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Buttonhole vs Corsage: What's the Difference?
They're often mixed up, but a buttonhole and a corsage are worn differently, and in different places. Here's a simple way to tell them apart.
Buttonhole (Boutonnière)
A single bloom or small cluster worn on the left lapel of a suit or jacket. Traditionally worn by men — grooms, groomsmen, fathers and formal dates. "Boutonnière" is simply the French name for the same thing.
Corsage
A small floral arrangement — traditionally worn by women, either pinned to the right side of a dress or worn on the wrist (a wrist corsage). A popular choice for mothers of the couple, bridesmaids, and guests at formals and debs.
| Buttonhole | Corsage | |
|---|---|---|
| Traditionally worn by | Men | Women |
| Where it sits | Left lapel | Right side of a dress, or on the wrist |
| Typical flowers | A single rose with a little foliage | Two to three roses in a cluster |
| Best for | Grooms, groomsmen, formal dates | Mothers, bridesmaids, formal & deb guests |
How to Wear a Buttonhole or Corsage
A few small details make all the difference on the day.
Buttonhole — left lapel
Place it on the left lapel with the flower pointing up toward your shoulder. If your jacket has a working buttonhole slit, slip the stem through; if not, pin it from behind so the pin stays hidden.
Pinned corsage — right side
A pinned corsage is traditionally worn on the right, with the bloom facing down so it sits flat. Pin it from underneath through a double layer of fabric so it feels secure.
Wrist corsage
Slide it onto the wrist (usually the non-dominant hand) with the flowers facing outward — comfortable, secure, and the easy favourite for formals and debs.
Fit your flowers just before photos. Hugs, seatbelts and long car rides can crush fresh blooms, so keep yours boxed and out of the way until you're ready to wear it.
Choosing Buttonholes & Corsages by Occasion
Different celebrations call for different styles. Here's where to start.
Weddings
Coordinate the groom and groomsmen's buttonholes with the mothers' corsages, all matched to your bridal palette.
See our white corsageFormals & Debs
A pinned or wrist corsage matched to the dress, with a buttonhole for a date. Classic white or a bold single colour both photograph beautifully.
See our blue corsageGraduation
Mark the day with a fresh bloom pinned to the gown for the ceremony photos.
See our white buttonholeMother's Day
A wrist corsage is an elegant, wearable alternative to a bouquet for the mums in your life.
See our pink corsageRomance & Anniversaries
A single red rose buttonhole is a quiet, romantic gesture for date nights and anniversaries.
Shop the red rose buttonholeCustom Colour Matching
Have a specific palette in mind? We custom-match buttonholes and corsages to your colours.
Get in touch before your eventWhat to Wear to Your Graduation
Not sure what flowers to wear at a graduation — or how to pin one to a gown? Here's the simple version most people never get told.
What to wear
A single buttonhole or a small wrist corsage suits graduation best — neat with the gown and lovely in photos. Keep it modest; oversized arrangements sit awkwardly over academic dress.
Wearing it on a gown
Hired gowns don't love pin holes. A wrist corsage is the easy, damage-free choice, or pin a buttonhole to the outfit underneath rather than the gown itself. Ask us for magnets if you'd prefer no pins.
Colour for the photos
Against a dark gown, crisp white or a bright single colour stands out beautifully. You can also match your faculty sash or the trim on your cap.
Fit your flowers just before the ceremony and photos, and pin them on securely — outdoor graduations can get breezy. Keep them boxed in the fridge (never the freezer) until you head out.
Buttonhole & Corsage Colour Guide
Every piece is made to order in the colours below. Here's what each one suits — and how to match it to your outfit or event.
Match your flowers to the dominant colour in the outfit, or to your bridal party palette. A little baby's breath or eucalyptus keeps any colour looking crisp and natural.
How to Keep Your Buttonhole or Corsage Fresh
Fresh roses look their best when they're worn on the day. A little care goes a long way.
- Collect or receive your flowers as close to the event as you can.
- Keep them in the box or bag we provide and store in the fridge — never the freezer — away from fruit and vegetables.
- Take them out about an hour before wearing so they can come to room temperature.
- Keep them out of direct sun, heaters and car dashboards; a light mist of water helps on warm days.
For something that lasts well beyond the day, ask about our preserved flowers as a lasting keepsake.
Buttonhole & Corsage Delivery Across Melbourne
Order before 3 PM for same-day delivery across Greater Melbourne, seven days a week — or collect free from either of our stores.
Same-day delivery
Order before 3 PM and we'll deliver the same day, seven days a week — including public holidays.
Same-day flower delivery
Melbourne CBD
Delivered across the city from our Melbourne Central store — or collect free in-store.
CBD flower delivery
Box Hill & the east
Local delivery around Box Hill and the eastern suburbs — or collect free in-store.
Box Hill flower delivery
Melbourne Central
Shop GD014A/211 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Wed 10am–7pm · Thu–Fri 10am–9pm · Sat–Sun 10am–7pm
Phone: 03 9191 6636
Box Hill Central
Unit SP035/1 Main St, Box Hill VIC 3128
Mon–Sat 9am–6:30pm · Sun 10am–6:30pm
Phone: 03 9191 3999
Doing a whole wedding party or formal group? Contact us and we'll prepare a matched set of buttonholes and corsages for everyone.
Buttonhole & Corsage FAQs
What is the difference between a buttonhole and a corsage?
A buttonhole (or boutonnière) is a single bloom worn on a suit lapel, traditionally by men. A corsage is a small cluster of flowers, traditionally worn by women, either pinned to a dress or worn on the wrist.
Which side do you wear them on?
A buttonhole is worn on the left lapel with the flower pointing up. A pinned corsage is traditionally worn on the right with the bloom facing down, or you can wear a corsage on the wrist.
How much do buttonholes and corsages cost?
Our buttonholes start from $20 and corsages are $45 each — the current price is shown on every product in the range.
Can you match the colour to my outfit or wedding theme?
Yes. We custom-match buttonholes and corsages to your colours and bridal party palette — just contact us before your event so we can source the right blooms.
How far in advance should I order?
Ready styles can be ordered for same-day delivery when you order before 3 PM, seven days a week. For custom colours or larger wedding and formal groups, please order a few days ahead.
Should I choose a wrist corsage or a pinned corsage?
A wrist corsage is comfortable and easy to wear all day — popular for formals and debs. A pinned corsage sits elegantly on the dress and is the traditional choice for mothers at weddings.
How do I keep my flowers fresh until the event?
Store them in the box we provide in the fridge (not the freezer), away from fruit, and take them out about an hour before wearing. Keep them out of direct heat and sun.
Do you deliver, or can I collect in-store?
Both. We deliver across Melbourne and offer free pickup from our Melbourne Central and Box Hill Central stores. Order before 3 PM for same-day delivery.
Ready to Order Your Buttonholes & Corsages?
Handmade fresh in Melbourne and colour-matched to your event. Shop a ready style, or ask us to create a matching set for your group.
Same-day delivery · Melbourne Central & Box Hill · Colour-matched to your event