Button Holes

Creating boutonnières, those small, elegant floral arrangements typically worn on the lapel of a suit or tuxedo, is a delightful DIY project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your own boutonnières:

Materials You'll Need:

• Fresh flowers (roses, carnations, or any small blooms work well)
• Greenery (eucalyptus, ferns, or other foliage)
• Floral tape
• Floral wire
• Ribbon or twine
• Scissors or floral shears
• Wire cutters (optional)
• Pins (for attaching the boutonnière)

Step 1: Gather Your Materials:

Assemble all the materials you need in one place. Ensure your flowers are well-conditioned (hydrated) by placing their stems in water for a few hours before starting.

Step 2: Choose Your Flowers:

Select one or more small flowers as the focal point of your boutonnière. Roses, carnations, and small daisies are popular choices. Trim their stems to about 2-3 inches in length.

Step 3: Add Greenery:

Select a few small sprigs of greenery or foliage to complement the flowers. Eucalyptus, ferns, and baby's breath are excellent options. Trim the stems to a similar length as the flowers.

Step 4: Create the Base:

Take a piece of floral wire (about 4-5 inches long) and bend it into a "U" shape. This will serve as the base for your boutonnière.

Step 5: Arrange the Flowers and Greenery:

Place the focal flower(s) in the center and arrange the greenery around it. Hold the stems together in your hand, with the flower(s) in the middle and the greenery framing them.

Step 6: Secure with Floral Tape:

Starting just below the flower heads, use floral tape to wrap the stems tightly. Pull the tape downward, covering the entire length of the stems. This not only secures the boutonnière but also provides a neat finish.

Step 7: Trim Excess Stems:

Trim any excess stem length below the tape, leaving about half an inch. You can use scissors or wire cutters for this step.

Step 8: Finish with Ribbon or Twine:

Wrap a piece of ribbon or twine around the base of the boutonnière, covering the tape and adding a decorative touch. Secure the ribbon or twine with a knot or bow.

Step 9: Shape and Fluff:

Gently shape and fluff the boutonnière, adjusting the flower and greenery placement as needed to achieve the desired look.

Step 10: Attach with a Pin:

To wear the boutonnière, use a pin (usually included with rental suits or tuxedos) to attach it to the lapel of the suit or tuxedo. Insert the pin through the back of the boutonnière and then through the lapel, securing it in place.

And there you have it—a beautifully crafted boutonnière ready to be worn at weddings, proms, or any special occasion. Personalize the boutonnière with colors and flowers that match your event's theme for a unique and stylish accessory.