Weddings, proms – you name it, they need some prep. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. Love a bit of DIY? Perfect. Making your own accessories can actually be fun. Plus, it’s a great way to add a personal flair to these big events. Let’s break down how to make a boutonniere with real flowers yourself.
Why Make a Boutonniere?
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Why go DIY when you could just buy? Well, there are a few good reasons why making boutonnieres may be a good idea:
- Personal touch: Your accessory is tailored to exactly what you want, matching every detail of the event or your outfit.
- Saves money: Little floral pieces can add up in cost when you’re buying for a bunch of people. Do you know how to make your own corsages? It’s often a fraction of the price.
- Fun prep activity: It’s a great way to spend some quality time with friends or family before the event.
- Learn something new: You get to pick up a new skill. Once you get the hang of it, who knows? You might be making a wrist corsages for every event!
How to Make a Boutonniere or Corsage
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making your own boutonnieres.
Step 1: Choose the Flowers and Greenery
Pick a strong main flower like a rose or carnation. You need something that won’t wilt halfway through the night. Then, grab some greenery like ferns or baby's breath to add some background. These are fillers that will help your main bloom stand out and stay in place.
Tip: When selecting your main flower, consider its resilience in addition to its appearance. For instance, rose buds that are not fully opened yet tend to last longer than those that are fully bloomed.
Step 2: Choose Materials
Get some floral tape, pins, and maybe some fancy ribbon or a small charm that ties into your theme. Sharp scissors or floral snips are a must, too. Plus, you might need some wire to strengthen those stems, especially if they’re on the thinner side.
Tip: Use a floral adhesive instead of regular glue if you need to attach decorative elements like pearls or rhinestones. Floral adhesive is specially formulated to not damage the flowers or leaves, and it holds up better under different temperatures.
Step 3: Cut the Blooms
Cut your flower stems down to about 2 inches. If they’re skinny or floppy, give them a backbone with some floral wire. Just thread it through the base of the bloom, wrap it around the stem, and voila — no more droopy flowers.
Tip: After cutting your flowers, dip the cut ends into a small amount of water mixed with flower food before you start arranging them. This gives them a hydration boost..
Step 4: Arrange
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Lay out your flowers and greens before you start taping them together. This lets you play around with the look without committing. Got your layout? Start with your main flower, then add the smaller bits around it. Use floral tape to bind the stems. Start from the top and work your way down, wrapping tightly.
Tip: When arranging, consider the balance and weight of the boutonniere or corsage. Too many heavy flowers on one side can cause it to twist or droop when pinned. Distribute the weight evenly by placing heavier blooms closer to the center.
Step 5: Wrap It
Now, wrap the whole stem in floral tape. Then, take that ribbon and wrap it around the stems to cover up the tape. It looks neat and holds everything together. Secure the ends with pins or a dab of hot glue if you’re feeling extra secure.
Tip: When wrapping with ribbon, slightly stretch the ribbon as you wrap to ensure it's snug and secure around the stems. Finish off with a pin or a small stitch to keep the end of the ribbon from unraveling.
Final Thoughts
So you now know how to make wedding boutonnieres, and as you can see, it isn’t just a way to save a few bucks – it’s a personal touch that can make a big event feel even more special. But if DIY isn’t quite your speed, no worries. You can always grab beautifully made boutonnieres and corsages from Art Flowers LA. Just hop on the website, call at +1(310)817-0605, or swing by the shop. There’s same-day delivery and free delivery within four miles.
