving has always held a special place in human culture, an age-old way to say, ‘I love you,’ flowers to say, ‘I’m sorry,’ or simply ‘I’m thinking of you.’ But as the world changes, so do gifting habits. Today, the act of giving flowers has expanded far beyond romance, branching into self-care, friendship, activism, and personal storytelling. At Fleur by DK, an award-winning boutique florist in Christchurch NZ, we’ve seen firsthand how attitudes towards floral gifting are evolving. And we’re embracing every beautiful shift. Whether you’re searching for wedding flowers Christchurch, thoughtful gifts for her Christchurch, or even a way to brighten a hospital room with flowers Christchurch hospital delivery, the reasons behind flower giving today are more diverse, and more meaningful, than ever before. 1. Exceedingly romantic, but flowers for every relationship Traditionally, flowers have been strongly linked to romantic gestures. But today, more people are embracing flowers as gifts for friends, colleagues, neighbours, and themselves. Sending a bouquet is no longer reserved for Valentine’s Day (although Valentine’s Day flowers Christchurch are still a top seller ); it’s about acknowledging meaningful relationships in all their forms. Think about a bright, cheerful posy sent to a friend who’s just landed a new job. Or a calming arrangement delivered to a family member recovering in hospital. Our same day flower delivery Christchurch service makes it easy to show you care, immediately (order flowers online for Christchurch) and sincerely. 2. Self-care, floral-style One of the most exciting trends we’ve seen as a Papanui Road florist Christchurch is the rise of flowers as self-care. Buying flowers for your own home is no longer considered indulgent, but an affordable luxury. Fresh flowers lift your mood, lower stress, and bring a sense of calm. Many clients come to our flower shop Christchurch not because they need a gift, but because they want to feel better. And they leave with a bunch of local tulips or delicately scented freesias in hand, and a visible lift in spirit. For those who can’t make it into our Merivale florist, check our wide selection of flowers online Christchurch ; treating yourself to a beautiful bouquet is as easy as clicking a button. 3. The social media influence Social media plays a massive role in modernising floral gifting reminding people that flowers aren’t just for milestones, they can celebrate everyday beauty. Instagram-worthy arrangements and Pinterest boards filled with dreamy petals have ignited people’s love and appreciation for the artistry behind floristry. Thanks to this visibility, florists are no longer seen simply as vendors of flower bouquets. Rather, at Fleur by DK Christchurch, we are celebrated for our creative designs with each bouquet a work of living art. 
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. 
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