Buttonhole Flowers: Diy Wedding Blooms

A buttonhole flower, or boutonnière, is a small bouquet of flowers that is tucked into the lapel of a jacket or tuxedo and worn at weddings, proms, or funerals. It is usually worn by the father of the bride, groomsmen, ushers, and male family members. The female equivalent is a corsage, which tends to be more elaborate.

Making your own buttonhole flowers is a simple DIY project that allows you to add a personal touch to your wedding. You can use any type of flower, such as lily of the valley, scented pinks, cornflowers, or nigella, and add evergreen foliage, ornamental grasses, and seedheads for texture and volume.

To make your own buttonhole flowers, start by trimming the flowers and leaves to the desired length, then layer and position them how you want them to sit. Use florist tape to wrap the flowers and foliage tightly, then cover the tape with ribbon and secure it with glue or tape. You can also add wire to the stems for extra support. Finally, use florist pins or safety pins to attach the buttonhole to the lapel of the jacket, traditionally on the left side.

Choosing flowers and foliage

The flowers and foliage you choose for your buttonhole will depend on the style and theme of your wedding, as well as the season. You can opt for fresh or dried flowers, or a combination of both.

For a traditional wedding, a classic choice would be a single stem, such as a rose, with some filler flowers and foliage. Roses are a popular option for buttonholes due to their romantic and robust nature. Other popular choices include carnations, lavender, lily of the valley, cornflowers, nigella, and dianthus.

If you're having a rustic wedding, you can use a selection of filler flowers and foliage from the bridal bouquet to create a softer, more rustic look. Dried flowers are a great option for rustic weddings, adding a unique, rustic charm to your theme. You can also incorporate dried leaves and grasses to add volume and texture.

For a modern buttonhole, a mix of dried and fresh flowers can give a contemporary look. Pocket buttonholes are also becoming popular, allowing for a bigger flower display.

When choosing your flowers, consider the colour, texture, and size. You can create a bold statement with colourful flowers, or go for a more subtle look with neutral tones. Play with different textures by combining smooth petals with rougher foliage or spiky grasses. Ensure the overall size is appropriate for a lapel and not too bulky.

You can also add personal touches to your buttonhole by incorporating flowers with special meanings or adding non-floral elements that reflect your interests.

Preparing materials

The first step in making a buttonhole flower for a wedding is to gather the necessary materials. This includes choosing the right flowers, foliage, and other decorative elements that will create a beautiful and elegant arrangement. Here is a detailed list of materials you will need:

Flowers: Select a variety of flowers that complement each other and add texture and colour to your design. You can choose fresh flowers, dried flowers, or a combination of both. Popular choices include roses, carnations, lilies of the valley, lavender, and eucalyptus. Consider the size of the flowers and ensure they are proportionate to the lapel.

Foliage: Add flat green leaves, such as holly or rosemary sprigs, to provide a backdrop for your main flower. You can also incorporate other types of foliage, like grasses, to create a rustic or whimsical look.

Floral Tape or Twine: Use floral tape or twine to bind your flowers and foliage securely. Floral tape is stretchable and will help hold the arrangement together.

Wire (optional): Consider using wire to provide extra support to delicate stems and to create desired shapes. Cut the wire to the desired length before you begin arranging the flowers.

Ribbon or Twine: For an added decorative touch, wrap your arrangement with a ribbon or twine that matches your wedding theme. This will cover the floral tape and add a stylish finish.

Pins: Florist pins or small safety pins are essential for attaching the buttonhole to the lapel of the jacket. Ensure you have enough pins that are strong enough to hold the arrangement in place.

Scissors or Floral Shears: You will need sharp scissors or floral shears to trim the stems of your flowers and foliage and to cut your binding material to the desired length.

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, it's time to start creating your buttonhole flower arrangement. Remember to prepare your workspace and lay out all the materials within easy reach.

Arranging flowers

Choose Your Flowers and Foliage:

Select a main flower that will be the focal point of your design. This could be a rose, lily of the valley, cornflower, nigella, or any flower of your choice. Add texture and volume by selecting complementary leaves and grasses. Consider varying textures and colours for depth and interest. Ensure the overall size is appropriate for a lapel and not too bulky.

Create a Base:

Begin by laying out your leaves and grasses to form a backdrop for your focal flower. You can use flat green leaves, rosemary, or any other foliage that adds interest and depth to your arrangement.

Add Your Focal Flower:

Place your main flower against the foliage base and adjust it until you are happy with the arrangement. Position it in a way that allows the flower to stand out and be noticed.

Incorporate Additional Elements:

Add smaller flowers or additional textures around the focal point to create a well-rounded design. You can use decorative accents, greenery, feathers, fabric, herbs, or any other elements that complement your main flower.

Bind the Arrangement:

Secure the stems together with floral tape or twine, starting from the base and working your way down. Stretch the tape as you wrap it to activate its stickiness. Leave enough stem length to attach the buttonhole to the lapel, and trim any excess at an angle for a clean, uniform look.

Add Finishing Touches:

If any elements need extra support, insert wire into or alongside the stem before binding. You can also decorate the stems with a decorative ribbon or rustic twine that matches your wedding theme or colour palette.

Binding the arrangement

Floral Tape or Twine:

Using floral tape or twine, carefully wrap the stems of the flowers and foliage together. Start from the base of the stems and work your way down towards the ends. If you are using floral tape, be sure to stretch it slightly as you wrap to activate its stickiness. This will help hold the arrangement together.

Trim the Stems:

Once you have securely bound the stems, trim any excess stem. Cut the stems at an angle for a clean, uniform look. Be sure to leave enough stem so that you can still attach the buttonhole to the lapel of the jacket. The ideal length will depend on the type of flower and the size of the lapel, but aim for around one inch of stem.

Add Wire for Support (Optional):

If any of the flowers or foliage need extra support, you can insert wire into or alongside the stems before binding. This will help delicate stems stay upright and can also be used to create desired shapes.

Decorative Wrap (Optional):

For an extra touch of elegance, wrap the bound stems in a decorative ribbon or rustic twine that complements your wedding theme. This is a great way to add a pop of colour or a personal touch to your buttonhole.

Adding finishing touches

Now for the finishing touches! You can add wire for support if any of the flowers or foliage need extra help staying in place. Insert the wire into or alongside the stem before binding.

For an extra flourish, wrap the stems in a decorative ribbon or rustic twine that matches your wedding theme. You could also add a small charm or other meaningful elements to the ribbon.

Finally, use florist pins or safety pins to attach the buttonhole to the lapel. It should be worn on the left lapel, close to the heart.

If you're making the buttonhole ahead of time, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place to keep it looking fresh.

Frequently asked questions