Gerbera Buttonholes: Diy Wedding Flowers

Gerbera buttonholes can be a beautiful addition to a wedding, but they do require some preparation. While making buttonholes is relatively easy, it's a good idea to practice beforehand. The process involves removing leaves and thorns from stems, cleaning the stems, and strengthening the flower head by pushing wire into the back of the gerbera and wrapping it around the stem. You can then add other flowers or foliage, trim them to the desired length, and secure them with florist's tape and ribbon. It's important to be gentle when bending the flower head forward to avoid breakage. With some creativity and attention to detail, you can create elegant gerbera buttonholes to enhance your special day.

Trimming the flowers

Firstly, it is crucial to select the right tools for the job. A decent pair of scissors or wire cutters will be needed to make precise cuts. The type of flower you are using will also determine the tools you need. For example, gerberas are known for their fragile stems, so extra care is required during handling and trimming. It is recommended to have some spare flowers in case of any accidental breaks or damage during the process.

When trimming the gerberas, start by removing any leaves or thorns from the stems. Clean the stems to ensure there is no dirt or residue. Due to the delicate nature of gerbera stems, they may need a little extra support. You can strengthen the stem by gently pushing wire into the back of the flower head, wrapping it around, and then down the stem. Cut the wire a little further down the stem to provide sturdiness. This will also allow you to gently bend the flower head forward if needed.

The next step is to choose any additional flowers or foliage you wish to include in the buttonhole. These could include gypsophila, rosemary, or other types of flowers and herbs that complement the gerberas. Trim these additional elements to the desired length, ensuring they are proportional to the gerberas. Remember that the star flower, usually the gerbera, should be the focal point, so trim the others accordingly.

Once you are happy with the length and arrangement of the flowers, it is time to secure them together. Use florist's tape to wrap around the stems tightly. This will hold the buttonhole together and provide a base for any additional decorations. You can then cover the tape with decorative ribbon, securing it with a small amount of glue or additional tape.

Finally, store the finished buttonholes in a cool place or the refrigerator until they are ready to be used. It is worth noting that some flowers may require preparation on the day of the event, especially more delicate varieties. Assign someone to pin the buttonholes onto the wedding party's outfits, as nervous hands may forget this important detail!

Choosing and layering the flowers

Gerberas are a beautiful flower to include in wedding buttonholes, but they can be a little tricky to work with. Their stems are fragile, and their heads need to be bent forward, which can cause them to break. It's a good idea to buy extra gerberas, just in case.

When choosing flowers for your buttonhole, it's important to consider the style of your wedding. If you're going for a traditional look, choose a single statement flower, such as a rose, with some filler flowers and foliage. For a rustic or whimsical wedding, opt for smaller flowers like gypsophila or wax flowers, or use the florets of larger flowers like hydrangeas or delphiniums. You can also add in some greenery, such as rosemary or eucalyptus, for a pop of colour and a lovely scent.

To layer the flowers for your buttonhole, start by trimming the stems to the desired length. If you're using a statement flower, like a gerbera, you'll want to leave about an inch of stem to attach the boutonniere to the suit. Strip off any leaves or thorns from the stems and clean them to remove any dirt. For gerberas, you'll need to gently push wire into the back of the flower head, wrapping it around to strengthen the stem and then gently bending the flower head forward.

Once your flowers are prepared, it's time to arrange them. Start with a flat green leaf, then add any herbs or smaller flowers, and finally, place your statement flower on top. Position them how you want them to sit in the boutonniere, and then use florist tape to wrap the stems tightly. Cover the tape with ribbon and secure it with a small dab of hot glue or more tape.

Your gerbera buttonholes are now ready to be stored in the fridge overnight and attached to the suits on the big day!

Using florist tape to wrap the flowers

To make gerbera buttonholes for weddings, you'll need florist's tape, also known as stem tape. This is a thin, stretchable material, typically made of crepe paper or synthetic material like PVC, and is sticky on both sides. It usually comes in green or brown to blend with the natural colours of stems and foliage.

Florist's tape is used to reinforce and strengthen flower stems, providing stability and enhancing the overall appearance of the arrangement. It can also be used to hide wires or other mechanics used in the buttonhole.

Here's a step-by-step guide on using florist's tape to wrap the flowers for gerbera buttonholes:

• Start by removing any leaves or thorns from the stems of your chosen flowers and foliage. You can skip this step for gerberas, but remember to straighten their stems.
• Clean the stems to remove any dirt.
• Push a wire gently into the back of the gerbera head, twist it, and then wrap it around the back and down the stem. Cut the wire a little further down the stem to add sturdiness.
• Gently bend the flower head forward.
• Choose your additional flowers and/or foliage, and trim them to the desired length.
• Arrange the flowers together, positioning them ready for taping. This step can be tricky, so you may need an extra pair of hands.
• Pull the tape at an angle and start wrapping it around the stems. Don't worry if it doesn't feel sticky; as you stretch the tape, it will activate its adhesive properties and stick to itself.
• Continue wrapping the tape tightly around the stems, moving gradually upward.
• Once you reach the desired length, cut or tear the tape.
• Finally, tie the buttonhole together with decorative ribbon.

And there you have it—a beautiful gerbera buttonhole, perfect for weddings or any special occasion!

Covering the tape with ribbon

Choose a ribbon that complements the colour of your flowers and foliage. Consider selecting a ribbon that matches your wedding colour scheme or one that adds a pop of contrasting colour. Cut a length of ribbon long enough to wrap around the stems comfortably, leaving enough extra to tie a bow or knot.

Position the ribbon at the top of the taped area and begin to wrap it downwards, covering the tape completely. Make sure the ribbon is taut and smooth, with no creases or bumps. You can use a small dab of hot glue at the starting point to secure the ribbon in place and ensure it doesn't unravel.

As you wrap the ribbon, try to keep it as neat and tight as possible. Overlapping the previous wrap slightly with each new wrap will help achieve a seamless finish. Continue wrapping until you reach the bottom of the taped area, then cut the ribbon, leaving a small amount to secure.

Secure the end of the ribbon with a small piece of tape or another dab of hot glue. You can also tie a knot at the back to ensure the ribbon stays in place. If you prefer a neater finish, you can trim the ribbon ends at an angle to prevent fraying and create a cleaner look.

The ribbon adds a decorative touch to your gerbera buttonhole and can be customised to match your wedding theme or colour palette. It is an easy way to elevate the look of your buttonhole and make it stand out. Feel free to experiment with different types of ribbons, such as satin, grosgrain, or even a textured ribbon for added visual interest.

Storing the buttonholes

Storing your gerbera buttonholes correctly is essential to ensure they look their best for your wedding. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this important task:

Timing is Key

It is recommended that you order your wholesale flowers for delivery 2-3 days before your wedding to allow for conditioning and development. This timing will help ensure your gerberas are in optimal condition for your special day.

Refrigerate Overnight

You can store your gerbera buttonholes in the refrigerator overnight to keep them fresh. However, be mindful that some flowers are more delicate and may require preparation on the day of your wedding. Assign a trusted family member or friend to handle any last-minute flower preparations.

Keep Flowers Cool

Maintain a cool environment for your buttonholes. If the room is too warm, the flowers will suffer and wilt prematurely. To prolong their lifespan, keep them in a cool location and, if needed, spray them with cold water.

Prepare Buttonholes Close to the Ceremony

Avoid attaching your buttonholes too early in the day. The handling and hugging that come with wedding celebrations can lead to squashed and damaged flowers. Aim to put them on just before you head to the ceremony to keep them looking their best.

Storing in Water

If you've prepared your buttonholes ahead of time, keep them in a small amount of water to maintain their freshness. This is especially important for more delicate flowers that require hydration to stay vibrant.

Practice Makes Perfect

Lastly, while not directly related to storage, it is worth mentioning that practising making your gerbera buttonholes before the wedding day is a good idea. This will help you refine your technique and ensure you're confident in assembling them for your special day.

Frequently asked questions