Crafting Silk Boutonniere For Your Wedding Day

Silk flowers are a great option for boutonnieres as they are easy to work with and will never wilt or flatten. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to make a silk flower boutonniere for a wedding. We will cover everything from choosing the right flowers to assembling and storing your boutonniere. By following these simple steps, you can create beautiful and cohesive floral accessories for the men in your wedding party, including the groom, groomsmen, and male family members.

Choosing flowers

Variety of Flowers:

Firstly, decide on the types of flowers you want to include. A good rule of thumb is to choose one statement flower, such as a rose or lily, and then add a filler flower and some leafy greens. For instance, you could opt for focal flowers like ranunculuses and pair them with fillers like jasmine and berry sprays. Play around with different combinations of flowers and colours until you find an arrangement you love.

Size and Proportion:

When selecting your flowers, consider their size and how they will work together. Generally, it's best to choose flowers with smaller, dainty faces rather than larger blooms. This ensures they are proportionate to the boutonnière size. Taller, thinner flowers often work well towards the back, with larger flowers in the centre and smaller pieces in front.

Hearty Flowers:

It's important to choose flowers that can hold up without a water source. Look for silk flowers with sturdy stems and petals that won't easily bend or break. This will ensure your boutonnière stays looking fresh and beautiful throughout the wedding.

Colour Scheme:

Consider the colour scheme of your wedding when choosing your flowers. You might want to match the colours exactly or opt for complementary shades. For example, you could choose a white silk rose with green foliage and add a pop of colour with a smaller flower in the wedding's theme colour.

Availability:

While silk flowers are available all year round, it's a good idea to research where to purchase them. Local grocery stores often have a great selection of silk flowers, bouquets, and greenery. Online retailers and craft stores are also excellent sources for finding a wide variety of silk flowers.

Practice:

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment! Try out different flower combinations and arrangements until you find the perfect one. You can also look for inspiration online or in wedding magazines to help guide your choices.

Remember, creating silk flower boutonnières is a fun and creative process, so enjoy choosing your flowers and bringing your vision to life!

Trimming stems

Trimming the stems of your silk flowers is an important step in making a silk flower boutonniere. The length you trim your stems to will depend on the overall size and look you want for your boutonniere. For a minimalist look, trim the stems to around two inches in length. For a lush look, trim the stems to around four inches.

To trim the stems, you can use scissors or a sharp knife on a cutting board. Simply cut the stems at a slight angle to your desired length. This will help to create a clean, polished look for your boutonniere. It is important to note that you should not trim the stems too short, as you will need enough stem length to secure the flowers together and wrap them with ribbon.

Once you have trimmed the stems, you can begin arranging your flowers. Try a few different arrangements until you find one that you like. You can also add in some filler flowers or greenery to add interest and texture to your boutonniere. Once you are happy with your arrangement, you can start securing the flowers together with floral tape.

Floral tape can be a bit tricky to work with, so take your time and be careful not to stretch it too much as you wrap it around the stems. Start at the base of the flowers and work your way down to the ends of the stems. You can leave the ends exposed or cover them with tape, depending on your preference.

After you have wrapped the stems with floral tape, you can add a pretty ribbon to cover it up and give your boutonniere a more polished look. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the ribbon in place. Finally, add a florist's pin, and your silk flower boutonniere is ready to be worn!

Arranging flowers

Firstly, select your silk flowers. It is recommended to choose one or two small flowers, along with three to four small pieces of greenery or dried floral options. You can experiment with different combinations of flowers, colours, and arrangements until you achieve your desired look. For a minimalist look, opt for a single statement flower with some greenery. If you prefer a fuller look, add more flowers and foliage. A traditional combination is a large flower in the centre (such as a rose or lily), tall, thin flowers towards the back, and smaller pieces in front.

Once you have selected your flowers, trim the stems to the desired length, usually around two to four inches. You can use scissors or a stem cutter for this step. Remember to clean the stems by removing any leaves that may interfere with your arrangement.

Now, it's time to create your arrangement. Gather your flowers and greenery, placing the larger flower in the centre and adding the other elements around it. Try to add the leaves last so that they hug the arrangement from the outside, giving it a natural bouquet-like appearance. Play around with the placement of the flowers until you are happy with the overall look.

Once you have decided on the arrangement, it's time to secure the flowers together. Pinch the stems tightly and wrap them with floral tape, starting at the base of the flowers and working your way down to the ends. You can choose to leave the ends exposed or cover the entire length of the stems with tape. This step will help hold your arrangement together and give it a neat appearance.

Finally, add the finishing touches. Embellish your boutonniere with a ribbon by wrapping it in overlapping spirals from the bottom of the arrangement towards the base of the flowers. Cut the ribbon, leaving a few extra inches, and tuck the loose end under the top ribbon loop. You can finish the ribbon by cutting it at an angle or creating a small bow. For a polished look, bend the tip of the boutonniere slightly and secure it with the ribbon.

Wrapping stems with floral tape

Firstly, it is important to understand the nature of floral tape. Floral tape is designed to be sticky on both sides, which allows it to adhere to itself and the stems effectively. This double-sided stickiness can make it challenging to work with, as it may stick to your hands or break easily if not used correctly. It is important to stretch the tape as you wrap it around the stems, as this activates the stickiness and ensures a firm hold.

When wrapping the stems, start at the base of the flowers and work your way down to the ends. You can choose to leave the ends exposed or cover the entire length of the stems with tape, depending on your preference and the overall look you are aiming for. Pinch the stems together tightly as you wrap, ensuring they are securely bound.

Floral tape comes in various colours, including white, brown, and moss green. Choose a colour that best matches the stems of your silk flowers or one that complements your wedding colour scheme.

If you are a beginner, it is important to note that working with floral tape takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts are not perfect. With a bit of patience and persistence, you will be able to create beautiful and secure silk flower boutonnieres for your wedding.

Embellishing with ribbon

Once you have your silk flowers and stems arranged and secured with floral tape, it's time to add the finishing touches with ribbon. This step will not only make your boutonnière more secure but will also add a stylish and polished look to your creation.

To start, cut a piece of ribbon, leaving a few extra inches of length. Starting from the bottom of the boutonnière, wrap the ribbon in overlapping spirals upwards toward the base of the flowers. This will help to cover the floral tape and add a decorative touch. Then, take the loose end of the ribbon and carefully tuck it under the top ribbon loop, right beneath the base of the flowers.

To finish off the ribbon, you can either cut the loose end at an angle or create a dovetail shape for a clean look. If you prefer a more embellished style, you can add a small bow made from the same ribbon. For added security, bend about ¼ to ½ inch of the tip of the boutonnière upwards and behind the wrapped stems.

Using a hot glue gun, you can also secure the ribbon in place and ensure it doesn't come undone. This step is especially helpful if you want to avoid any last-minute adjustments.

When choosing a ribbon, opt for one that complements the colour and theme of your wedding. You can even use a sticky-backed ribbon for added convenience and security.

With these simple steps, you can easily embellish your silk flower boutonnière and make it truly your own.

Frequently asked questions