How to Put a Boutonniere on a Shirt

Placing a boutonniere on a men's shirt is much like pinning a corsage on the front of a woman's blouse. All it takes is a little bit of courage and a steady hand.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boutonniere
• Florist pin
• Steady hand

1. A boutonniere should be placed on the left side of the shirt. When you walk up to pin on the boutonniere go to your right (it will be his left).

2. 
    
   Shirt Front

   As you position your boutonniere on his shirt you will want to eyeball the location to be similar to if your date were wearing a jacket with a lapel.
   
   Generally you want to place a boutonniere 4" down from the collar bone (or shoulder seam in shirt).

3. With one hand behind the boutonniere and the other hand holding the stem of the boutonniere place it on the front of his shirt. The front of the boutonniere should be facing you.

4. 
    
   Florist Pin

   Hold the pin next to the boutonniere.

5. Slide the pin into and out of the shirt. Be careful to only get the shirt material and not your date' s flesh.

6. Weave pin edge in and out between the back of the boutonniere stem and shirt fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• If necessary have your date pinch shirt material in location of putting boutonniere before attempting to slide pin into shirt.
• When a shirt pocket is present, place boutonniere above pocket.
• Make sure pin goes up into the flower petals of the boutonniere.
• If boutonniere does not appear to be secure on shirt front, remove pin and repeat above process.

Resources

• Boutonnier Pinning Guide

[gahazeleyes]

on 5/12/2009 Very good article, and well needed during this time of the year with the Prom and weddings on the horizon.

[veryirie]

on 3/29/2009 With weddings and prom season coming up, this is an excellent how-to put a boutonniere on a man's shirt. Well done and helpful pics.