How Do You Wear It? Male buttonholes should always be worn on the left-hand side. If there is an actual button hole in the material, the stem of the flower is threaded through the left lapel of the suit jacket and secured with a pin.
Tradition calls for corsages to be given to mothers of the bride and groom. For a different approach, pin a flower in her hair or give her a small nosegay to carry. While lilies and roses are classics, incorporating each mother’s favorite flower or one that complements her ensemble is a thoughtful gesture.
The buttonholes go on the right back opening and the buttons go on the left back opening. (My pattern cutting teacher once told me the mnemonic, “Women’s clothing does up right over left, because women are always right.” Totally sexist, admittedly, but I remembered it!)
The mothers of the bride and groom generally wear something a little more special. Like the groom, they may wear a buttonhole which is more fuller than the others. Some may prefer to wear a corsage (2 or more flowers) while the other ladies such as grandma and sisters may wear a single buttonhole.
Most women wear corsages on the left wrist. The general rule is to wear your corsage on your non-dominant arm – the non-writing arm. Approximately 90 percent of the population is right-handed, so most women wear wrist corsages on their left arm.
It’s very gracious of you and your daughter to include her in such a special day. Traditionally, the mother of the groom would not be present at the wedding dress selection, and inviting her to be present is a “gift” in and of itself.
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