You’ve chosen your buttonhole flower and the suit is ready. Now it's time for some calm and confident pinning. We want the buttonhole flower to sit neatly, feel secure, and look perfect in every photograph. I have written the guide below to show you how to attach a buttonhole flower using the single-pin method we design for.
Before you begin
Artificial buttonhole flowers are now a realistic looking, worry free option
What you need
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Your buttonhole flower (ours are meticulously hand-wired, and finished with a slim, black-taped stem).
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One pearl pin, which is supplied with every Kate Hill buttonhole flower.
Pin just before leaving or on arrival, so the bloom stays fresh and uplifted through the event. If you’ve stored it overnight, remove it from the water vessel or vial, dry buttonhole end with a towel and pin.
Where it belongs
Quality workmanship at the stem is essential
A buttonhole flower is worn on the left lapel, above the heart. If your lapel has a cut slit, that is the old “button hole” and a helpful visual guide. If it’s sewn closed, simply use the lapel fabric itself. Aim for the seam where the lapel meets the jacket body; it gives the best support.
The single-pin technique
Multiple flowers are a popular option
This is the precise way we pin in-studio and on wedding days. One good pin in the right place is all you need.
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Set the height
Hold the buttonhole flower on the left lapel, bloom just below the collarbone, stem pointing down the lapel. Let the flower sit close to the cloth so it feels part of the jacket rather than perched on it. -
Lift the lapel
Gently lift the lapel away from the chest. You’ll work between the lapel and jacket. This keeps the pin hidden and protects shirts and waistcoats. -
Pin from behind
From behind the lapel, ease the pearl pin forward through the lapel fabric, then through the wrapped stem, and finally back into the lapel so the point returns to the rear. Think of drawing a small upward diagonal. That upward angle lets gravity help you, and the stem nestles against the lapel and won’t slip. -
Settle and smooth
Lower the lapel. With a fingertip, nudge the stem so it lies parallel to the lapel edge. The pin should be invisible from the front. The bloom should face slightly towards the shoulder, which photographs beautifully.
That’s it. One discreet pin, correctly angled, is stronger and cleaner than two pins. Our buttonhole flowers are constructed to work this way, with a slim, taped stem and a single pearl pin supplied for secure placement.
Fine-tuning for different lapels
Slimmer lapels can call for higher attachment
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Soft or slim lapels
Place the flower a fraction higher, closer to the notch. There the cloth is firmer and supports the stem nicely. -
Peak lapels or shawl collars
Keep the bloom a touch higher so it clears the roll of the lapel and sits in the visual “V” below the collar. -
No lapel (rare)
Pinning to a shirt or waistcoat isn’t traditional and won’t hold as well. If the jacket is off for part of the day, pin when it’s back on.
Common mistakes to avoid
Another 'real touch' artificial option that is popular is the Burgundy Peony Rose buttonhole
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Pinning from the front — this leaves visible pin heads and can crease the lapel. Always pin from behind.
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Placing the flower too low — it drags as the fabric moves and looks tired by evening.
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Pinning through petals or leaves — always secure the wrapped stem, never the bloom.
Keeping a buttonhole fresh
Transport
Keep it in its bag or box, keep cool and upright. Avoid heat, direct sun and the never leave in the car. Our deliveries are cool-packed and timed, so your buttonhole arrives fresh and ready to wear.
Overnight
Store the buttonhole flower in water if you have received the day prior. Do not store in the fridge overnight as a domestic fridge is too cold and will wilt or freeze the buttonhole flower.
Troubleshooting at a glance
Orchid buttonhole flowers are always an elegant option
Bloom leans forward
Re-pin with a slightly steeper upward angle so the stem nests into the lapel.
Stem twists
You may have pinned horizontally. Repeat the motion on a gentle upward diagonal and snug the stem to the lapel seam.
Pin shows You probably came through the front. Lift the lapel and redo the pass from behind the cloth.
Quick help for partners and bridal party
Ask the wearer to stand tall and look straight ahead. Keep fingers beneath the lapel as you guide the pin so it angles away from the chest. The finished look should feel effortless, with a neat, slim profile with the bloom appearing to grow from the lapel.
Why our buttonhole flowers pin so cleanly
Another neatly finished black taped stem
We hand-wire and finish each design with a slim, black-taped stem that sits flat against the lapel. Every buttonhole comes ready to attach with one pearl pin.
If you’d like us to pin buttonhole flowers on arrival or at collection, just ask. We do this for weddings, school formals, race days and black-tie events. We’re always happy to help you feel composed and camera-ready.
Kate x
