How to Make a Live Boutonniere
If you're a do it yourself bride, you are probably interested in making boutonnieres for your groom, his groomsmen, both your father and the father of the groom, and any other important male figure in the wedding. Buying boutonnieres from a florist can be quite costly, but they are a neccesary part of the flower program. Boutonnieres are not only important for weddings, but they are also important for proms and other affairs. With a little creativity and time, you can make your own boutonnieres and never have to purchase one again.
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Things You'll Need
- Fresh flower: roses, mini calla lilies and carnations
- Filler: hardy leaves from the rose, baby's breath, berries, gems or ribbon
- Floral shears
- Florist tape
- Florist wire: 20 gauge
- Boutonniere pins
Instructions
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1
Start with a well hydrated flower. Before you start making the boutonniere, cut about 1 or 2 inches off of the stem and let the flower sit in a vase of warm water for about half an hour.
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Cut your flower off of the stem. Leave about one inch of stem.
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3
Pole your floral wire through the top of the stem and bend it so that you have created a new stem that is around 5 inches long.
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Wrap your new stem with floral tape starting at the top and working your way down.
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5
Now you are ready to assemble your leaves and other filler around the flower. Arrange your filler the way you like it. Place leaves behind the flower and baby's breath or gems in front of the flower. Use your floral tape to tape them in place.
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For a modern look, use a pen to twist the new stem into a spiral. Stick the boutonniere pins into the stem.
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Tips & Warnings
Make your boutonniere no more than 24 hours ahead of time.
Store your boutonniere in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
References
- Photo Credit Maria Teijeiro/Digital Vision/Getty Images
