How to Make a Boutonniere

One of the most widely used traditions at any formal event like award functions, weddings, black tie parties, or any other occasion, where tuxedos and suits are a must, are boutonnieres. They are nothing but a floral decoration which is worn by men on the side collars of the jacket, as a part of the formal attire. The word 'boutonniere' is actually picked up from a French word Boutonnière, which means buttonhole! The flower part which is used to make these is basically a tiny bud or a flower head which is either slightly or completely bloomed. You can make them with real flowers, though artificial boutonnieres are also available. They are very similar to corsages which are usually worn around the wrist by women. If you are fond of arts and crafts, well, learning how to make a boutonniere is surely something helpful. Keep reading!

How to Prepare a Boutonniere

There are many ways of learning how to make a boutonniere, as it is nothing but a simple type of flower arrangement. It involves very simple designs of using any types of flower heads with a very small stalk, some fillers, and ribbons or a piece of tulle. Even though it sounds easy, there are certain techniques of making them look attractive and presentable. Thus, in the coming up paragraphs, we have put together a few simple steps for making a boutonniere for homecoming, weddings, funerals and other formal events. Take a look.

Things You Will Need

• 1 medium bud or rose, carnation, calla lily, or any other small flower
• Ribbon (in any 2 complementing colors)
• Spray starch
• Leaves
• Floral tape
• Scissors/wire cutters
• Large pin

Directions

• To start with the easy steps on how to make a boutonniere for weddings and other occasions, you need to first choose the flowers you would want to include in the arrangement. Therefore, make sure you pick flowers such that their heads are small in size even when bloomed, they have strong stalks, and colors match their desired purpose.
• Usually the wedding flowers chosen for formal functions are roses, calla lilies, orchids heads, carnations, etc. You will not only find a variety of colors in these, but they all have strong stalks to be held.
• After you have chosen these flowers, you need to prepare them, so cut the stems to about 2 to 3 inches, and check the length of the boutonniere.
• Now, to start with the preparation of the boutonniere, you will need to compile/group two or more leaves together. This is to make the frame of the boutonniere for groomsmen and the bridegroom. Wrap the stems of the leaves with the floral tape so that they are held together.
• This step is followed by grouping the flowers together to the taped leaves, in the center. Or you can hold the stems of the flowers in a pinch and then wrap the leaves around this arrangement as well. However, you should have a boutonniere, where the flower heads are surrounded by foliage.
• With the colored ribbons, either tie a bow, or simply knot it around the stem of the boutonniere. You can use any type of decorative ribbon, to make various types of bows and knots.
• Now, you can use the starch spray to make the arrangement stiff and held appropriately. This will stiffen the flower, leaves and the ribbon and hold them in place, so that they don't droop to look shabby.
• Once you are done preparing it, you will want to know how to put on a boutonniere. So, all you have to do to wear it, is add one or two pins at the back of the arrangement, so that you can pin it up on your coat. You will find many decorative pins for this as well. Isn't this a great way of using your skills to make something creative, as boutonniere prices are quite high.

With these great tips on how to make a boutonniere, I am sure your job of making these has been made easy! Well, go ahead and make these at home and save a few bucks, as it's surely something unique to learn.