“Do you know how to do this?” the Best Man asked me as he held up his boutonniere in confusion. I smiled. This is a question I get asked at every wedding I photograph. No matter how many groomsmen there are or how many weddings they have all been to, this (along with the pocket square) is always a question and a debate. There is always that one guy who knows how to do it.

Do you want to be that guy??!

Great! Here is how to properly secure a Boutonniere!

First thing is first… Boutonnieres go on the left. 

Follow these 5 steps to ensure that all the boutonnieres look on point and consistent!

1. Position the boutonniere on the left lapel.

   The boutonniere should be pined in the middle of the lapel, above the pocket square and lower than the tie or bowtie. If you are pinning the boutonniere on to someone else, it should be to the right of the tie.  People are going to ask you “Are you sure it goes on the left” YES, you are sure!

2. Fold the Lapel over the boutonniere.

   I like to call this “the taco move.” Once you have the boutonniere in the correct place on the lapel, hold the flower in place and fold over the lapel. The lapel should form a taco-like shape, hence “the taco move.” The boutonniere is the beefy delicious substance and the lapel is the shell that holds it all together.

3. Pin starting from the back of the lapel.
   

   
   Once you have your flower taco, take the needle, (which should have been supplied with the boutonniere), and insert the pin into the back of lapel and boutonniere in a downward angle.

4. Pin through the thickest part of the flower. 

   You want to make sure that the pin is going through the thickest part of the boutonniere, which will be the stem flower.  Remember, the thicker the more sturdy it is!

5. Check the boutonniere is secure.

   The best way to ensure the boutonniere is securely fastened is by inserting the needle at a downward angle. Check to make sure it is secure by moving the boutonniere from side to side. Use a second pin if necessary.

With these 5 easy steps the bridesmaids, and more importantly the bride will be insanely impressed by your fabulous boutonniere skills!