Planning/Wedding day etiquette
Wedding day etiquette · DressA little white square, folded four ways
A pocket square is the easiest way to look finished. Choose the fold for how formal the day is, and leave space for the boutonniere above it.
- Most formalThe flat fold
- Most relaxedThe puff
- FabricLinen or cotton holds a crease
- With a boutonniereKeep it low and simple
The rule is simple: complement the tie, never match it exactly.
A matching tie and pocket square set looks bought, not chosen. A white linen square is correct with almost everything; a pattern that picks up one colour from the tie looks considered.
The boutonniere goes on the left lapel and the pocket square in the left breast pocket, so they share the same small area. If the boutonniere is large, choose a flat fold so the two do not compete.
Four folds, from formal to easy
The flat (presidential) fold
Fold the square in half, then in half again. Fold the bottom up so the width matches your pocket, and tuck it in leaving a straight line about a quarter to half an inch above the pocket edge.
The one-point fold
Lay it as a diamond. Fold the bottom point up to just below the top point, fold the sides in to the pocket width, then fold the bottom up and tuck. One neat point shows.
The two- or three-point fold
Start as for one point, but fold the bottom corner up slightly off-centre so two or three peaks stagger. Fold the sides in and tuck. Best in crisp cotton.
The puff
Pinch the centre of the square, lift it so the corners hang, gather loosely, fold the corners under and tuck the rounded side up. Lovely in silk.
Eight folds in one video
8 ways to fold a pocket square
Gentleman’s Gazette on YouTube. Covers every fold above and a few more, with clear close-ups.
Small rules that matter
Do
- Match the formality: flat fold with black tie, puff or points for daytime and garden weddings.
- Pick up one colour from the tie, the bridesmaids or the flowers.
- Press it the day before and fold it on the morning.
- Give groomsmen the same fold so the line-up matches.
Don’t
- Buy a matching tie-and-square set in the same fabric.
- Let it rise above the boutonniere or crowd the flowers.
- Stuff it in so deep it disappears, or so high it flops.
- Use it as a handkerchief. Carry a separate one for happy tears.
Fold it in the morning and tuck it in tight. By the toasts, jackets have been hugged a hundred times; a crisp flat fold still looks deliberate in the reception photos when a puff has long since collapsed.
Lulan Studio · wedding photographers & filmmakers
Pocket squares, answered
Should the pocket square match the tie?
It should complement, not match. A white linen square works with everything; otherwise pick up one colour from the tie or wedding palette in a different pattern or texture.
Can you wear a pocket square and a boutonniere together?
Yes. Keep the pocket square simple, usually a flat or one-point fold, so it sits below the boutonniere without competing with the flowers.
What is the most formal pocket square fold?
The flat or presidential fold, a straight white line just above the pocket. It is the classic choice with a tuxedo.
Should groomsmen wear pocket squares?
They can. Matching folds and colours look tidy in group photos; many couples give pocket squares as groomsmen gifts.
Keep reading, before the big day
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