TOTW : How To Really Pin A Boutonnière

About this time last year, I posted on how to pin a boutonnière. Now I fully stand by my original post, however. When I came across the video below, I knew it was superior to my post. Watch, learn and enjoy!

How To Pin A Boutonniere with Carrie Scribner of Dutch Bloemen Winkel

L | D Finds : Indochino

Often, our boys get overlooked in a wedding or special event. It's true! Women get to have a lot of the fun and attention: what dress she wears, what shoes she wears, the jewelry, her hair, her make-up, the perfume, her mani and pedi. And this little ritual does not just apply for a wedding but rather her everyday life. When a wedding or special event roll around, forget-about-it. This ritual goes into overdrive!

Then, when it comes time to determine what the guys will wear, the women are like, "Our outfits have to compliment each other." This is like a foreign language to a lot of men and they frequently turn to Men's Wearhouse, Brooks Brothers, Macy's or Nordstrom to get suited up. For the most part, these are all great places...but what if you are looking for something a little different. AND, what if you don't have a few grand to spend on customizing your own tux or suit. Well I've got a solution: introducing, Indochino. They offer reasonably priced, online custom suits. Stylish suits, in fine fabrics, at a great price, delivered to your door! Nice; very nice.

Non Floral Boutonnieres

Not every groom is down with a white calla lily boutonniere. Sometimes, you want to go in a different direction with your bouts. If this is your groom, fritts rosenow is your calling. fritts rosenow bespoke boutonnieres was created with the intention of allowing men to display their personality. Each boutonniere is created with the individual in mind. Contact rosenow floral design at 415.424.7437 or email rosenowfloral@gmail.com. They will happily accept custom orders in addition to specific designs on the site. Many of their designs are vintage, so if, for any reason, it is unavailable, they will match it to the best of their ability. If you are thinking of making your own boutonnieres, fritts rosenow is a great place for inspiration.

TOTW: How To Pin Boutonnières

Thankfully, learning how to pin a boutonnière is not difficult but something everyone should know. Maybe not everyone, but many :-) I was reading Soiree Special Events and came across two perfect tutorials. The first one I found comes with pictures, which can only help! The second one can be found at Sweet Brier Flower Shoppe. I think it's written a little clearer but their both equally as good, which is why I am reposting. Got any tips of your own? Share 'em!

1. Make sure you have a boutonnière and at least one pin, preferably two.

2. Pins go in your mouth, holding them with your lips. Try not to stab yourself.

3. Place the flower on the man's left lapel so the area where the stem and bloom meet covers the buttonhole in the jacket. Angle it slightly outward so it gently follows the shape of the lapel's edge.

4. Make a flower hot dog. Pick up the lapel's edge and roll it towards the man's right side. Standing opposite the gentleman, you'll fold it from the right to the left, covering the flower.



5. Holding the fabric tight against the flower, stick the pin in straight towards the gentleman, aiming towards the top part of the stem. Make sure you get a good chunk of stem but not too much so that the pin shows on the front side of the lapel. "Look ma - no pins!"



6. Repeat #5 with your second pin, this time closer to the bottom of the stem. Try not to stab your victim wearer. Tell dad to smile for the photograph:



7. Ask the wearer if it feels secure. Tug on the stem a little to see if it budges. If it moves just a little, try pinning it again until it's stuck on the lapel for good.

As a reminder, the following folks should receive a boutonnière: Groom, Best Men, Groomsmen, Fathers, Grandfathers, Ushers, Readers, and other important gentlemen who have a significant a role in your wedding.

When pinning corsages, the same rules apply but there is usually no lapel to hide pins. I try and include a little bit of bra strap, especially when the woman's dress is a sheer or light material. Instead of aiming the pins horizontally, I typically stick the pins more vertically and leave the pointy part inside of the stem so it doesn't stab it's wearer. I can usually secure a corsage with 2 pins but you might want to have 3 on hand just in case.