Eucalyptus buttonholes are a fresh, elegant alternative to traditional floral boutonnieres, made by pairing silvery-green eucalyptus sprigs with a small accent flower or simply on their own. They suit almost every wedding theme, from rustic and boho to modern and minimalist, because eucalyptus brings natural texture, a soft sage-green colour and a gentle fragrance without overpowering the look. They are also hard-wearing, affordable and photograph beautifully.
This guide covers everything you need to style eucalyptus buttonholes for your wedding: which varieties work best, how to make and wear them, styling ideas to match your colour palette, and the questions couples ask most often.
What Is a Eucalyptus Buttonhole?
A buttonhole (also called a boutonniere) is a small floral arrangement worn on the lapel of a jacket, traditionally by the groom, groomsmen, fathers and other key members of the wedding party. A eucalyptus buttonhole uses eucalyptus foliage as its main feature, either as the hero greenery or as a backdrop to a single bloom such as a rose, ranunculus or thistle.
Because eucalyptus has a naturally graceful, draping shape, it creates a relaxed yet refined look that works just as well with a three-piece suit as it does with a linen jacket at a garden ceremony.
Why Choose Eucalyptus for Wedding Buttonholes?
- Versatile colour. The soft sage and silver-green tones complement almost any palette, from blush and ivory to deep burgundy and navy.
- Long-lasting. Eucalyptus is sturdy and stays looking fresh throughout a long wedding day, unlike many delicate flowers.
- Beautiful fragrance. Its clean, herbal scent adds a subtle sensory detail without being overpowering.
- Budget-friendly. Greenery-led buttonholes are typically more affordable than flower-heavy designs.
- Effortlessly stylish. Eucalyptus photographs wonderfully and matches the wider trend for natural, organic wedding styling.
Best Eucalyptus Varieties for Buttonholes
Different eucalyptus types create different looks, so it helps to choose with your theme in mind:
Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
With its round, coin-shaped leaves, silver dollar eucalyptus is the most popular choice. It adds soft volume and a romantic, full appearance that suits classic and boho weddings alike.
Seeded Eucalyptus
Seeded eucalyptus features delicate little seed pods along the stems, giving buttonholes extra texture and a slightly wild, organic feel that pairs well with rustic and countryside themes.
Baby Blue Eucalyptus
Baby blue eucalyptus has smaller, pointed leaves with a cool blue-green tone, ideal for modern and minimalist weddings where a clean, understated look is the goal.
How to Make a Eucalyptus Buttonhole
Creating your own eucalyptus buttonholes is straightforward and a lovely way to personalise your day. Here is a simple method:
- Choose two or three small sprigs of eucalyptus and trim them to roughly 10–12cm in length.
- If using a feature flower, position it slightly off-centre at the front of the greenery.
- Gather the stems together and wrap them tightly with floral tape from just below the heads down to the ends.
- Cover the tape with a length of ribbon, twine or a thin satin band to match your colour scheme.
- Finish the stem ends neatly and add a pearl-headed pin for fastening to the lapel.
Make buttonholes the evening before and store them in a cool place or the fridge, lightly misted with water, so they stay fresh for the ceremony.
Styling Ideas to Match Your Wedding Theme
Eucalyptus buttonholes are endlessly adaptable. For a boho wedding, pair seeded eucalyptus with dried grasses or a sprig of lavender. For a classic celebration, combine silver dollar eucalyptus with a single white rose and ivory ribbon. For a winter wedding, add a touch of berry, pine or thistle for seasonal contrast. Coordinating your buttonholes with the bridal bouquet, table greenery and ceremony arch creates a polished, considered look that ties the whole day together.
How to Wear a Buttonhole Correctly
A buttonhole is worn on the left lapel, over the heart, with the stem pointing downwards. Pin it from behind the lapel so the pin is hidden, securing the stem against the fabric. It should sit flat and feel secure but not crushed. If your jacket has a working lapel buttonhole, thread the stem through it for the most traditional finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I make eucalyptus buttonholes?
Eucalyptus is hardy, so buttonholes can be made one to two days ahead. Keep them in a cool place or the fridge, lightly misted, and they will stay fresh and presentable for the wedding day.
Are eucalyptus buttonholes suitable for all seasons?
Yes. Eucalyptus is available year-round and its neutral green tone suits every season. You can simply adjust the accent flowers or foliage to reflect spring, summer, autumn or winter.
Can I use artificial eucalyptus for buttonholes?
Absolutely. Artificial eucalyptus buttonholes look realistic, last indefinitely and make perfect keepsakes after the wedding, which is ideal if you want zero maintenance on the day.
How many buttonholes will I need?
As a guide, plan for the groom, best man, groomsmen, ushers, fathers and grandfathers, plus any other special guests. Counting these in advance helps you order or make the right number.
Complete Your Wedding Eucalyptus Styling
For a fully coordinated wedding aesthetic, pair eucalyptus buttonholes with our eucalyptus bridal flower headband for the bride and our wedding eucalyptus collection for garlands, tableware and greenery styling. For a complete overview of eucalyptus at weddings, read our wedding eucalyptus buying guide. Free UK delivery on all orders.