One of the things couples often don't realise is that your Marriage Celebrant does far more than simply officiate your ceremony.

Long before your guests arrive, I'm helping calm nerves, checking that everyone is where they need to be... and quite often, I'm pinning on buttonholes.

It's surprisingly common for the florist to deliver a beautiful box of buttonholes to the venue, only for everyone to become so busy getting ready that nobody remembers they still need to be attached.

So who ends up helping? Usually me.



Which Side Does a Buttonhole Go On?

This is probably the question I get asked most often. A buttonhole, or boutonniere, is traditionally worn on the left lapel, over your heart, with the flower facing upwards and the stem pointing towards the ground.

Most modern suit jackets have a buttonhole stitched into the left lapel specifically for this purpose, although many people still choose to secure the flower with pins to keep it sitting perfectly.

How Do You Pin a Buttonhole?

Every florist has their own preferred method.

Some thoughtfully attach a small safety pin before delivery, making the process quick and simple.

Others provide florist pins, which create a much neater finish.

If the pins have decorative pearl heads, they can be placed from the front as part of the arrangement. If they're plain florist pins, I usually secure them from behind the lapel so they're hidden from view.

The goal is simple—the flower should look effortless and stay firmly in place for the entire ceremony.

Who Should Wear a Buttonhole?

Traditionally, buttonholes are worn by:

• The groom
• Groomsmen
• Fathers of the couple
• Grandfathers
• Anyone else the couple wishes to recognise, such as brothers, step-parents or special family members

There are no hard rules. Like every part of your wedding, you can make it your own.

One of My Favourite Wedding Moments

Whenever Mum or Dad is nearby while everyone's getting ready, I'll often encourage them to pin the groom's buttonhole themselves.

It's a tiny moment that usually isn't planned, but it often becomes one of the most meaningful.

The proud smile. The nervous laugh. The final "You look amazing."

I always give the photographer a quiet heads-up because these little interactions make for some of the most genuine photographs of the day.

It's the Little Things

Most couples book a celebrant to create a ceremony they'll remember forever.

What they often don't expect is someone quietly helping with all the little things behind the scenes.

Whether it's pinning buttonholes, calming nerves, fixing a crooked tie, organising the wedding party or making sure everyone knows exactly where they need to stand, I'm there to make the ceremony feel effortless.

Sometimes it's the smallest jobs that help the biggest moments unfold perfectly.