A boutonniere is a small floral arrangement that is worn on the lapel of a suit or jacket. 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 choice for weddings, proms, and other formal occasions. While they can be purchased from a florist, they are also relatively easy to make at home. With a few simple materials and a little bit of time, you can create a beautiful boutonniere that will add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
To make a boutonniere, you will need the following materials:
– Flowers: Choose flowers that are in season and that complement the colors of your outfit. You can use a single flower or a small cluster of flowers.
– Greenery: Greenery can help to add volume and interest to your boutonniere. You can use leaves, ferns, or other types of greenery.
– Floral tape: Floral tape is used to hold the flowers and greenery together.
– Scissors
– Wire cutters
Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin to assemble your boutonniere. Start by cutting the stems of the flowers and greenery to the desired length. You can then arrange the flowers and greenery in the desired shape. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, use floral tape to secure the flowers and greenery together. You can then use wire cutters to trim any excess floral tape. Finally, attach a pin to the back of the boutonniere so that it can be worn on a lapel. With a little practice, you can create beautiful boutonnieres that will add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Preparing the Stems
Once you have gathered your flowers, greenery, and other materials, it’s time to prepare the stems. This process involves several steps to ensure the flowers stay fresh and are easy to work with.
Step 1: Remove Excess Foliage
Using sharp scissors or a sharp knife, remove any excess leaves or foliage from the base of the stems. This will help to prevent rot and allow the flowers to breathe.
Step 2: Cut the Stems to the Desired Length
Determine the desired length for the boutonniere stems based on the size of the flowers and the style of the outfit the boutonniere will be worn with. Use sharp scissors to make clean, angled cuts at the base of the stems.
Step 3: Trim and Treat the Ends of the Stems
To prevent the stems from becoming woody and brittle, trim the bottom 1-2 inches of each stem at a 45-degree angle. Split the bottom of the stems slightly with a sharp knife or flower stripper to increase water absorption. You can also crush the bottom of the stems with a hammer or pliers to create a “hammered” effect that will facilitate water uptake.
| Method | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Splitting the stems | Enlarges the surface area for water absorption |
| Crushing the stems | Creates tiny channels that allow water to travel up the stem more easily |
How to Make a Boutonniere
A boutonniere is a small floral arrangement worn on the lapel of a suit or tuxedo. It is typically made of a single flower or a few small flowers arranged together. Boutonnieres are often worn to weddings, proms, and other formal events.
Making a boutonniere is not difficult, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. Here are the steps on how to make a boutonniere:
- Gather your materials. You will need the following materials:
- A fresh flower or flowers
- Floral wire
- Floral tape
- Scissors
- Ribbon or other decorative material (optional)
- Prepare the flower. If you are using a single flower, simply remove the stem and leaves. If you are using multiple flowers, arrange them together and wire them together at the base.
- Wrap the flower with floral tape. Start by wrapping the floral tape around the base of the flower. Continue wrapping the tape up the stem, overlapping the previous layer by about half.
- Create a loop. Once you reach the end of the stem, create a loop by bending the wire over and wrapping it around the stem. This loop will be used to attach the boutonniere to the lapel.
- Cover the loop with floral tape. Wrap the floral tape around the loop to secure it and to give the boutonniere a finished look.
- Add decorative material. If desired, you can add decorative material to the boutonniere. This could include ribbon, lace, or other embellishments.
- Pin the boutonniere to the lapel. Use a safety pin to attach the boutonniere to the lapel of the suit or tuxedo.
People Also Ask About How to Make a Boutonniere
What kind of flowers are best for boutonnieres?
The best flowers for boutonnieres are those that are small and delicate, such as roses, lilies of the valley, or orchids. You can also use other types of flowers, such as carnations or gerbera daisies, but be sure to choose flowers that are not too large or heavy.
How long do boutonnieres last?
Boutonnieres typically last for 1-2 days. To help them last longer, keep them in a cool, humid place and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.
Can I make boutonnieres ahead of time?
Yes, you can make boutonnieres ahead of time. Simply make the boutonnieres and then store them in a cool, humid place until you are ready to use them.
