What is a Pocket Square Boutonniere and Should You Wear One?

An easy-to-wear alternative to the traditional buttonhole

Move over traditional boutonnieres and pocket squares, there's a new hybrid accessory in town and it's fast becoming the go-to for grooms and their wedding party, and even wedding guests. The pocket square boutonniere is a mini statement floral arrangement that finishes off any suit, and is so easy to wear as it simply sits in a suit pocket - no fiddly pins necessary.

Pocket square boutonnieres, also referred to as floral pocket squares (or floral pocket boutonnieres or pocket square buttonholes, you get the idea...), are easily customisable, functional and versatile and can range from delicate sprigs of dried flowers, to a bold, punchy fresh flower hit. Ask your florist for ideas, or if you're crafty, they would make for a cute DIY project. Etsy has lots of great options too, but keep reading to find out all you need to know about pocket square boutonnieres and even how to create your own.

pocket square boutonniere
Photo by Rebekah Emily Photography Via Style Me Pretty
pocket square boutonniere
Photo by Ely Roberts Photography Via The Indigo Bride

What is a Pocket Square Boutonniere?

A pocket square boutonniere is similar to a traditional boutonniere or buttonhole, apart from the fact that the florals are attached to a flat piece of card which is placed inside the front pocket of a blazer or suit jacket just like a regular pocket square - rather than pinned on to the lapel in a bunch.

pocket square boutonniere
Flowers by A Garden Party Florist | Photo by Emily Wren Photography via Ruffled Blog 
Photo by Nina Val via One Fab Day

Why Choose a Pocket Square Boutonniere?

Grooms and guys are more and more looking for different ways to accessorise their look. The effect is quite seamless, and the arrangements tend to be wide and flat, and so you can really show off the different types of flowers used. Not to mention it's better for all those hugs you'll be giving and getting. You can even play around with the card used with the flowers and wrap it in sheet music or a page from your favourite book.

Also traditional boutonnieres can be difficult to pin and keep in position, especially for the youngest members of your wedding party, and can potentially cause the fabric of a suit to snag. (We have a whole post on buttonhole etiquette here that you should read!). Also if the pin holding the boutonniere isn't secured properly, your boutonniere might end up at a funny angle as the day goes on - a potentially unsightly distraction in your wedding photos.

Photo by Something New Florals

How to Make a Pocket Square Boutonniere

  • Cut out a piece of thick, sturdy card that fits into the breast pocket of the suit.
  • Lay out your flowers for your arrangement on the card. Remember only what's at the top of the card will be seen.
  • Use differents textures and florals of different heights for the best results.
  • Attach your floral arrangement using floral glue.
  • Wrapping the card covering the stems in a material of your choosing such as twine, or a smooth fabric like ribbon for easier insertion.
  • If using fresh flowers put the fridge in the lead up to your special day.

Top Tip: Dried flowers are the easiest to use for a DIY  pocket square boutonniere. However, if using fresh flowers, start this project as close as possible to the big day so your boutonniere does not wilt. We also highly recommend a trial run, and if you're the one getting married, think about deferring to a professional!

Looking for more unique, creative wedding ideas? Check out our collection of wedding DIYs here or more groom style ideas here!

Image credits

Feature Image by

Something New Florals

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