How to Wear a Buttonhole or Corsage for a School Ball or Formal Event

Learn how to wear a buttonhole or wrist corsage correctly for a school ball or formal event. Auckland florist tips on pinning buttonholes, wearing corsages, storing flowers before the ball, and keeping them looking fresh all night.

By Jo-Ann Moss | Best Blooms Florist Auckland

Buttonholes and corsages are a popular tradition for school balls, university formals and special occasions. One of the most common questions our Auckland florists get asked is:

• Which side does the buttonhole go on?
• How do you pin on a corsage?
• Which wrist should a wrist corsage be worn on?

At Best Blooms we create fresh flower wrist corsages and matching buttonholes for Auckland school balls, so here are our florist tips to help you wear your flowers correctly and keep them secure throughout the evening.

How to Wear a Buttonhole

A men's buttonhole, also called a boutonniere, is traditionally worn on the left lapel of the jacket.

The flower sits on the outside of the lapel, not pushed through the actual buttonhole opening. The stem should point downward and is usually secured from behind the lapel using a pearl-headed pin so the pin remains hidden from the front.

Florist Tip: It is much easier to pin on the buttonhole before putting the jacket on.

If you are using a decorative pin or lapel pin, you may prefer to pin the buttonhole from the front as part of the overall look.

Remember: The stems of the buttonhole point downward.

Which Side Does a Buttonhole Go On?

A buttonhole is traditionally worn on the left side because it sits above the heart.

For school balls and formal events, the important thing is consistency. If several people are wearing buttonholes, they should all wear them on the same side.

How to Wear a Wrist Corsage

Wrist corsages are now the most popular choice for Auckland school balls and formal events because they are comfortable to wear and easy to dance with.

A wrist corsage is normally worn on the left wrist, although some people prefer wearing it on their dominant hand depending on comfort and photos.

The flowers are attached to a decorative wristlet, pearl bracelet or elastic band designed to sit comfortably throughout the evening.
At Best Blooms we add an extra ribbon on the pearl bracelets to allow you to tie it tighter if need be.  

Tip: Put your wrist corsage on after getting dressed to avoid catching delicate flowers on clothing.

View our full range of school ball wrist corsages here.

How to Store Your Corsage and Buttonhole Before the Ball

Because corsages and buttonholes are made using fresh flowers, proper care before the event will help keep them looking beautiful for the evening.

We recommend collecting your flowers on the day of the school ball whenever possible.

• Keep your corsage and buttonhole in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
• Do not leave flowers in a hot car, near heaters, or in warm rooms.
• Leave the flowers in their presentation box until getting dressed.
• Do not place your corsage or buttonhole in the fridge, as domestic fridges are usually too cold and can damage delicate flowers and orchids.

Florist Tip: Air conditioning is much safer than refrigeration for corsages and buttonholes.

Fresh flower wrist corsages are designed to last beautifully throughout your school ball, formal or special event when stored carefully before wearing.

How to Pin on a Corsage

Pin-on corsages are attached in a similar way to a buttonhole using corsage pins.

Traditionally a corsage is worn just below the lady's right shoulder with the stems pointing upward.

Corsages can also be worn:

• on the wrist
• on the shoulder
• on a handbag
• in the hair
• at the waist

How to Attach a Corsage

1. Position the corsage at a slight angle on the dress or lapel.
2. Ensure the flowers are sitting evenly before pinning.
3. Insert the corsage pin through the fabric and weave through the stem.
4. Push the pin back through the fabric to secure the flowers firmly in place.
5. Use two corsage pins for heavier flowers or delicate fabrics.

Corsage magnets are also available for some styles.

Hand Made Corsages by Auckland Florists

Every corsage and buttonhole at Best Blooms is individually made by hand using fresh flowers from the Auckland flower markets.

During school ball season our florists create custom wrist corsages designed to match the colour and style of each ball gown, using orchids, spray roses, ribbons, pearls and decorative details.

We will add some behind-the-scenes florist photos here soon showing how our team handcrafts corsages and matching buttonholes for Auckland school balls.

This page is designed to help explain how to wear corsages and buttonholes correctly. To order flowers for your school ball, please visit our School Ball Corsage page here.

SHOP SCHOOL BALL CORSAGES

Jo-Ann Moss is the Creative Director at Best Blooms, an Auckland florist providing fresh flower delivery across the city. Jo-Ann writes about flower gifting, floral care tips, and how to choose the right bouquet for every occasion.

18 May 2026, 10:52 PM