The Best Man's Boutonniere: A Step-By-Step Guide

A boutonnière is a floral accessory that can be worn at weddings, proms, or any other special event. It is typically worn by men and displayed on the lapel of a jacket. Making your own boutonnière is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your outfit. In this guide, we will take you through the process of crafting your own boutonnière, from choosing the right flowers to the final touches. We will also offer some tips on how to attach it to your jacket and make it look perfect for your special day.

Choosing the right flowers

When choosing the flowers for your best man's boutonnière, it's important to consider the overall colour scheme and theme of the wedding. The flowers should complement the colours of the suits and tie in with any other floral arrangements, such as the bridal bouquet. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to opt for classic, elegant flowers in neutral colours that will match any suit and occasion.

While the selection of flowers ultimately depends on your personal preference and the style of the event, it's important to keep in mind that certain flowers are traditionally associated with different levels of formality. For example, carnations are often chosen for more informal occasions, while roses are considered more formal. If you're looking to add a unique touch, you can even incorporate dried flowers or greenery with a splash of colour.

When selecting the flowers for the best man's boutonnière, it's also important to consider the size of the blooms. Smaller, dainty flowers tend to work better for boutonnières, as they are easier to arrange and won't overwhelm the lapel of the jacket. You can choose one or two statement blooms and then add smaller accent flowers and greenery to create a beautiful, cohesive arrangement.

In addition to the flowers themselves, you'll also need to gather some essential materials to create the boutonnière. Floral scissors or stem cutters, pins, and floral tape are must-haves. The floral tape will help seal the stems and keep the flowers fresh during the event. If you want to add a touch of elegance or cover up the tape, you can also include a ribbon that matches the colour scheme of the wedding.

Selecting the right materials

When selecting flowers, it is best to opt for hearty flowers that can remain lush and vibrant throughout the day without a water source. Good options include spray roses, ranunculus, tulips, chrysanthemums, calla lilies, billy balls, and carnations. If you want to add some extra flair, you can include greenery and smaller accent flowers such as baby's breath, ivy, eucalyptus, heather, Italian ruscus, Queen Anne's lace, or wax flowers.

Floral tape is essential for sealing the stems and preventing wilting. If you want to cover up the floral tape, you can use ribbon to add a touch of elegance and make the boutonnière pop. Pins are needed to attach the boutonnière to the lapel of the jacket. Regular pins or clips will work, but boutonnière pins are best for holding the boutonnière in place without damaging the jacket.

With the right materials and a bit of creativity, you can create a unique and dazzling best man boutonnière.

Creating the arrangement

Now it's time to create your arrangement. You'll want to start with your statement flower, which is usually the biggest flower and the main focus of your boutonnière. If you're making a boutonnière for the best man, you might opt for a classic rose or orchid.

Next, add your additional flowers or greenery. You can add two to three smaller accent blooms, such as baby's breath, ivy, or eucalyptus, to complement your statement flower. Play around with the arrangement until you find something you like—this is where you can let your personal style shine! Try to arrange the flowers evenly so that the boutonnière looks full.

If you're happy with your arrangement, it's time to secure it. Wrap the stems tightly with floral tape, which will help to hold the flowers in place and prevent them from wilting. You can then carefully trim the stems to the desired length. If you'd like to cover up the floral tape, you can wrap a ribbon around the stems, starting at the bottom and continuing until you reach the base of the flowers.

Finally, you can add a boutonnière pin to the stem. This will make it easier to attach the boutonnière to the lapel of the jacket. Place the pin through the thickest part of the stem to ensure stability and prevent the flower from falling over or wobbling.

Wrapping and trimming

Now that you have your flowers and greenery arranged, it's time to wrap and trim your creation.

Start by wrapping your boutonnière in floral tape. This will help hold the stems together and prevent wilting. Wrap the stems tightly, working from the top down.

Once the stems are securely bound with floral tape, it's time to trim them. Neatly cut the stems to the one-inch mark. This will ensure the boutonnière is not too bulky and can sit nicely on the lapel.

If you'd like to cover up the floral tape, you can add a ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around the stems, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the base of the flowers. Tie the ribbon in a knot and secure it with a pin. You can choose a ribbon that matches your wedding colour scheme or the groom's outfit for a cohesive look.

Finally, affix the boutonnière to the left lapel of the jacket using boutonnière pins. Place the pins through the stem from the inside of the lapel, with one at the top and one at the bottom. Push the pins in carefully, only a couple of centimetres or an inch, to avoid damaging the flowers or the jacket.

And that's it! Your best man's boutonnière is now complete and ready to be worn with pride.

Storing and pinning

Once you have assembled your boutonnière, it is important to store it correctly to ensure it stays fresh. If you have made the boutonnière on the morning of the event, simply keep it in a cool, dry place until it is time to pin it to the lapel. If you have made it the night before, leave the stems exposed and place the boutonnière in a shallow cup of water. You can also place it in the refrigerator overnight, but be sure to spray it with water first so that it doesn't dry out. Avoid storing it near apples, as they emit gases that quicken the ageing of cut flowers.

When it is time to pin the boutonnière, place it on the left lapel of the jacket, in the centre and close to the buttonhole. If the jacket does not have a buttonhole, align the boutonnière in the middle of the lapel under the notch. Use a boutonnière pin to secure it in place, pushing the pin through the back of the lapel and away from the wearer's chest. You can pin straight down the stem or diagonally, but be sure to pierce the thickest part of the stem to ensure stability. If the boutonnière is large or top-heavy, you may wish to add an additional pin for extra security. Bring the tip of the pin back through the lapel fabric so that it is not visible from the side.

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