A boutonniere (say “boo-tuh-NEER”) is a small flower or spray of flowers that someone pins to the lapel of their jacket for a special occasion. You'll most often see boutonnieres at weddings, where groomsmen, fathers, and the groom wear them to match the formal atmosphere. Students also wear them to school dances like homecoming or prom.

The boutonniere usually coordinates with the bride's bouquet or a date's corsage (a small arrangement worn on the wrist). A rose is the most common choice, but people use all kinds of flowers: carnations, orchids, or even tiny sprigs of herbs like rosemary. The stem gets wrapped in ribbon or decorative tape, and a straight pin fastens it to the jacket.

While people of any gender can wear flowers pinned to their clothing, the word boutonniere specifically refers to the version worn on a jacket lapel. It's a small detail that adds elegance and shows that someone has dressed carefully for an important event.