DIY Boutonniere Guide: Crafting Elegant Lapel Flowers

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to create those dapper little floral accents you see pinned to jackets at weddings, proms, or other fancy events? Those are called boutonnieres, and they're a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance and personality to your outfit. While you can totally buy them from a florist, making your own boutonniere is a fun and rewarding craft project. Plus, it allows you to customize the flowers and colors to perfectly match your style or the event's theme. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step of the process, from selecting your flowers and supplies to assembling and preserving your beautiful boutonniere. Ready to get crafty? Let's dive in!

Gathering Your Boutonniere Supplies: What You'll Need

Before you start crafting your boutonniere, you'll need to gather the necessary supplies. This is the first step in a successful DIY project, ensuring you have everything at your fingertips and are prepared to bring your floral vision to life. Trust me, having all your materials ready will make the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Here's a list of essential items:

• Flowers: This is the star of the show! Choose a focal flower, like a rose, carnation, or mini calla lily. You'll also need smaller accent flowers, such as baby's breath, waxflower, or spray roses, to add texture and visual interest. Consider the event's theme and your personal style when selecting flowers. For a classic look, you can't go wrong with a single rose or a cluster of carnations. For something more modern, try incorporating succulents or berries.
• Greenery: Greenery is crucial for adding depth and framing the flowers. Eucalyptus, rosemary, and ivy are popular choices. They add a natural touch and help balance the design. Be mindful of the scale of your greenery; you don't want it to overwhelm the flowers.
• Floral Tape: This stretchy, adhesive tape is specifically designed for floral arrangements. It's essential for securing the stems together and creating a cohesive design. Floral tape comes in various colors, but green is the most common and versatile choice.
• Floral Wire: Floral wire provides support and allows you to manipulate the flowers into your desired arrangement. You'll use it to reinforce stems and create custom shapes. Choose a gauge (thickness) appropriate for your flowers; thinner wire works well for delicate blooms, while thicker wire is better for sturdier stems.
• Scissors or Floral Snips: Sharp scissors or floral snips are necessary for cutting the stems and greenery. Make sure your tools are clean to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure clean cuts.
• Ribbon: Ribbon adds a finishing touch to your boutonniere, covering the floral tape and creating a polished look. Satin, grosgrain, or burlap ribbon are popular choices. Choose a color that complements your flowers and the overall aesthetic.
• Pins: Boutonniere pins, with their decorative heads, or regular pins will be used to attach the boutonniere to the lapel. Make sure to choose pins that are long enough to secure the arrangement without damaging the fabric of the jacket.
• Optional Supplies: Depending on your design, you might also need floral glue, decorative accents like beads or crystals, and a container of water to keep the flowers hydrated while you work. Also, you can use floral foam.

Selecting the Perfect Flowers and Greenery

Choosing the right flowers and greenery is paramount for a stunning boutonniere. This selection process allows you to express your creativity and align the arrangement with the event's theme and your personal style. Here’s a deeper look into selecting the best blooms and foliage.

• Focal Flowers: The focal flower is the star of your boutonniere, the element that immediately grabs attention. Roses, carnations, and mini calla lilies are excellent choices because of their striking beauty and ease of arrangement. Consider the size and shape of your focal flower; it should be proportional to the other elements in the arrangement. Roses are incredibly versatile and come in a huge variety of colors, enabling you to match any event's color scheme. Carnations are a cost-effective option, offering a full, textured appearance that can be very appealing. Mini calla lilies bring a modern touch with their elegant, streamlined shape. Keep in mind the longevity of the flowers. Some flowers are more resilient than others, which is especially crucial if you're making the boutonniere in advance.
• Accent Flowers: Accent flowers add texture, depth, and visual interest to the boutonniere. Baby's breath, waxflower, and spray roses are popular choices because they are small, delicate, and add a touch of elegance without overwhelming the focal flower. Baby's breath provides a soft, airy feel, while waxflower offers a delicate, textured appearance. Spray roses, with their multiple blooms, add a sense of fullness and sophistication. When choosing accent flowers, consider their colors and textures; they should complement the focal flower and create a harmonious arrangement.
• Greenery: Greenery is critical for providing a natural backdrop and framing the flowers. Eucalyptus, rosemary, and ivy are popular choices. Eucalyptus adds a refreshing scent and a touch of elegance, while rosemary offers a beautiful fragrance and a rustic charm. Ivy provides a trailing element that can add movement and visual interest. Select greenery that is in good condition and free from any blemishes or discoloration. The greenery should also be proportional to the flowers; it shouldn't be too overwhelming or sparse.
• Color and Theme: When selecting your flowers and greenery, think about the event’s theme and the overall color scheme. For a wedding, you might choose classic white roses and greenery, while a prom might call for bold colors and a more modern arrangement. Ensure that the colors and textures of the flowers and greenery complement each other, creating a balanced and visually appealing design. If you're unsure, consider creating a mood board to gather inspiration and help guide your selections.

Step-by-Step Guide: Assembling Your Boutonniere

Now that you have all your supplies and have carefully chosen your flowers, it's time to get down to the fun part: assembling your boutonniere! This is where your creativity takes shape, and you bring your floral vision to life. Don't worry if you're a beginner; with a bit of patience and practice, you'll be creating beautiful boutonnieres in no time. Let's walk through the step-by-step process:

Preparing the Flowers and Greenery

Before you start assembling your boutonniere, you need to prepare your flowers and greenery. This involves several important steps that will ensure the longevity and beauty of your arrangement. First, trim the stems of your flowers and greenery, cutting them at an angle to help them absorb water and make them easier to work with. Remove any leaves or thorns that fall below where the boutonniere will be assembled; this will prevent them from interfering with the final design. Next, hydrate your flowers by placing them in a container of water for at least an hour before assembling. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from wilting. If you're using floral foam, soak it in water until it’s fully saturated. Also, you can use stem straightener.

Arranging the Flowers and Greenery

Now comes the creative part: arranging your flowers and greenery! Start by placing the focal flower in your hand, and then add the greenery and accent flowers around it. Experiment with different arrangements until you achieve the desired look. Consider the shape, size, and texture of each element and how they interact with each other. The arrangement should be balanced and visually appealing. You might want the focal flower to be the highest element or nestle among the greenery. Use your fingers to hold the arrangement in place as you begin securing the stems. Rotate the boutonniere as you work to ensure that it looks good from all angles.

Securing the Stems with Floral Tape

Floral tape is your best friend for securing the stems and creating a cohesive design. Once you've arranged your flowers and greenery, start wrapping the stems together with floral tape. Begin just below the flower heads and wrap the tape downwards, overlapping each layer slightly. Stretch the tape as you wrap it; this will activate the adhesive and help it stick to the stems. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, as this could damage the stems. Continue wrapping until all the stems are securely bound together, creating a sturdy base for your boutonniere.

Adding the Finishing Touches: Ribbon and Pins

Once the stems are taped, it's time to add the finishing touches that will elevate your boutonniere from ordinary to extraordinary. Use ribbon to wrap the floral tape; this will not only cover the tape but also add a decorative element to your boutonniere. Choose a ribbon color that complements your flowers and the overall aesthetic of the event. Satin ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, or even burlap ribbon can be used, depending on the look you want to achieve. Wrap the ribbon around the taped stems, securing it with floral glue or pins. Finally, attach the boutonniere to the lapel of the jacket using pins. Place the pins through the back of the boutonniere and then through the lapel, securing it in place.

Tips and Tricks for Boutonniere Success

Want to take your boutonniere game to the next level? Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your creations are stunning and long-lasting. These little secrets will make all the difference, helping you create boutonnieres that are not only beautiful but also durable and easy to wear.

Preserving Your Boutonniere

To extend the life of your boutonniere, properly preserving it is essential, especially if you're making it a day or two in advance. Here's how to do it: immediately after assembling, place your boutonniere in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help keep the flowers fresh. Avoid storing it near fruits or vegetables that produce ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to wilt prematurely. If you are storing your boutonniere for an extended period, you might consider a floral preservative solution. You can find this solution at most craft or floral supply stores. Simply dip the stems into the solution before assembling. To prevent crushing, store the boutonniere in a box or container where it can stay upright. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even the most experienced crafters face challenges from time to time. Here's how to address some common problems you might encounter when creating boutonnieres:

• Flowers Wilting: If your flowers start to wilt, they may be dehydrated. Trim the stems and place the boutonniere in water for a few hours. You can also use a floral preservative solution. If you're assembling the boutonniere a day or two in advance, store it in the refrigerator to keep the flowers fresh. If the flowers have been damaged, you may need to replace them.
• Loose Stems: If the stems are not staying together, make sure you're using enough floral tape and that you're stretching the tape as you wrap it. You can also use floral glue for extra security. If the stems are too thick to be securely taped, consider using floral wire to reinforce the stems.
• Unbalanced Design: If your boutonniere looks unbalanced, try adjusting the placement of the flowers and greenery. Experiment with different arrangements until you achieve a balanced look. Consider the weight and size of each element and how they interact with each other.
• Difficulty Pinning: If you're having difficulty pinning the boutonniere to the jacket, make sure your pins are long enough and that you're inserting them at the correct angle. You might also try using a small amount of floral glue to help secure the boutonniere to the lapel before pinning it. Select the right type of pins to match the fabric.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any craft, creating beautiful boutonnieres takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Keep experimenting with different flowers, greenery, and designs. Pay attention to the details, and learn from your mistakes. The more boutonnieres you make, the more confident and skilled you'll become. Don't be afraid to try new things. Get creative and let your personality shine through your designs! The more you practice, the more unique and stunning your boutonnieres will be.