Crafting Paper Wedding Buttonholes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding buttonholes, also known as boutonnieres, are a great way to add a pop of colour to your wedding party's outfits. They are usually made from flowers, but can also be made from greenery, feathers, fabric, and herbs. This small accessory is worn on the lapel of a jacket or blazer and can be attached with a pin or magnet. In this article, we will discuss how to make paper wedding buttonholes, a unique and modern twist on the traditional flower buttonhole.

Choosing flowers and foliage

Consider the Season

Think about the time of year for your wedding and choose flowers that are in season. For spring, you might want to use hyacinths, freesia, daffodils, or sweet peas. If you're having a summer wedding, opt for flowers that can withstand the heat, such as roses or lisianthus. For a winter wedding, consider using dried flowers or evergreens for a rustic and festive feel.

Colour Scheme

You can choose flowers that complement your wedding colour scheme. This could mean matching the flowers to the bridesmaids' dresses, the groomsmen's ties, or the overall colour palette of your wedding. Don't be afraid to mix and match colours for a bold and vibrant look.

Texture and Variety

Create visual interest by incorporating different textures and varieties of flowers and foliage. You can use herbs like rosemary or mint, along with greenery such as eucalyptus or fern leaves. Add some extra flair with berries, feathers, or even a peacock feather for a 1920s-inspired buttonhole.

Size and Style

Buttonholes can range from simple and dainty designs to more elaborate and bold statements. Consider the size and style of the buttonhole in relation to the outfit. For example, if the groomsmen are wearing tweed suits, a textured buttonhole with a mix of floral and foliage can complement the tactile fabric.

Personalisation

Make your buttonholes extra special by incorporating flowers with personal significance. This could be a flower from your proposal location or a favourite flower of a loved one who can't be there on your big day. You can also personalise the buttonholes for each person, perhaps using a different flower for the groom to make them stand out.

Practical Considerations

When choosing your flowers and foliage, consider the practicality of working with them. Some flowers may be more delicate and require special care, especially if they need to be prepared on the day of the wedding. Also, think about the weight of the flowers, as you don't want the buttonholes to be too heavy or cumbersome.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating paper wedding buttonholes. Have fun experimenting with different combinations of flowers and foliage to find the perfect arrangement that reflects your style and theme.

Trimming and preparing the stems

Firstly, cut each stem to the required length, which is typically around 9 cm. Ensure that any unwanted leaves or foliage are removed, leaving a neat appearance. This step ensures that the buttonhole has a uniform length and doesn't have any loose ends protruding.

Next, it is advisable to wire each stem. While this step is optional, it adds strength and flexibility to the arrangement, especially if you are using delicate flowers. To do this, hold the flower between your thumb and index finger, and position the wire behind the stem about one-third of the way up. Bend the wire ends together, with one length shorter than the other. Hold the shorter wire parallel to the stem and wrap the longer wire leg around both the stem and the shorter wire. Straighten the long wire once it is securely wrapped.

Once all the stems are wired, it's time to tape them. Floral tape is used to cover the wires and help retain moisture for the flowers. Start by wrapping the tape around the top of the wire and flower stem. As you twirl the stem, stretch and pull the tape downward, ensuring a tight wrap with no gaps. This step provides a neat finish and helps to secure the flowers in place.

Now, you can begin assembling the buttonhole. Start with your focal flower, usually the largest or most prominent bloom. Add the other flowers and foliage by taping their stems together. Ensure that all the flowers are facing the same way, as this will determine the front of the buttonhole. Play around with the arrangement until you achieve the desired look.

Finally, cut the wired stems to the desired length, ensuring they are all even. Securely tape over any exposed wires, making sure there are no sharp ends. You can also cover the tape with ribbon or twine for a decorative touch. Your paper wedding buttonhole is now complete and ready to be pinned to the lapel!

Adding wire for support

To begin, gather your materials: you will need stub wire, floral tape, and a selection of flowers and greenery of your choice. Cut each stem to the desired length, approximately 9cm, removing any unwanted leaves.

Now, you are ready to start wiring. Take a flower and hold it between your thumb and index finger. Position the wire behind the stem, about one-third of the way up, and bend the ends together, with one length shorter than the other. Hold the shorter length of wire parallel to the stem and wrap the longer wire leg around both the stem and the other wire leg. Straighten the long wire and repeat this process for all your flower stems.

The next step is to tape each wired stem. This step helps to cover the wire and assists in retaining moisture for the flower. Stretch and pull the tape downward, twirling the stem as you go, to ensure a tight wrap with no gaps. Once again, repeat this process for each flower stem.

Now that your flowers are wired and taped, you can begin assembling your buttonhole. Start with your focal flower, usually the largest, and add each element, taping the stems together. Ensure all flowers are facing the same way as this will be placed on a lapel.

Finally, cut the wired stems to the required length and secure tape over any exposed wires, ensuring no sharp ends are visible. Your paper wedding buttonhole is now complete! You may wish to add a finishing touch, such as twine or ribbon, to give it a personalised feel.

Taping the stems

Step 1: Prepare the Stems

Before you start taping, ensure that you have cut each stem to the required length, which is usually around 9 cm. Remove any unwanted leaves and trim the flowers to about an inch of the stem. This will give you something to pin the buttonhole to the suit. It's also crucial to layer the flowers and leaves in the desired order, positioning them as you want them to sit in the final arrangement.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tape

Floral tape, also known as florist tape, is specifically designed for this purpose. It's stretchy and slightly sticky, allowing you to securely wrap the stems without leaving any gaps. The tape should be tightly wrapped around the stems, providing a smooth and seamless finish.

Step 3: Taping Technique

Start by wrapping the tape around the top of the wire and flower stem. As you twirl the stem, stretch and pull the tape downward. Make sure you cover the entire wire and stem without any gaps, ensuring a tight wrap. Repeat this process for each flower stem, creating a secure base.

Step 4: Final Touches

Once all the stems are taped, you can cut them to the desired length. After that, carefully cover any exposed wires with tape, ensuring no sharp ends can be seen. This step ensures safety and a neat finish.

Step 5: Additional Tips

If you want to add a decorative touch, you can cover the florist tape with ribbon. Secure the ribbon with a small piece of tape at the back or a dab of hot glue. This will give your paper wedding buttonholes a polished and elegant look.

Wrapping the flowers together

Now that you've gathered your materials and cut your stems to the required length, it's time to start assembling your paper wedding buttonholes. Here's a step-by-step guide to wrapping the flowers together:

Start by layering the individual elements of your buttonhole. For a simple and elegant look, begin with a flat green leaf, followed by a sprig of rosemary, and then your statement flower on top. Ensure that all the flowers are facing the same way, as the buttonhole will be placed on a lapel.

Once you're happy with the arrangement, it's time to secure the flowers together. Use floral tape to tightly wrap the stems together. This not only provides a secure base but also helps to preserve moisture for the flowers. Stretch and pull the tape downward as you twirl the stems, ensuring a tight wrap without any gaps.

After taping each stem individually, it's time to bring all the elements together. Take your focal flower and add the other flowers and foliage by taping their stems together. Remember to keep them facing in the same direction.

Once all the stems are securely taped together, cut the wired stems to the desired length. Then, cover any exposed wires with tape, ensuring no sharp ends are visible.

Your paper wedding buttonhole is now almost complete! As a finishing touch, you can add some twine or ribbon around the stem. Simply secure it with a small dab of hot glue or tape at the back.

These paper wedding buttonholes are a beautiful and creative way to add a personal touch to your special day. With these simple steps, you can create elegant and whimsical floral accessories that will enhance your wedding attire.

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