Flowers have an irreplaceable presence in our society. It has been used for various occasions like a token of love, sympathy, or gratitude. Boutonnieres are worn on the lapel of the suit or dress as a stylish accessory that can complete any formal attire. These are often used in weddings, proms, and other special events. Making your own boutonniere allows you to customize the design to match your personal style and the theme of the event. With a few simple materials and a little bit of creativity, you can create a beautiful and unique boutonniere.
The first step in making a boutonniere is to choose your flowers. You can use any type of flower you like, but some popular choices include roses, carnations, and orchids. Once you have chosen your flowers, you will need to gather your other materials. These include floral wire, floral tape, and scissors. You may also want to use other embellishments, such as greenery, ribbon, or beads.
Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin assembling your boutonniere. First, wire the flowers together. To do this, cut a piece of floral wire that is about 6 inches long. Fold the wire in half and insert it through the base of one of the flowers. Wrap the wire around the stem of the flower and twist it to secure it. Repeat this process with the other flowers. Once all of the flowers are wired together, wrap the stems with floral tape to secure them. You can then add any other embellishments you desire. To finish, cut the excess wire and tape.
Selecting the Perfect Blooms
When selecting blooms for your boutonniere, consider the following factors:
- Type of Event: Formal events call for classic and elegant blooms like roses or orchids, while casual events can accommodate more whimsical choices like wildflowers or succulents.
- Seasonality: Opt for flowers that are in season to ensure freshness and availability. Peonies and ranunculus are popular spring blooms, while dahlias and sunflowers thrive in summer.
- Color Scheme: The boutonniere should complement the overall color scheme of the wedding or event. If the wedding colors are blush and white, consider a white rose or camellia.
- Bloom Size: A boutonniere should be understated and elegant, so choose blooms that are small to medium in size. Larger blooms like lilies or anthuriums may overwhelm a boutonniere.
- Texture: Blooms with different textures can add interest to a boutonniere. Combine velvety roses with delicate ferns or add some ethereal Baby’s Breath for a touch of softness.
- Personality: Don’t be afraid to express your personality through the flowers you choose. If the groom is a nature lover, consider a boutonniere with wildflowers like daisies or forget-me-nots.
| Bloom Type | Season |
|---|---|
| Roses | Year-round |
| Orchids | Year-round |
| Peonies | Spring |
| Dahlias | Summer |
| Wildflowers | Spring/Summer |
| Succulents | Year-round |
Creating the Base Structure
The base structure of a boutonniere is typically composed of wire, floral tape, and a pin. Here’s a more detailed guide to creating the base:
1. Choose the Right Wire
Floral wire is available in various gauges (thicknesses). Choose 26-gauge wire for smaller flowers and 22-gauge wire for larger ones. Thicker wire provides extra support for heavier flowers.
2. Cut the Wire
Cut a piece of wire approximately 6-8 inches long. Fold it in half to create a loop at one end. This loop will serve as the anchor point for the flower.
3. Wrap Floral Tape
Wrap floral tape securely around the wire, starting from the base of the loop and working towards the loop end. Ensure that the tape is taut and there are no gaps. The floral tape provides support and conceals the wire, giving the boutonniere a polished finish.
| Floral Tape Colors | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Green | Blends with foliage |
| White | Neutral and versatile |
| Brown | Creates a rustic or natural look |
Securing the Blooms
Step 1: Wire the Stem
Wrap floral wire around the stem of the bloom, starting about 1 inch below the flower head. Leave a few inches of wire free at the top.
Step 2: Cut a Piece of Ribbon
Cut a length of ribbon that is approximately 12 inches long. Fold the ribbon in half and insert the ends of the wire through the loop.
Step 3: Wrap the Ribbon
Wrap the ribbon tightly around the wire stem, creating a secure knot. Trim any excess ribbon.
Step 4: Add a Pin
Insert a corsage pin through the back of the flower and into the floral foam or other base.
Step 5: Advanced Techniques for Securing Blooms
For more complex blooms or to create a more elaborate look, consider the following advanced techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| U-shaped Wire | Create a U-shaped hook in the wire and insert it into the base of the bloom. Wrap the legs of the wire around the stem and secure with floral tape. |
| Floral Adhesive | Apply a small amount of floral adhesive to the base of the bloom and attach it to the base. This method is suitable for delicate blooms or when a wired stem is not desirable. |
| Floral Tape | Wrap floral tape tightly around the stem and secure it to the base. This technique can be used to create a more natural look and to reinforce the wire. |
Attaching to the Suit
Once you have created your boutonniere, it’s time to attach it to your suit. Here are the steps on how to do it:
1. Choose the Right Spot
The boutonniere should be placed on the left lapel of your suit, about 2-3 inches below the top buttonhole.
2. Use a Pin
The most common way to attach a boutonniere is to use a pin. Insert the pin through the back of the boutonniere and into the lapel of your suit. Make sure the pin is not visible from the front of the suit.
3. Use a Magnet
Magnets are another option for attaching a boutonniere. Simply place the magnet on the back of the boutonniere and then attach it to the lapel of your suit. This method is less likely to damage your suit than using a pin.
4. Sew it On
If you want a more permanent solution, you can sew the boutonniere to your suit. This is the most secure method, but it can also be the most damaging to your suit.
5. Practice First
Before you attach the boutonniere to your suit, it’s a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of fabric. This will help you to get the hang of it and avoid any mistakes.
6. Be Careful
When attaching the boutonniere, be careful not to damage your suit. Avoid using sharp pins or needles, and be gentle when sewing.
7. Remove the Boutonniere After Use
After you have worn your boutonniere, be sure to remove it from your suit. This will help to prevent any damage to the suit.
8. Care for the Boutonniere
To keep your boutonniere looking its best, it’s important to care for it properly. Here are some care tips:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Store in a cool, dry place | Boutonnieres should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. |
| Lightly mist with water | If the boutonniere starts to wilt, you can lightly mist it with water. |
| Don’t overwater | Overwatering can damage the boutonniere. |
Storage and Transportation
To ensure that your boutonniere remains fresh and vibrant, proper storage and transportation are crucial.
Storage
For short-term storage (up to 12 hours):
- Keep the boutonniere in a cool and humid environment, such as a refrigerator or a sealed container with a damp paper towel.
- Avoid direct sunlight or exposure to heat.
Transportation
For transporting your boutonniere:
- Place the boutonniere in a small box or container with a damp paper towel.
- Secure the container with a lid or wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Consider using a cold pack to maintain a cool temperature during transport.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight.
- Handle the boutonniere gently to prevent damage.
Additional Tips for Prolonged Storage
For boutonnieres that need to be stored for longer periods:
- Remove any excess moisture from the flowers or foliage using a paper towel.
- Wrap the boutonniere in a layer of tissue paper or floral wrap.
- Place the wrapped boutonniere in a sealed plastic container or airtight bag with a silica gel packet to absorb moisture.
- Store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Short-term (up to 12 hours) | Refrigerator or sealed container |
| Long-term | Sealed plastic container with silica gel |
How to Make a Boutonniere
A boutonniere is a small flower arrangement that is worn on the lapel of a suit or dress. It is typically made with a single flower or a small cluster of flowers, and is often accented with greenery or other decorative elements. Boutonnieres are a popular accessory for weddings, proms, and other formal events.
Materials:
- Flowers
- Greenery (optional)
- Floral tape
- Wire
- Scissors
- Ribbon (optional)
Instructions:
- Choose your flowers. The best flowers for boutonnieres are those that are small and delicate, such as roses, lilies, or orchids. You can also use wildflowers or other seasonal blooms.
- Remove the stems from the flowers. Cut the stems off the flowers, leaving about 1 inch of stem.
- Create a base for the boutonniere. Wrap a piece of floral tape around the end of a piece of wire. This will create the base of the boutonniere.
- Attach the flowers to the base. Use floral tape to attach the flowers to the base. You can arrange the flowers in any way you like.
- Add greenery. If desired, you can add greenery to the boutonniere. Wrap a piece of floral tape around the stem of a leaf and attach it to the base of the boutonniere.
- Secure the boutonniere. Wrap a piece of ribbon around the base of the boutonniere and tie it off to secure it.
Tips:
- To keep your boutonniere fresh, store it in a cool place with plenty of water.
- If you are using fresh flowers, change the water every day.
- You can also use artificial flowers to make a boutonniere.
People Also Ask
What flowers are best for boutonnieres?
The best flowers for boutonnieres are those that are small and delicate, such as roses, lilies, or orchids. You can also use wildflowers or other seasonal blooms.
How do you make a boutonniere with a wire?
To make a boutonniere with a wire, you will need to:
- Wrap a piece of floral tape around the end of a piece of wire.
- Attach the flowers to the base using floral tape.
- Add greenery, if desired.
- Secure the boutonniere with a piece of ribbon.
How do you make a boutonniere with a pin?
To make a boutonniere with a pin, you will need to:
- Remove the stems from the flowers.
- Attach the flowers to a pin using floral tape.
- Add greenery, if desired.
- Secure the boutonniere with a piece of ribbon.
