Creating Wedding Bouquets And Boutonnieres: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make wedding bouquets and boutonnieres

Wedding bouquets and boutonnieres are an essential part of any wedding ceremony. They add a touch of elegance and colour to the festivities, with the bridal bouquet taking centre stage alongside the bride's dress. The groom's boutonniere is a traditional accent, typically a flower or bud worn on the lapel of a tuxedo or suit jacket, adding a splash of colour that complements the bride's bouquet. With a wide range of options available, from artificial flowers to fresh bouquets, and the ability to customise according to colour schemes and personal preferences, couples can create their dream wedding look.

Characteristics Values
Materials Flowers, silk, artificial flowers, wood, sola wood, dried flowers, ribbon, pins, brooches, pearls, rhinestones
Flower Types Roses, calla lilies, tiger lilies, hydrangeas, orchids, sunflowers, daisies, lavender, eucalyptus, peonies
Colors White, ivory, purple, gold, blue, rainbow, red, green, yellow, orange, burgundy, navy, black, red
Styles Boho, rustic, farmhouse, tropical, beach, vintage, gothic
Sizes 4-inch, 6-inch, 7-inch, 8-inch, 9-inch, 9.5-inch, 9.8-inch, 10-inch, 11-inch, 11.8-inch
Sets Bride and groom sets, bridesmaid sets, groomsmen sets, bouquet and boutonniere sets
Shipping Free shipping available on certain websites and for orders over a certain amount

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Choosing the right flowers

Colour

Colour is an essential aspect of choosing your wedding flowers. You may want to select flowers that complement your wedding colour scheme or theme. For example, if you have chosen a rustic theme, wildflowers or greenery like eucalyptus would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, modern weddings may call for sleek flowers like calla lilies or orchids. Consider the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve and select flowers that enhance it.

Seasonality

The season of your wedding will also play a role in your flower selection. Certain flowers are more readily available during specific seasons, so choosing in-season flowers can ensure they are fresh and reduce costs. For instance, dahlias are an excellent choice for summer and autumn weddings, while tulips are ideal for spring events. If you're looking for year-round options, consider carnations, gerbera daisies, or baby's breath, which are available all year.

Meaning

Different flowers carry different symbolic meanings, so you may want to select blooms that hold special significance for you and your partner. For instance, lilies symbolise purity and faith, making them a popular choice for weddings. Roses, the most popular choice, symbolise romance, while specific colours like white represent eternal love and yellow symbolises new beginnings. Orchids, on the other hand, signify love and rare charm.

Durability

When choosing flowers for boutonnieres, it is crucial to select sturdy and long-lasting varieties that can maintain their shape without water for hours. Carnations, for example, are incredibly durable and versatile, making them a popular choice for boutonnieres. Similarly, baby's breath is a simple and elegant option that can be used on its own or paired with other flowers.

Size and Style

The size and style of your wedding bouquets and boutonnieres should also be considered. For boutonnieres, the groom's should be unique and slightly different from those of the groomsmen, which should complement the bride's bouquet. You may also want to coordinate the style and focal flower with the bridal bouquet, corsages, or the wedding party's attire.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of flowers for your wedding bouquets and boutonnieres should reflect your unique style and personality. Whether you prefer classic and elegant arrangements or something more modern and unconventional, there are endless possibilities to explore.

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Selecting the right colour scheme

Consider the Wedding Style

The chosen colour scheme should complement the overall style and theme of the wedding. For example, wildflowers or greenery like eucalyptus would suit a rustic wedding, while sleek flowers like calla lilies or orchids would be ideal for a modern celebration. If you're having a classic wedding, roses or orchids are a perfect choice, whereas gerberas or peonies are better suited for a modern one.

Match the Bride's Bouquet

The boutonniere should be in the same colour scheme as the bride's bouquet to create a harmonious look. It doesn't have to be an exact match, but there should be a common element, such as colour, texture, or style. This unifies the bridal party's overall aesthetic and symbolises the groom's bond with the bride.

Complement the Wedding Party's Attire

When selecting the colour of the boutonnieres, consider the attire of the wedding party. The groom's boutonniere should complement his suit without standing out too much. The groomsmen's boutonnieres should match the bridesmaids' bouquets, with slight differences to distinguish them from the groom's boutonniere.

Choose Seasonal Flowers

Take into account the season and location of your wedding when choosing colours. For a summer beach wedding, consider tropical orchids, while deep-hued roses or calla lilies are perfect for a fall or winter celebration. Also, remember to choose flowers that can withstand the heat or cold, depending on the season.

Symbolism and Meaning

You can select flowers for the boutonniere based on their symbolic meaning. For example, a white rose represents innocence and purity, while a red rose stands for love and romance. This adds a personal touch and makes your choice of colours even more meaningful.

Freshness and Durability

Ensure the flowers you choose for the boutonniere are fresh and sturdy. It's best to have the boutonnieres prepared on the morning of the wedding and kept in a cool place to maintain their freshness throughout the day. This is especially important if your wedding involves a lot of hugging and dancing!

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Using pins to attach the boutonniere

To attach a boutonniere using a pin, follow these steps:

  • Start by locating the buttonhole on the lapel of the suit jacket or tuxedo. The boutonniere, a floral decoration typically consisting of a flower or bud, will be pinned here.
  • Take the boutonniere pin, which is often included with the purchase of a boutonniere. A pearl head pin is a classic and elegant choice.
  • Carefully insert the pin through the stem of the boutonniere, ensuring it is secure and will not slip out.
  • Push the pin through the buttonhole from the inside of the jacket, so that the head of the pin is hidden behind the lapel.
  • Adjust the angle and position of the boutonniere as needed, so that it sits neatly in the buttonhole and is visible from the outside.
  • Finally, check that the pin is secure and cannot be seen from the front. The boutonniere should now be firmly in place, adding a stylish and colourful accent to the ensemble.

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Ordering bouquets and boutonnieres online

There are many online options for ordering wedding bouquets and boutonnieres. One option is to order from a local florist, such as Mayflowers Floral Studio, which offers custom flower arrangements and bouquets for weddings. You can visit their website, choose your collection, and build your package to include only what you want. They offer free curbside pickup at their stores in McLean, VA, and Reston, VA, and also provide local courier delivery. It is recommended that you place your order at least two weeks in advance to ensure no flower substitutions are needed.

Another option is to order from online marketplaces such as Etsy, which has thousands of wedding bouquet and boutonniere options from various sellers. You can find fresh flower bouquets and boutonnieres, as well as artificial flower options made from materials like silk or dried flowers. Etsy sellers often offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount, and many are willing to accommodate custom orders and rush shipping.

If you are specifically looking for silk boutonnieres, there are online stores like The Brides Bouquet that offer a large variety of colours and styles. They provide free standard shipping within the US and include pearl head boutonniere pins with every order.

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Dried flowers vs fresh flowers

When it comes to wedding bouquets and boutonnieres, you may consider using dried flowers instead of fresh flowers. Dried flowers are an inexpensive and eco-friendly alternative to fresh flowers, and they can be easily sourced from local markets or online platforms such as Etsy. They are also more durable and long-lasting, as they are already dried and preserved.

Dried flowers offer interesting textures and styles, and they can be customised to match your wedding theme and personal style. They are perfect for outdoor and bohemian weddings, adding a touch of natural beauty to any theme. You can create a rustic, boho, modern, romantic, vintage, or whimsical bouquet by mixing and matching different types of dried flowers, sizes, and colours. For example, a rustic bouquet typically includes a mix of dried flowers and greenery, such as wheat, lavender, eucalyptus, and dried grasses, tied together with twine or burlap ribbon. On the other hand, a modern bouquet may feature bleached ruscus, preserved roses, and dried palm leaves, tied with a bold-coloured ribbon.

However, dried flowers may not be as fragrant as fresh flowers, and they can be more difficult to source and ship, especially if you want flowers grown and harvested locally. Additionally, if you prefer a traditional bouquet style, dried flowers may not have the desired look.

Fresh flowers, on the other hand, offer an incredible fragrance and are the traditional choice for weddings. They can be quite expensive, especially during peak wedding season, and may trigger allergies in some individuals. However, they are readily available and can be easily customised to match any wedding theme or colour scheme.

Ultimately, the choice between dried and fresh flowers depends on your personal preference, budget, and the desired look for your wedding. Both options have their pros and cons, and either choice can make your special day even more memorable.

Frequently asked questions

A boutonniere is a floral decoration, typically a flower or bud, worn on the lapel of a tuxedo or suit jacket.

Popular flowers include roses, lilies, hydrangeas, lavender, and eucalyptus.

You can find them at specialty florists, wedding shops, or online retailers like Etsy, Amazon, and Hobby Lobby.

It's recommended to order them at least a few weeks in advance to ensure freshness and allow for any shipping or production delays.

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