How to Make a Bridal Boutonniere
While the bride and bridesmaids traditionally have bouquets, the groom and his groomsmen have a boutonniere, or a small floral corsage, on the lapel of their jacket. Making your own boutonnieres takes only a few steps and can be done with fresh flowers or silk flowers. Silk flowers enable you to easily save the boutonnieres as a keepsake of your special day without the hassles of drying or preserving.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh or silk flowers
- Baby’s breath and greenery
- Floral tape
- Ribbon
- Straight pin
- Scissors or wire cutters
Instructions
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1
Choose which flower you want to use for the boutonniere and, if using fresh flowers, purchase the flowers only a day or two before the event to insure they will be fresh and not wilted. Roses and carnations are the flower types typically used for boutonnieres, though you can use any variety you like.
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2
Use scissors or wire cutters to cut the flower stem or silk flower stem to around 3 inches. You will need to leave enough of the stem to attach greens and baby’s breath, as well as a bow.
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3
Lay your greenery and baby’s breath on a flat surface and place your flower bud stem on top. Arrange all of them into the style you would like for your boutonniere. Wrap the stem, beginning at the very top just under the flower bud, with the floral tape. You can choose to cover the entire stem or just at the top, letting the stems show below.
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4
Cut a foot-long piece of the ribbon and tie a bow just below the flower bud. Trim the remaining edges of the ribbon.
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5
Keep the fresh flower boutonniere in the refrigerator until it is time to be worn. Using a straight pin, place the boutonniere on the lapel of the groom or groomsman.
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Tips & Warnings
If your wedding colors are not a common floral color, talk to your local florist about the possibility of dying the flowers with a color to match. If this is possible, the flowers will need to be ordered in advance.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
