Creating Wedding Boutonnieres With Silk Flowers

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, with a long list of things to do. One thing you can easily make yourself is a silk flower boutonnière. A boutonnière is a small, tight bouquet with a flower and a couple of sprigs, usually displayed on the lapel of a jacket. You can make these little arrangements for the groom, groomsmen, male family members, and the ring bearer. It's simple, cost-effective, and the silk flowers will not wilt, turn brown, fade, or flatten. All you need are some silk flowers, floral tape, scissors, and a pretty ribbon to cover the tape.

Choosing the right flowers

Flower Type and Size

Select flowers that are small and delicate, rather than large blooms. Flowers with smaller, dainty faces, such as spray roses, ranunculus, anthurium, and pansies, are excellent choices. These types of flowers are visually appealing and pair well with greenery or other floral accents. If you want to add a statement flower to your boutonniere, opt for focal flowers such as ranunculuses. You can also incorporate filler flowers like jasmine and berry sprays to add texture and interest.

Colour and Theme

Consider the colour scheme and theme of your wedding when choosing the colour of your flowers. You can either match the colour of your flowers to your theme or choose a complementary shade. For example, if you're aiming for a minimalist look, a single white silk rose or rosebud with green foliage can be elegant and timeless. On the other hand, you might want to incorporate the wedding's accent colour by including a smaller flower in that hue.

Availability and Seasonality

One of the benefits of using silk flowers is that you can choose any flower regardless of the season. However, if you're aiming for a specific look or feel, you may want to consider the types of flowers that are typically in season during your wedding month. This can add a touch of authenticity and seasonality to your boutonniere design.

Heartiness

When creating a silk flower boutonniere, it's essential to choose flowers that are sturdy and can hold their shape without a water source. This is especially important if you want your boutonniere to last throughout the entire wedding celebration. Avoid delicate flowers that may wilt or easily lose their petals.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, choose flowers that you and your partner love and that reflect your style. If you have a favourite flower or a flower that holds a special memory, consider incorporating it into your boutonniere design. It's your special day, so select flowers that make you happy and align with your vision.

Trimming the stems

To trim the stems, you will need a sharp pair of scissors or floral shears. You can also use a stem cutter or wire cutters if the stems are thick and bulky. Cut the stems at a slight angle, about one inch from the original end. This will help to create a clean cut and ensure that the flowers can absorb water if you are using fresh flowers. If you are using silk flowers, you can skip this step, as silk flowers do not require a water source.

When trimming the stems, be careful not to cut them too short. Leave enough stem length to secure the flowers together and to wrap the floral tape and ribbon around. It is also important to consider the type of ribbon you will be using. If you are using a wider ribbon, you may need to leave a longer stem length.

After trimming the stems, you will need to gather and arrange the flowers to your liking. Tall, thin flowers often look best towards the back, with a large flower in the centre and smaller pieces in front. Once you are happy with the arrangement, you can start wrapping the floral tape around the stems, working your way down to the ends.

Overall, trimming the stems is a crucial step in creating a silk flower boutonniere. It ensures that your flowers are the correct length to be arranged and secured together. By following these steps and choosing the appropriate tools, you can create a beautiful and cohesive boutonniere for your special day.

Arranging the flowers

It's often best to have tall, thin flowers towards the back, a large flower in the centre (such as a rose, lily, or ranunculus), and smaller flowers or pieces of greenery in front. You can also add a few filler flowers, such as baby's breath, jasmine, or berry sprays, to add interest and texture to your boutonnière. Try to add the leaves last, so they hug the arrangement from the outside, mimicking a natural bouquet.

Once you're happy with your arrangement, it's time to start securing the flowers in place. Pinch all of the stems together tightly and use floral tape to wrap them together, starting at the base of the flowers and working your way down to the ends. You can either leave the ends exposed or cover the entire length of the stem with tape.

If you're using silk flowers, you can skip the step of wiring the stems. However, if the plastic stems are too thick, bulky, or not flexible, you may want to add some wire for stability. To do this, cut your flower stem about one inch from the bud, then take an 8-inch piece of wire and stick it straight through the top of the stem. Fold the wire down and wrap it with tape, stretching the tape as you go to activate its stickiness.

Now that your flowers are securely arranged and wired (if necessary), you can add a ribbon to finish off your boutonnière. From the bottom of the arrangement, wrap your ribbon in overlapping spirals upwards towards the base of the flowers. Cut the ribbon, leaving a few inches of extra length, then tuck the loose end under the top ribbon loop. You can finish the loose ribbon end by cutting it at an angle or dovetail, or by adding a small bow.

Securing the flowers with floral tape

To secure the flowers with floral tape, start by pinching all the stems together tightly. Begin wrapping the floral tape around the stems, starting at the base of the flowers and working your way down to the ends. You can either leave the ends exposed or cover the entire length of the stem with tape.

Floral tape can be a little tricky to work with, so take your time. If you go slowly, you should be able to wrap it around and secure the flowers without too much trouble. Stretch the tape as you wrap, as this will activate its stickiness and help it adhere more firmly to the stems. Make sure you cover the ends of the wire with tape so that they do not snag on the fabric of the jacket lapel.

If you don't like the look of floral tape, you can use ribbon to cover it up. Simply wrap a ribbon of your choice over the tape, using hot glue to secure it. You can also add a small bow made of the same ribbon for a more polished look.

Embellishing with ribbon

First, you will need to choose a ribbon that matches your colour scheme or theme. You can opt for a simple, elegant ribbon or something more ornate, perhaps with patterns or lace. The width of the ribbon is also important—a wider ribbon will create a bolder statement, while a thinner ribbon will be more delicate and subtle.

Next, decide how you want to attach the ribbon. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the ribbon, or you may prefer to tie it in a bow. If you are gluing the ribbon, apply a thin layer of glue to the back of the ribbon, pressing it gently onto the floral tape. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it may seep out the sides and be visible.

Now, you are ready to start wrapping the ribbon. Starting at the bottom of the boutonnière, wrap the ribbon in overlapping spirals upwards towards the base of the flowers. Cut the ribbon, leaving a few inches of extra length. Then, take the loose end and tuck it under the top ribbon loop, beneath the base of the flowers. You can finish the loose ribbon end by cutting it straight or at an angle for a dovetail effect. If you prefer a neater look, you can also add a small bow made from the same ribbon.

For a more polished finish, bend about a quarter to half an inch of the tip of the boutonnière up and behind the wrapped stems. This will help secure the ribbon and give it a more refined appearance.

And there you have it! Your silk flower boutonnière is now complete and ready to be worn with pride at your wedding.

Frequently asked questions