Crafting Silk Boutonniere For Weddings: A Step-By-Step Guide

Silk boutonnieres are a great way to add a pop of colour to a suit for a wedding. They are also a cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers. With just a few simple materials, you can make silk boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen, and any other male family members or guests. In this article, we will take you through the steps to create your own silk boutonniere, from choosing the right flowers to assembling and storing your creation.

Choosing your flowers

When choosing your flowers, it is best to opt for hearty flowers with smaller, dainty faces that can hold up without a water source. Some suggested flowers include spray roses, ranunculus, anthurium, and pansies. Using dried florals with a splash of greenery is also a great option.

If you are looking for a more minimalist boutonniere, you can choose a single statement flower with some filler flowers and greenery. For a more lush look, you can add additional flowers and greenery to create a fuller arrangement.

Try a few different arrangements and colors until you achieve your desired effect. You can pair a few of your favorite flowers, such as a statement flower, a filler flower, and a leafy green. Tall, thin flowers often look best towards the back, with larger flowers in the center and smaller pieces in front.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose flowers that complement your wedding's color scheme and theme. With the right combination of flowers and colors, you can create beautiful silk flower boutonnieres that will add a splash of color to your special day.

Trimming the stems

When trimming the stems, use sharp scissors or garden shears. Cut the stems at an angle, about one inch from the original end of the stem. This angled cut will help the flowers absorb water and stay fresh longer if you are using fresh flowers. However, since you are making a silk boutonniere, this step is not necessary for flower preservation but is still useful for creating a clean cut.

After cutting the stems to the desired length, you will need to group the flowers and greenery together to form the boutonniere. Start with a statement flower, such as a rose or lily, in the center, and add smaller flowers and greenery around it. Play around with different arrangements until you find the composition you like best. Once you have decided on the arrangement, you can move on to the next step of securing the stems together.

Before taping the stems together, you may want to consider adding wire to them, especially if the plastic stems are too thick, bulky, or not flexible. To do this, take an 8-inch piece of wire and insert it through the top of the flower stem. If the stem is made of hard plastic, heat the tip of the wire over a flame before pushing it through. Bend the wire down and wrap floral tape around it, creating a narrow stem.

Now that you have prepared and trimmed the stems, you are ready for the next steps of taping and embellishing your silk boutonniere!

Taping the stems

Preparing the Stems:

Start by trimming your silk flowers to the desired length, typically around 2-4 inches long. This will ensure that the boutonniere is the appropriate size and will not be too bulky. Pair together your chosen flowers, including a statement flower, a filler flower, and some leafy greens. You can experiment with different combinations and colours until you achieve your desired effect.

Taping Technique:

Gather the stems of your chosen flowers and pinch them tightly together. Take your floral tape and begin wrapping it around the stems, starting at the base of the flowers and working your way down to the ends. Make sure to stretch the tape as you wrap, as this will activate its stickiness and ensure a firm hold. You can choose to leave the ends exposed or cover the entire length of the stems with tape.

Finishing Touches:

If you prefer a more refined look, you can cover the floral tape with a pretty ribbon. Start from the bottom of the boutonniere and wrap the ribbon in overlapping spirals upwards towards the base of the flowers. Cut the ribbon, leaving a few extra inches, and tuck the loose end under the top ribbon loop. Finish the ribbon by cutting it at an angle or creating a dovetail shape. For an extra touch, you can add a small bow made from the same ribbon.

Securing the Boutonniere:

To ensure your boutonniere stays securely in place, bend about a quarter to half an inch of the tip upwards and behind your wrapped stems. This will provide stability and prevent the boutonniere from drooping. Now your silk flower boutonniere is ready to be pinned to the lapel of a jacket!

Adding ribbon

Once you have selected your blooms, cleaned and cut your stems, and created your arrangement, it's time to add the ribbon. This is an optional step, but it can add a nice finishing touch to your silk boutonniere. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Ribbon

Select a ribbon that matches the colour or theme of your wedding. You can choose from various types of ribbons, such as sticky-backed or regular ribbon. Consider the width and texture of the ribbon as well to ensure it complements the size and style of your boutonniere.

Step 2: Wrap the Ribbon

Starting from the bottom of the boutonniere, wrap the ribbon in overlapping spirals upwards toward the base of the flowers. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the ribbon in place, or simply tie it off. Make sure to cover any exposed floral tape with the ribbon for a more polished look.

Step 3: Finish the Ribbon

Cut the ribbon, leaving a few extra inches. Tuck the loose end under the top ribbon loop, beneath the base of the flowers. You can finish the loose ribbon end by cutting it at an angle or creating a dovetail shape. Alternatively, you can add a small bow made from the same ribbon for a more decorative touch.

Step 4: Secure the Ribbon (Optional)

For added security and a more polished look, you can bend about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the tip of the boutonniere up and behind your wrapped stems. This will help to hold the ribbon in place and ensure it doesn't unravel.

Storing until the wedding

Storing your silk flower boutonnieres until the wedding day is an important consideration. Here are some detailed tips to ensure they remain in perfect condition:

Firstly, keep them safe from direct heat and light. A closet or wardrobe is a good option, or you could hang them on a door. Make sure they are not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme weather conditions, as this may cause discolouration or damage. Keep them stored indoors, in a controlled environment.

Secondly, always clean your boutonnieres before storing. Use a soft, dry cloth or a fabric duster to gently wipe down the flowers and remove any dust. This will ensure they remain vibrant and clean.

Thirdly, use a durable storage container. Padded storage bags or airtight plastic containers are ideal. This will keep the boutonnieres protected from dust and maintain their shape. If you are using a box, make sure it is large enough that the flowers are not squashed or bent.

Finally, when packing multiple boutonnieres, allow enough space between them. This will prevent damage and ensure they keep their shape. You could even consider using separate containers for each boutonniere to ensure they are fully protected.

By following these steps, your silk flower boutonnieres will remain in perfect condition until the wedding day.

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