What Side Does A Boutonniere Go On

Okay, so you've got this snazzy little boutonniere. Congrats! But now comes the million-dollar question: which side does this floral masterpiece actually go on? Seriously, it's a question that's plagued grooms (and dates!) for generations. Don't worry, we're about to crack the code together. Prepare for boutonniere enlightenment!

Left is Usually Best (but Why?)

The general rule of thumb, and I emphasize general, is that the boutonniere goes on the left lapel. Why left, you ask? Well, traditionally, it's all about being close to the heart. Aw, isn’t that sweet? The heart is over there, supposedly. Maybe. Unless you have situs inversus, in which case, this whole article is probably backward for you. Sorry!

Think of it like this: the boutonniere is your little floral bodyguard, protecting your heart. Okay, maybe it's not actually protecting it from anything other than maybe bad fashion choices, but the symbolism is there, right? Right!

But wait! There's more to the story. (Isn't there always?).

The Lapel Lowdown: Finding the Right Spot

Before you just jam that pin through your jacket, let’s talk about the specifics. You want the boutonniere to sit pretty, not look like it's staging a hostile takeover of your entire suit. So where exactly on the left lapel should it go?

Look for the buttonhole! That’s your anchor, your North Star, your guiding light in this floral placement adventure. Many suit jackets have a buttonhole specifically designed for a boutonniere. It's usually around the upper part of the lapel, near where the lapel folds over.

If you do have a buttonhole, use it! It's there for a reason. Slide the stem of the boutonniere through the hole and secure it with pins from behind the lapel. If your lapel is feeling a little…thin? Don't be afraid to use more than one pin. You don't want that thing going rogue mid-ceremony.

Buttonhole MIA? No Problem!

Okay, so what if your jacket is a rebel without a buttonhole? Don't panic! We can work with this. Just position the boutonniere on the upper left lapel, as close as you can to where a buttonhole would be.

Use your pins to secure the boutonniere firmly to the fabric. Make sure the pins are hidden from the front (unless you're going for a punk-rock boutonniere vibe, in which case, go wild!). Aim for a secure, but not overly tight, fit. You don't want to distort the lapel fabric.

Pro-tip: Practice before the big day! You don’t want to be wrestling with pins and flowers right before you walk down the aisle. Trust me on this one. It’s a recipe for mild disaster (and possibly poked fingers).

Right Side? When to Break the Rules

So, we've established that left is the "traditional" choice. But what about the right side? Are you allowed to be a boutonniere maverick and buck tradition?

Well, technically, yes. Fashion rules are meant to be bent, right? However, before you go rogue, consider the implications. Sticking to the left is generally safer because it avoids any potential confusion. And honestly, are you really trying to make a statement with your boutonniere placement?

However! There is one exception I’ll definitely allow. If you’re wearing a military uniform, follow protocol! They often have specific rules regarding which side medals and other adornments should be worn, and this can influence boutonniere placement. Always defer to the official guidelines. Your Sergeant wouldn't want it any other way!

Final Thoughts: Confidence is Key!

Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear your boutonniere with confidence. Whether it's perfectly positioned according to tradition or slightly askew, own your look! Because let’s be real, rocking a boutonniere is already a win in the style department. So go forth and floral-fy!

And if all else fails? Blame it on the florist. Just kidding! (Mostly.)