How to Make Memorial Boutonniere Pins

"Boutonniere" comes from the French word for "buttonhole," the place where the flower is pinned on a man's suit jacket. Boutonnieres are most commonly seen at proms and weddings, but sometimes are also worn during events of remembrance, such as memorial services. With a few accessories, homemade boutonnieres are easy to assemble; in fact, it may take you more time to decide what color and type of flower you want to use.

Things You'll Need

• Flowers
• Scissors
• Floral tape
• Pin
• Commemorative decorations
• Hot-glue gun
• Water
• Plastic bag

Instructions

1. Cut a flower off of the stem, leaving 2 to 3 inches of the stem.

2. Wrap the remaining stem in floral tape, creasing it cleanly and tightly under your thumb as you twist the flower stem around.

3. Add one or two smaller flowers as an accent, if desired. Wrap each flower stem individually with floral tape, and then wrap the bunch together.

4. Take a few leaves from the stem and place them behind the flower. Tightly wrap leaves to stem with floral tape.

5. Add accessories to the boutonniere such as a picture, charm or memento that reflects the person or occasion for which the memorial is taking place. Attach the decorations with a hot-glue gun.

6. Place the boutonniere at a slight angle on the lapel of the jacket, about 4 to 5 inches from the top of the left shoulder.

7. Take a sturdy pin in your other hand and stick it into the fabric at the bottom left-hand corner of the stem.

8. Weave it out and then over the stem and into the fabric on the other side, pushing down to make sure the flower will stay in place.

9. Weave the pin out once more, making sure the pin is not sticking out or poking inside the jacket.

Tips & Warnings

• Carnations are the classic choice for boutonnieres, commonly seen in white or red, but any type of flower could be used.

References

• The Knot: Homemade Boutonnieres

Resources

• Flower Expression: Boutonniere Pictures