Wearing flowers can be manly!

Sure, when it comes to weddings flowers, guys often turn the reins over to the ladies. But wearing flowers is a tradition that men have been rocking for years.

A Tailored Suit president Antonio Centeno reminds us in his blog post that “great statesmen, warriors, and poets have worn flowers for over a millennium. Soldiers headed to war have proudly worn flowers on their chests, and here in the United States every January 1^st two of college football’s best teams square off wearing roses on their uniforms. The victors of our greatest athletic events are congratulated with bouquets of flowers. And on days of remembrance we honor our fallen with poppies and other blooms.”

A boutonniere that floral decoration worn by men for special occasions, has become a classic of modern weddings. The word boutonniere comes from the French word for buttonhole. Appropriately named, as the decoration is worn pushed through the lapel buttonhole (on the left, the same side as a pocket handkerchief) and the stem is held in place with a loop at the back of the lapel. Now, without that lapel hole, you’ll see most boutonnieres pinned to the jacket.

Today, these fashionable flowers come in all shapes and sizes. You can go with classic roses, or dressed it up with fancy succulents. Or go non-traditional by adding feathers, decorative keys, or action figures. Your man can rock his boutonniere any way he wants! Get inspired with a few of our favorite styles from weddings we’ve photographed:

Need a little help pinning on your boutonniere? No worries! Check out these great tutorials:

• The Art of Manliness: How to wear a boutonniere
• Engaged Birmingham: How to pin on a boutonniere