The Buttonhole Tradition

A buttonhole carries a quiet kind of magic, and it feels perfectly at home in Apartment Group wedding venues across the North East of England.

At places like Le Petit Château — where the image for this page was taken — this tiny floral detail fits beautifully with the venue’s romantic French-inspired styling and its reputation for unforgettable weddings.

Across the wider Apartment Group collection, from Newton Hall’s coastal charm to the elegance of Whitworth Hall, the buttonhole has remained a meaningful part of UK wedding tradition. It symbolises love, luck, and loyalty, worn close to the heart and woven into generations of celebrations across Northumberland, County Durham, and the Yorkshire borders.

Traditionally, the groom, groomsmen, dads, and VIPs wear a buttonhole to mark their role in the day. The flowers usually echo the bouquet, creating a subtle thread of unity between the couple and the people standing closest to them. And yes, it always sits on the left lapel, stem down, right over the heart.

Whether it’s a classic rose, a sprig of thistle, or something wild and modern, the buttonhole is more than decoration. It’s a moment of meaning at the very start of the day — a tiny bloom carrying a big story, perfectly suited to the character and atmosphere of Apartment Group’s distinctive venues, especially the dreamy setting of Le Petit Château.

Small flower. Big tradition. Image by Tees Valley Weddings