Creating The Perfect Wedding Buttonhole: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding buttonholes, also known as boutonnieres, are a smaller version of a wedding bouquet. Typically, they are made up of a single flower or a small collection of flowers and/or decorative accents. They are usually worn on the lapel of a jacket or blazer and can be attached by sticking them through a buttonhole or pinning them on top of the lapel. While they are not necessary, they are a nice way to differentiate the wedding party from the rest of the guests. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a buttonhole for a wedding.

Choosing flowers and foliage

Firstly, consider the season and the overall theme of your wedding. For a spring wedding, you might choose flowers such as hyacinths, freesias, daffodils, and sweet peas. For a rustic wedding, opt for a selection of filler flowers and foliage for a softer, more whimsical vibe. Sunflowers, for example, can be a great choice for a summer wedding, bringing a ray of sunshine and happiness to the day.

If you're having a black-tie wedding, a simple, tightly bound white floral design can be a sophisticated choice. You could also opt for a single-colour design, such as an all-white buttonhole with different textures, or a bold, bright buttonhole with clashing colours.

For a modern look, a mix of dried and fresh flowers works well, and you can add further interest and texture with eucalyptus, herbs like rosemary, or even a peacock feather.

If you want to include the bride's bouquet in the design, choose a single stem, such as a rose, and add filler flowers and foliage to complement it.

Don't forget to consider the weight of the buttonhole, especially if it's made with heavier flowers. You may need to use thicker wire and stronger pins to secure it safely.

Trimming and layering flowers

Start by selecting your flowers. It is recommended to choose blooms that complement the colour of your attire and the occasion. Consider the size of the flowers as well; petite flowers will give a more subtle appearance, while larger flowers can make a bolder statement. Ensure that the flowers you choose will remain fresh and vibrant throughout the event.

Once you have selected your flowers, it's time to prepare them. Carefully trim any extra leaves and thorns from the stems. This step enhances the overall appearance and ensures there are no unwanted elements. Cut the stems to the appropriate length, approximately 3-4 inches, so that the buttonhole sits securely and proportionally on the lapel without overwhelming the outfit. If using fresh flowers, cut the stems at an angle and remove any lower leaves that may be submerged in water. Soak the stems in water to ensure proper hydration.

Now, you can begin layering your flowers. Start with a flat green leaf as your base, then add any additional elements such as rosemary or other greenery. Position them in the arrangement you desire. Next, add your statement flower on top. In this case, we chose a white rose, but you can select a flower that best represents your style and theme.

Secure the flowers together using florist tape. Wrap the tape tightly around the stems, covering any wire you may have used. You can then cover the florist tape with ribbon and secure it with a small dab of hot glue or additional tape.

Your buttonhole is now ready to be stored! You can place it in the fridge overnight to keep it fresh. However, it's important to note that some flowers are more delicate and may need to be prepared on the day of the event. Don't forget to assign someone to pin the buttonhole onto the lapel of the suit, ensuring it is securely fastened and positioned correctly.

Using florist tape to bind flowers

To use florist tape to bind flowers for a buttonhole, start by cutting a piece of tape to the desired length, usually between 2 and 3 inches. Next, wrap the tape around the stems of your flowers, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Hold the tape in place and stretch it slightly as you wrap it around the stems, making sure to cover the entire length. Once you reach the top, tear or cut the tape and press the end down to secure it.

Florist tape is an adhesive tape that is used to bind and secure flowers and foliage in an arrangement. It is made of a stretchy, flexible material that is ideal for shaping and holding your flower arrangement together. It is especially useful when creating cascading bouquets, as it helps to hold the flowers in place and create a more structured shape. It is also useful when working with delicate or fragile flowers, as it provides extra support to the stems and helps prevent them from breaking.

When using florist tape, make sure to stretch it slightly as you wrap it around the stems. This will activate the adhesive and help the tape stick to itself. It is also important to make sure the tape is wrapped tightly around the stems, to prevent the flowers from shifting or falling out of place.

Florist tape is an invaluable tool for creating beautiful floral arrangements, and it is affordable, easy to use, and secure. It provides an elegant finish to any bouquet, boutonniere, or buttonhole.

Attaching buttonholes to lapels

• Hold the buttonhole upright and lay it flat on the left lapel just above the heart. This is the ideal placement for gents' buttonholes, as it adds a touch of elegance and is closer to the heart, which is in line with the tradition behind this accessory.
• Once the buttonhole is in the correct position, turn the lapel over to expose the back. This will allow you to access the stem of the buttonhole for pinning.
• With your right hand, insert the pin through the flower stem at an upward angle. This will help secure the buttonhole to the lapel.
• Push the pin further in, and then bring it back through the stem and into the jacket. This creates a secure anchor for the buttonhole.
• Ensure the buttonhole is fastened securely. You may need to add an additional pin, especially if the buttonhole is heavy or has a large flower head. This will ensure it stays firmly in place throughout the day.
• You can also use floristry tape to provide extra support and to cover any exposed wires or sharp ends. This is a good idea if you want to avoid any potential damage to the outfit.

It's worth noting that for children or delicate ladies' dresses, magnets are often a safer alternative to pins. However, make sure to use multiple magnets as one might not be strong enough to hold the weight of the flowers.

Fixing damaged buttonholes

A buttonhole is a small version of a wedding bouquet, typically composed of a single flower or a small collection of flowers and/or decorative accents. They are usually stuck through a buttonhole or pinned to the lapel of a jacket or blazer.

Frayed Buttonholes

Excessive use or washing can cause the fabric around a buttonhole to wear and fray, destroying the buttonhole. To repair a frayed buttonhole, carefully remove all the threads from the frayed area with a seam ripper. Then, find a thread that closely matches the thread on the garment. Holding the fabric with the buttonhole horizontal and right-side up, begin stitching at the edge, starting from the inner side. Be cautious of your hand placement when pushing the needle through the fabric. Put the needle between the layers of fabric and pull it through to the inner side, securing the fabric layers together. Continue making buttonhole stitches along the side of the buttonhole, keeping the stitches close together. On the backside, tie a knot to seal the thread.

Worn Fabric

If the fabric around the buttonhole is very worn, you can reinforce it by using a similar colour fabric as backing when making the repair. Alternatively, you can stitch a matching square of fabric (such as doubled muslin) behind the buttonhole, then stitch a new buttonhole, cut it in the new fabric, and trim off the excess. If the repair is carefully done, the button will cover the stitches. You can also back the fabric with a small piece of fusible interfacing, which will give it more body and protect it from further wear.

Problematic Buttonholes

If you are having trouble making a buttonhole with your sewing machine, you can try using a layer of Solvy on top of the fabric, which will make it easier to rip out a bad buttonhole. You can also try using a stronger needle or adjusting the pressure and stitch type. If you are still unable to make the buttonhole with your machine, you can try hand-sewing it or taking the garment to a dry cleaner for repair.

Frequently asked questions