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Making your own boutonniere can be a rewarding and creative experience, adding a unique touch to any special occasion.
A boutonniere is a small floral arrangement typically worn by the groom and male attendants at a wedding, or by attendees at events such as proms and homecomings.
Designing a custom boutonniere can help you express your personal style while complementing the overall theme and decor of an event.
To get started, you’ll need to gather the right materials and supplies, and carefully choose the flowers and accents you’d like to incorporate into your design.
Once you’ve made those decisions, you can begin the process of assembling your boutonniere by creating a base and attaching the selected flowers and accents.
Keep in mind that the boutonniere should be sturdy and secure, ensuring it will stay in place throughout the event.
With a few simple steps and a little practice, you can create a stunning boutonniere that will stand out and impress your guests and fellow event attendees.
Key Takeaways
- Selecting appropriate materials and supplies is crucial for creating a successful boutonniere.
- Considering the event and theme will help you make informed choices about flowers and accents.
- Proper assembly techniques will ensure a sturdy and secure boutonniere that lasts throughout the event.
Selecting Materials and Supplies
Flowers
When selecting flowers for your boutonniere, consider the overall color palette of your event and the clothes you’ll be wearing.
Choose a large, sturdy flower with a strong stem as the central piece, such as a rose, which is a popular choice.
Other options include calla lilies, orchids, or even succulents. Remember to always select fresh flowers.
Greenery
Incorporating greenery into your boutonniere adds texture and richness. Some common options are eucalyptus, ferns, ivy, or rosemary.
Ensure that the greenery complements the chosen flowers and fits the overall theme.
Filler Flowers
Filler flowers are smaller flowers that add volume and interest without competing with the main flower.
Baby’s breath, wax flowers, and astilbe are popular choices for fillers. Ensure that the colors of your filler flowers either match or complement the primary flowers.
Floral Wire
You’ll need floral wire to secure your boutonniere elements together. Opt for a 22 to 26 gauge wire, which is strong enough to hold the stems in place but flexible enough to work with.
Floral Tape
Floral tape is a stretchy, self-adhesive tape that binds and covers the stems and wire. Choose a color that matches or complements your flowers and greenery.
Ribbon
Select a ribbon to wrap around the floral tape for a polished appearance. The ribbon can be any color or material that complements your flowers and overall aesthetic.
Pins
You will need pins to secure the boutonniere to the lapel. Select pins that are long, sturdy, and match the color of your ribbon or flowers.
Wire Cutter
A wire cutter is necessary for cutting the floral wire to the correct length and for trimming excess wire from the boutonniere.
Scissors
A sharp pair of scissors will make cutting your flowers, greenery, and ribbon easier. Opt for a pair of scissors that can handle delicate materials without causing damage.
Choosing a Boutonniere Style
When deciding to create a DIY wedding boutonniere, it’s crucial to select a style that complements both the groom’s and groomsmen’s clothing and the overall event aesthetic.
A well-chosen style can elevate the appearance of the wedding party and give a boost of confidence to the groom and groomsmen on the big day.
Before you start gathering materials, determine the overall color palette of your wedding. Pay attention to the prominent colors present in the venue, reception tables, and floral arrangements.
Your boutonniere can either match these colors directly or incorporate complementary shades.
Once you’ve identified your desired color scheme, consider the design and style you want to convey. Think about the groom’s personal style and the formality of the event.
There are several popular styles of boutonnieres, such as:
- Traditional: A classic boutonniere with a single, large centerpiece flower and a touch of greenery is a time-honored choice.
- Rustic: For outdoor or barn weddings, opt for earthy tones, like branches or wildflowers, that capture the essence of the natural setting.
- Modern: A more contemporary boutonniere might feature unconventional elements like succulents or textured greenery for a fresh, unique look.
In addition to the color palette and design style, it’s crucial to consider the specific flowers and greenery you’ll use.
Some popular boutonniere flowers include roses, orchids, calla lilies, and ranunculus. These flowers not only look beautiful but also have sturdy stems that withstand the rigors of a wedding day.
Don’t forget to pair the chosen flowers with complementary greenery or filler elements like eucalyptus, ivy, or ferns.
Keep in mind the practical aspects of making your own boutonniere. Consider the time it takes to craft each piece, especially when creating multiple boutonnieres for groomsmen.
Make a plan and allocate enough time to ensure a consistent, polished result.
Creating the Boutonniere Base
Trimming and Cutting the Stems
To create the base of your boutonniere, begin with selecting the flowers and greenery you’ll be using. Make sure the flower has a sturdy stem to avoid wilting.
Cut each of your flower and greenery stems down to approximately 1.5 inches in length, ensuring a uniform appearance for your boutonniere.
Attaching the Flowers
Choose a large, sturdy flower for the center of your boutonniere. This should match or be complementary to your overall color palette.
Carefully attach the flower stems together using floral tape, and work your way down the stems, wrapping them together as you go. This will help secure the flowers in place.
Adding the Greenery
Once the main flowers are attached, it’s time to include greenery to complement your chosen blooms.
Remove any leaves and foliage from the lower half of each stem to make room for the floral tape, and then arrange the greenery alongside the flower stems.
This will add dimension and balance to your boutonniere. Secure the greenery together with the flower stems using additional floral tape.
Layering Fillers and Flowers
To create depth and texture in your boutonniere, consider adding filler flowers and other decorative elements.
These can include smaller flowers, berries, or other textural elements that work well with your main flower(s) and greenery.
Layer these additions around your central flower and greenery, and secure them in place with floral tape.
Assembling the Boutonniere
Wrapping with Floral Tape
Start by gathering your primary flower, filler flowers, and greenery (all stems trimmed to about 1 inch).
Using your thumb and forefinger, hold the primary flower at its base, leaving room to add the filler flowers and greenery.
Add each additional piece, arranging them according to your desired design, and hold them together tightly.
Once you have all the elements in place, wrap the stems using floral tape. Begin at the topmost part of the stem and work your way downward, overlapping the tape as you go.
The tape helps keep everything in place securely and provides additional support for the arrangement.
Securing with Ribbon
After wrapping the stems with floral tape, choose a ribbon that complements the color palette of your boutonniere. Cut a piece of ribbon (about 1-2 feet) and fold it in half, creating a loop.
Slip the loop over the top of the boutonniere, then wrap the two loose ends around the stem, covering the floral tape.
When you reach the bottom, tie a knot or bow and trim excess ribbon as needed.
Attaching the Pin
To secure the boutonniere to the wearer’s clothing, you will need either a corsage pin or a sturdy safety pin.
Be sure to choose a pin with a flat head that can easily slide through the ribbon and fabric of the clothing.
Position the pin vertically and push it through the back of the ribbon, capturing a tiny bit of the wearer’s fabric, and then back out through the front of the ribbon.
Final Touches
If you’re using faux flowers, ensure that they are properly arranged and secure.
Should you decide to include any additional embellishments—such as rope, beads, or charms—attach them now using hot glue or by tying them onto the ribbon.
Last but not least, take a moment to assess the final product, making sure that all elements are secure and in the desired position, and trimming any stray leaves or stem fragments as necessary.
Tips for Making Boutonnieres
When planning a wedding, making your own boutonniere can be a creative and cost-effective way to add a personal touch.
Here are some tips for DIY boutonnieres to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Find inspiration and choose the right blooms
Before starting, have a clear vision of how your boutonniere should look. Consider the overall flower design of your wedding, including the color palette.
Your boutonniere can either match or complement the colors and textures. Select a large, sturdy central flower with a firm stem to ensure that it doesn’t wilt.
Gather materials and tools
In addition to your chosen flowers, you’ll need some additional supplies for making a boutonniere.
These may include floral tape, wire, ribbon or decorative pins, strong scissors or pruning shears, and a hot glue gun if you plan to attach embellishments.
Trim and prep the flowers
Remove any excess leaves and cut the stems to the desired length, generally around 3-4 inches.
You may wish to wrap the base of the stem with floral tape to hold multiple stems in place or provide extra support.
Assemble the boutonniere
Start with the central flower and build around it, adding smaller flowers, greenery, or accents as desired.
Maintain a balanced and attractive appearance while keeping in mind the table and ring bearer’s corsages, which should coordinate well with the boutonniere.
Secure the elements together using floral tape or wire.
Finish with decorative elements
Wrap the stem with ribbon or decorative tape and use a hot glue gun to attach any additional elements, such as pearls or rhinestones.
This step will help personalize your boutonniere and provide a polished look.
Proper storage for freshness
To ensure that your boutonniere looks its best on the big day, it’s essential to store it properly.
If you have a gap of time before the ceremony, especially overnight, leave the stems exposed and gently set your boutonniere in a shallow cup of water.
