The word boutonniere comes from the French. The British simply called them button hole flowers. Traditionally, the flower was placed in the button hole of the man’s suit or tuxedo on the pocket side. Today many suits don’t have a button hole to use for the boutonniere which is why most men pin them on.
There are a number of reason that I could find as to why men started wearing boutonnieres. Some of those reasons are to ward off disease, evil spirits, and bad smells.
Boutonnieres used to be pretty common place. So common that some suits had hidden vases built into the suit. Of course today boutonnieres are mainly used at proms, special events, and of course weddings.
There are some couples who are turning to square pocket hankerchiefs rather than using flowers. Having both a hankerchief and bouttoniere would be too busy, but hey it’s all up to the happy couple.
To all you couples out there thinking about using something other than boutonnieres, please don’t. As a wedding photographer I really enjoying getting photographs of the men getting them pinned on. It’s like they can’t believe this is happening! Whatever you decide. . . just have fun on your special day!
I don't think guys like frilly things hanging on their jackets.