Directions for Making a Boutineer

Boutonnieres are typically worn during weddings and proms.

A boutonnière, or boutineer, is an accessory comprised of one or more flowers, real or fake, usually attached by some sort of pin or other device and worn on the lapel of a jacket. Boutonnières are a popular part of wedding themes because they help create a quick way to identify those included in the party. You can easily make your own boutonnières, and by using special boutonnière magnets, you won't have to make a mark or hole in your special-occasion clothing.

Things You'll Need

• Flower
• Florist stem tape
• Leaf
• Self-adhesive boutonnière magnets

Instructions

1. Cut the stem of the flower to 1-½ inches long. Make the lengths slightly longer or shorter if it is your preference.

2. Hold the end of the florist stem tape mostly perpendicular to the stem directly under the petals of the flower. Point the tape slightly down and away from the flower.

3. Wrap the tape around the stem once. Pull the tape so it stretches as you wrap to secure the tape to itself.

4. Hold the tape steady and twist the stem of the flower. As you spin the flower, the tape will get wrapped tightly around the stem.

5. Pinch the end of the stem and tape together while pulling the rest of the tape away. Pull firmly to tear the excess tape from the stem.

6. Hold the leaf up behind the petals of the flower. Point the tip of the leaf up, sticking out slightly from behind the petals.

7. Tape the leaf stem and the flower stem together using the stem tape. Use the same method you used for the flower stem to tie the two together.

8. Press a piece of the adhesive magnet to the back of the leaf. Attach another piece of the magnet to the underside of the clothes the boutonnière will be fixed to.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use several flowers by preparing each one as directed above. Arrange them together in a bundle and tape together to form the boutonnière.

• Do not use real flowers unless you are sure no one is allergic to species you are using.

References

• Perfect Wedding Day: How to Make a Boutonnière
• Elegance in Bloom: Boutonnières Instructions