Buttonhole Flowers: Diy Wedding Blooms

Wedding buttonholes, also known as boutonnieres, are a great way to add a floral touch to the groom's and groomsmen's outfits. They are usually made from a single flower or a small collection of flowers and/or decorative accents, pinned to the lapel of a jacket or blazer. In this discussion, we will explore the process of creating buttonhole flowers for weddings, offering a simple DIY project to enhance the special day with a personal touch of elegance and style.

Choosing flowers and foliage

The flowers and foliage you choose for your buttonhole will depend on the style and theme of your wedding. If you're going for a traditional look, opt for a single statement flower, such as a rose, with some filler flowers and foliage. For a rustic or whimsical wedding, use a variety of filler flowers and foliage for a softer, more relaxed vibe.

When it comes to the flowers themselves, consider their colour, texture, and meaning. Choose flowers that complement your wedding colour palette or go for a bold pop of colour against softer background hues. Play with different textures by mixing and matching smooth petals with rougher foliage or spiky grasses. You can also add non-floral elements like small feathers, berries, or a miniature charm for a unique touch.

The size and proportion of your buttonhole are important too. Ensure it's not too bulky and that it's proportionate to the wearer's frame and lapel size. You don't want it to be overpowering, but it should be noticeable. Asymmetry can add visual interest, but maintain a balanced look so it feels harmonious.

If you're looking for specific flower suggestions, here are a few options:

• Lavender: Dried lavender adds a pop of colour and a romantic fragrance to your buttonhole. It symbolizes love, devotion, and purity.
• Roses: Timeless and elegant, roses are versatile in colour and symbolize deep love and respect.
• Baby's Breath: This flower adds a delicate texture and a sense of airiness, creating a subtle yet beautiful focal point. It symbolizes purity, innocence, and lasting love.
• Eucalyptus: With its silvery-green colour and unique shape, eucalyptus adds texture and a modern flair to your buttonhole.
• Gypsophila: This flower symbolizes protection and abundance, and its full, round shape offers volume and a lush backdrop to your arrangement.

Preparing materials

Preparing the materials for your buttonhole flowers is a fun and simple process. Here is a detailed list of the materials you will need and some tips on how to choose and prepare them:

Flowers:

Select a variety of flowers to create texture and colour. You can choose flowers with symbolic meanings such as roses for love and beauty, lavender for devotion and purity, or carnations, which are also popular choices. Consider the size of the flowers and ensure they are not too bulky for the lapel. If you want to include a statement flower, you can pair it with some flat green leaves and a few smaller flowers or decorative accents.

Dried Leaves and Grasses:

Add dried leaves and grasses to your selection to create volume and a rustic feel. These elements will complement your main flower(s) and provide a nice backdrop. Ensure that your dried foliage is clean and free from dust or debris.

Binding Materials:

You will need twine or floral tape to bind your arrangement securely. The floral tape can be covered with ribbon and secured with regular tape or a small dab of hot glue at the back. Stretch the floral tape as you wrap it to make it stick better.

Pins:

Florist pins or small safety pins are essential for attaching the buttonhole to the lapel. Traditionally, the buttonhole is worn on the left lapel, close to the heart.

Scissors or Floral Shears:

These will be used to trim stems and cut your binding material. Ensure you leave enough stem when trimming to attach the buttonhole to the lapel.

Wire (optional):

Wire is optional but can be used to create desired shapes or provide added support for delicate stems. Cut the wire to the desired length before you begin arranging your flowers.

Once you have gathered and prepared all your materials, you will be ready to start creating your beautiful buttonhole flowers!

Arranging the buttonhole

Selecting the Flowers and Foliage:

Choose a main flower that will be the focal point of your design. This could be a rose, lavender, or any flower of your choice that holds symbolic meaning for you. Add texture and volume by selecting leaves and grasses that complement the main flower. Consider varying textures and colours for depth and interest. Ensure that the overall size is appropriate for a lapel and not too bulky.

Creating the Base:

Start by laying out the leaves and grasses to form a backdrop for your focal flower. You can use flat green leaves or any other foliage that adds to the overall design. Play with different textures and shapes to create a unique and eye-catching base.

Arranging the Focal Flower and Additional Elements:

Place your main flower against the foliage base and adjust it until you are happy with the arrangement. You can add smaller flowers or additional textures around the focal point to create a balanced and harmonious design. Remember to leave enough stem on the main flower so that you can attach it securely to the lapel later.

Binding the Arrangement:

Secure the stems together by carefully wrapping them with floral tape or twine. Start from the base and work your way down towards the flowers. If you are using floral tape, stretch it as you wrap to activate its stickiness. You can also add wire for extra support if needed.

Finishing Touches:

Once the arrangement is bound, trim any excess stem at an angle to create a clean, uniform look. However, make sure you leave enough stem for attachment. You can then wrap the bound stems with a decorative ribbon or rustic twine that matches your wedding theme. This adds a touch of elegance and hides the floral tape or twine.

Attaching the Buttonhole:

Finally, use florist pins or safety pins to attach the buttonhole to the lapel of the jacket. Traditionally, buttonholes are worn on the left lapel, close to the heart. Ensure that it is securely fastened and positioned correctly.

Your buttonhole is now ready to be displayed and admired! This process allows you to create a personalised and elegant accessory that will enhance the overall style of your wedding attire.

Binding the arrangement

Now that you have selected your flowers and foliage, it's time to bind your buttonhole arrangement. This step is crucial to ensure your flowers stay in place and create a neat and secure bundle. Here's a detailed guide on binding your buttonhole:

Step 1: Secure with Floral Tape or Twine

Take your floral tape or twine and carefully wrap it around the stems, starting from the base of the flowers and working your way down. If you are using floral tape, be sure to stretch it slightly as you wrap to activate its adhesive properties. This will ensure that the tape sticks firmly to the stems and holds your flowers in place.

Step 2: Trim the Stems

Once you have securely wrapped the stems with floral tape or twine, it's time to trim any excess. Use sharp scissors or floral shears to cut the stems at an angle, creating a clean and uniform look. Be sure to leave enough stem length so that you can still attach the buttonhole to the lapel of your jacket.

Step 3: Optional Wire Support

If any of the elements in your buttonhole need extra support, you can insert wire into or alongside the stem before binding. This step is entirely optional but can be beneficial for delicate stems or if you want to create specific shapes with your flowers.

Step 4: Add a Decorative Wrap

For an elegant finishing touch, wrap your buttonhole in decorative ribbon or rustic twine that complements your wedding theme. Choose a colour or texture that enhances the overall aesthetic of your buttonhole arrangement.

Step 5: Final Touches

At this point, your buttonhole arrangement should be securely bound and ready for attachment. Before moving on to the final step, take a moment to inspect your creation and make any necessary adjustments. Ensure that all the elements are securely in place and that the overall design is well-balanced and proportional to the size of the lapel.

Binding your buttonhole arrangement is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail and a gentle hand. By following these steps, you will create a neat and secure buttonhole that complements your wedding attire and adds a special touch to your celebration.

Adding finishing touches

Now that your buttonhole is almost complete, it's time to add those all-important finishing touches!

Firstly, you'll want to bind the arrangement together. Carefully wrap floral tape around the stems, starting from the base and working your way down. Stretching the tape as you go will help to activate its stickiness. You can then cover the florist tape with ribbon, securing it with a small amount of glue or tape at the back.

Once you're happy with the binding, it's time to trim the stems. Cut them at an angle for a clean, uniform look, but be sure to leave enough stem to attach the buttonhole to the lapel securely.

If any elements of your buttonhole need extra support, you can insert wire into or alongside the stem before binding. This will help to keep delicate stems in place and create the desired shape.

Finally, you can add an extra flourish by wrapping the stem in decorative ribbon or rustic twine that matches your wedding theme. This is a great way to add a pop of colour or a whimsical touch to your buttonhole.

And there you have it! Your buttonhole is now complete and ready to be attached to the lapel of your wedding attire.

Frequently asked questions