How to Make a Boutonniere

A boutonniere in a suit or tuxedo lapel provides a floral accent for a wedding, prom or other special occasion. Follow these instructions to produce a quick floral boutonniere that is inexpensive and attractive. Adapt the boutonniere for the special event, type of outfit and availability of flowers and greenery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Single flower such as a rose, calla lily or carnation
• Small ferns or bear grass
• Floral wire
• Floral tape
• Baby's breath or craft pearls (optional)
• Straight pin or safety pin

1. Choose a flower that works with boutonniere instructions. The bloom needs to be small enough for a lapel. Try a single rose, small calla lily or carnation.
2. Select greenery that complements the flower. Try a small fern or short spikes of bear grass.
3. Arrange your selections. Place the flower and greenery in a pleasing arrangement before you wire and tape them together.
4. Add a small piece of baby's breath or a few pearls to give the arrangement more visual interest. Use this option for a more formal occasion, such as a wedding.
5. Attach floral wire to the stem of the flower with floral tape to make the flower stay straight. Make sure the wire goes up the back the flower, hidden from view.
6. Add the stem of baby's breath next, if needed. Be sure to use a small piece so it doesn't overwhelm the flower or make the boutonniere too large. Secure it to the flower at the stem, using floal tape.
7. Connect the flower portion of the boutonniere to the greenery with floral tape, wrapping in a corkscrew fashion for a smooth finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a long straight pin with an artificial pearl head, or a safety pin attached to the back, to secure the boutonniere to the lapel.
• Use floral tape to match wedding colors as a creative touch. If you want the floral tape to look invisible, use the dark green color.

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