Creating Silk Buttonholes For Your Wedding Day

Silk buttonholes are a great way to add a touch of luxury to your wedding outfit. Also known as a boutonniere, a buttonhole is a small version of a wedding bouquet that is typically made up of a single flower or a small collection of flowers and/or decorative accents. While they are not necessary, they are a nice way to differentiate the wedding party from the rest of the guests. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make your own silk buttonholes for your wedding.

Choosing colours and flowers

Choosing the right colours and flowers for your silk buttonholes can be a fun but challenging task. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Colour Scheme

Start by considering your wedding colour scheme. You can choose to match your buttonholes to this scheme or opt for a complementary colour palette. If you're having a black-tie wedding, for instance, a simple white floral design will look sophisticated and elegant. For a more rustic or whimsical wedding, dried flowers in natural shades of cream and brown or a mix of fresh and dried flowers can be a lovely choice.

Seasonal Flowers

Using seasonal blooms is a wonderful way to tie your buttonholes to the time of year you're getting married. For spring, consider hyacinths, freesia, daffodils, and sweet peas. In summer, blousy, unstructured blooms with lots of colour and texture are a perfect choice. For autumn, think of deep reds, oranges, and burgundies, while winter calls for icy blue and teal shades.

Flower Meanings

You can also choose flowers that hold a particular meaning for you. For example, roses are a classic choice, symbolising love, while lilies symbolise purity and innocence. You could also select flowers that hold personal memories, such as a proposal flower or a favourite flower of a relative who can't be at the wedding.

Flower Types

When it comes to the type of flowers you can use, the options are endless. Popular choices include roses, lilies, orchids, gypsophila, and eucalyptus. You can also add in berries, greenery, feathers, and even Lego for a unique touch! If you're looking for something more rustic, consider using dried flowers or clusters of pearls, diamantes, or feathers for a luxurious feel.

Matching with Other Flowers

If you or your partner will be wearing a flower crown, matching the colour palette of the buttonholes to the crown is a great way to create a cohesive theme. You can also use the same types of flowers in the buttonholes as in the bridal bouquet, or simply stick to one colour from the bouquet for a classic look.

Personalisation

To make your buttonholes extra special, consider personalising them. This could be through a small charm or by using a particular flower that holds significance for you. You can also make the buttonhole of the groom stand out by using a different flower or adding decorative details.

With these tips in mind, you can start creating beautiful silk buttonholes that will perfectly complement your wedding.

Using silk flowers

Silk flowers are a popular choice for wedding buttonholes, also known as boutonnieres. They are a great way to add a touch of elegance to the groom's outfit and make for beautiful wedding photographs. Here are some tips and ideas for creating silk flower buttonholes:

Choosing the Right Silk Flowers

The beauty of silk flowers is that they can be customised to match your wedding theme and colour scheme. You can choose from a wide range of artificial silk or foam flowers, such as roses, lilies, orchids, gypsophila, thistles, sunflowers, lavender, and many more. You can even add pearls, diamantes, or feathers for a luxurious touch. When choosing the flowers, consider the size and weight of the blooms, as heavier flowers may require thicker wire to support them.

Preparing the Stems

Once you have selected your silk flowers, you will need to cut each stem to the desired length, typically around 9 cm. Remove any unwanted leaves and preserve only the flowers and foliage you wish to include in the buttonhole. You can also add herbs like mint or rosemary to create a textured look.

Wiring and Taping the Stems

The next step is to wire each stem to strengthen the flowers and make the arrangement more flexible. Hold the flower between your thumb and index finger, and position a 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 around both the stem and the wire. Straighten the long wire, and repeat this process for all the flower stems. After wiring, use floral tape to cover the wires and help retain moisture for the flowers. Stretch and pull the tape downward while twirling the stem to ensure a tight wrap without any gaps.

Assembling the Buttonhole

Now it's time to bring all the elements together. Start with your focal flower, usually the largest bloom, and add the other flowers and foliage by taping their stems together. Ensure that all the flowers are facing the same way, as the buttonhole will be placed on the lapel. You can also add some twine or ribbon for a decorative touch. Once you're happy with the arrangement, cut the wired stems to the desired length and secure tape over any exposed wires to ensure a neat finish.

Final Touches

Your silk flower buttonhole is now ready to be worn! You can add a pearl-headed pin or a strong double magnet to attach it securely to the lapel. If you're making buttonholes for younger children, consider using a safety clasp instead. With these simple steps, you can create elegant and personalised silk flower buttonholes for your wedding, adding a unique and memorable detail to your special day.

Adding extras like pearls, diamantes, or feathers

For a bit of sparkle, diamantes are a great option. The Blush & Rose Gold Buttonhole, also offered by The Floral Touch UK, features rose gold diamantes and pearls, adding a touch of glamour to any outfit. For a bolder look, consider the Gothic Buttonhole by Lilia Rose Floral Design, which combines a red rose with a moody feather for a dramatic effect.

If you're looking for something unique, feathers are a wonderful choice. A single opulent peacock feather can add a 1920s flair to your buttonhole, as demonstrated by Lilia Rose Floral Design. Feathers can also be used to create a rustic or gothic look, as seen in the Moody Feather and Flower Creation by the same florist.

When incorporating extras into your silk buttonholes, don't be afraid to mix and match. Combining different elements like pearls, diamantes, and feathers can create a unique and personalised design that reflects your style.

Attaching to outfits

Attaching silk buttonholes tosectionss forsectionss can be done in a few different ways. The most common method is to use a pin, which is typically included with the buttonhole upon purchase. This method is simple and straightforward, allowing the wearer to easily attach the buttonhole to their outfit.

Another option is to use a magnet, which can be especially useful if you are concerned about damaging the fabric of the outfit. Magnets provide a strong hold and can be easily removed without leaving any marks or holes. This is a great choice for those who want to avoid putting pins through their clothing.

For those who want an even more secure hold, double-sided tape can be used in addition to, or instead of, pins or magnets. This is especially useful for heavier buttonholes or for active wearers who will be moving around a lot. The tape will help to ensure that the buttonhole stays in place throughout the day.

Finally, some buttonholes come with a safety clasp, which is especially useful for children's buttonholes to ensure they stay securely in place and don't pose a choking hazard. This option provides peace of mind for parents and caregivers.

When attaching your silk buttonhole, be sure to consider the placement. Traditionally, buttonholes are placed on the lapel of a jacket or blazer, either stuck through the buttonhole or pinned atop the lapel. You can also attach them to a pocket square or a square of card that sits in the pocket, creating a modern and unique look.

Making buttonholes for children

Planning and Preparation:

Before you start, it's important to purchase the buttons you plan to use. The size, shape, and placement of the buttonhole will depend on the button. You'll also want to gather the necessary tools and materials, including silk flowers, ribbon or twine, a needle and thread, small scissors, and any desired decorative accents.

Creating the Buttonhole:

Begin by measuring the button and marking the desired length of the buttonhole. Cut a piece of silk long enough to accommodate the buttonhole and fold it in half. Using a needle and thread, sew a box of short, straight stitches around the marking, about 1mm away from each side of the line.

Attaching the Button:

Now, it's time to attach the button. Cut a small slit in the fabric, being careful not to cut through your stitches. Thread your needle and knot the end. Bring the needle up at one corner of the stitched box, anchoring the knot on the backside. Take the needle through the slit and bring it up just past the edge of the box. Make sure to place the needle on top of your thread tail to form a blanket stitch.

Finishing Touches:

Continue stitching down the side, placing the stitches close together. Fan your stitches around the ends to create a rounded finish. You can add decorative accents like pearls, beads, or small magnets to enhance the design. Finally, cut the silk buttonhole to the appropriate length, ensuring it fits comfortably around the child's wrist.

Safety Considerations:

When creating buttonholes for children, it's essential to prioritize safety. Avoid using sharp pins or other elements that could cause injury. Instead, opt for safety clasps or magnets to secure the buttonhole. Additionally, ensure that any ribbons or ties are not too long to prevent accidental tangling or choking hazards.

With these steps, you can create elegant and safe silk buttonholes for children, adding a charming touch to their wedding attire.

Frequently asked questions