Creating A Wedding Boutonniere: A Step-By-Step Guide

A boutonnière is a small floral bouquet worn on the lapel of a tuxedo or suit jacket. The traditional pick is a single rose, but there are many ways to make it your own. You can supplement or replace the rose with other flowers, or even foliage, depending on the season and your personal style. You can also add dried foliage, greenery, sequins, ribbons, pins, or any other personal detail that will help tell the story of your wedding, your relationship, or your background.

Choosing flowers: single rose, holly, hyacinth, calla lilies, or succulents

A single rose is the traditional choice for boutonnieres, but you can add a unique twist by incorporating different flowers or foliage. For a winter wedding, consider replacing the rose with holly, or for a summer celebration, opt for hyacinth.

If you want to stick with the classic rose, you can find a variety of artificial red rose boutonnieres, or opt for a white rose for a timeless and romantic look. You could also add a modern twist with a red rose and pink bunny tails, or a white rose and rosemary sprigs.

For a durable flower that will last all day, calla lilies are a great choice and can be found in a range of colours including red, white, burnt orange, and pastel pink and yellow.

If you're looking for something more unique, succulents are a great option for a botanical-themed wedding. You can find a range of artificial succulent boutonnieres, or opt for a mix of greenery with a single succulent.

The type of flower you choose will depend on your personal style, the season, and your wedding aesthetic.

Adding extras: dried foliage, ribbons, sequins, or photos

Adding extras to your wedding boutonnière can be a fun way to incorporate your personality and style into the design. Here are some ideas for how to make your boutonnière stand out with dried foliage, ribbons, sequins, or photos:

Dried Foliage:

• Dried flowers are a unique and trendy way to add texture and creativity to your wedding boutonnière. They are also versatile, working well with any wedding style, from vintage to modern, and are especially perfect for rustic, boho, or winter weddings.
• When selecting dried flowers, choose a variety of flowers with different textures and sizes. Popular options include dried baby's breath, dried lavender, bleached Italian ruscus, dried bunny tail grass, and dried floral buttons.
• To create your dried flower boutonnière, cut a few stems of each flower type into small pieces and arrange them into a bundle. Secure the bundle with floral stem tape or twine, and then add a ribbon in your wedding colour for an extra special touch.

Ribbons:

• Ribbons can be used to cover the floral tape that holds your boutonnière together. Choose a ribbon colour that complements your wedding colour palette or the colours of the flowers in your boutonnière.
• To attach the ribbon, hold it at the top of the stem, letting it hang vertically down the length of the stems. Then, fold the ribbon under the bottom of the stems and twist the boutonnière while pinching the top. Cut off any extra ribbon, and secure it with a boutonnière pin.

Sequins:

Sequins can be added to your boutonnière for a touch of sparkle and glamour. Try incorporating a sequinned brooch or pin into your design, or use sequinned ribbon or trim to add some extra shine.

Photos:

• Adding a meaningful photo to your boutonnière is a sentimental way to make your ensemble more personal. For example, you could pin a photo of a late loved one onto your boutonnière, keeping them close to your heart on your special day.
• You can use a small photo that can be easily attached to the flowers or other elements of your boutonnière. Consider using a charm or pin to hold the photo in place and coordinate with your other boutonnière accessories.

Types: pin-on, lapel, or pocket square

There are several types of boutonnieres to consider for a wedding: pin-on, lapel, or pocket square. Each has its own unique style and can be chosen based on the desired look and formality of the event.

Lapel boutonnieres are the most common type and are placed on the left lapel of the jacket, typically lower than the tie but above the pocket square. The lapel is then folded over the boutonniere, creating a "taco shape," and a needle is slid downward into the back of the lapel to secure it in place. This type of boutonniere is often chosen for its ease of attachment and elegant look.

Pin-on boutonnieres are similar to lapel boutonnieres, but instead of being pinned to the lapel, they are attached directly to the fabric of the jacket. This type of boutonniere is less common and may require more care when pinning to ensure it is secure.

Pocket square boutonnieres are a more informal option, where the flowers are arranged in the pocket of the jacket instead of on the lapel. This type of boutonniere can be a good choice if you want to avoid pinning anything to the jacket or if you want to create a more relaxed look.

When choosing between a boutonniere and a pocket square, it's important to consider the overall style and formality of the wedding. Some people believe that wearing both a boutonniere and a pocket square can look too busy, especially if they are in competing patterns or colours. However, others argue that it can look elegant and sophisticated when done well. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetic for the wedding.

Cost: $10-15 for a single flower, more for intricate styles

If you're looking to make a wedding boutonnière on a budget, you can absolutely keep the costs down to $10-15 per flower, but it will require careful planning and consideration.

Firstly, you'll need to source your flowers. Carnations, daisies, and alstroemeria are inexpensive options that can start at as little as $5 per flower. If you're happy to spend a little more, roses are a popular choice and typically fall in the middle range, from $10 to $16.

Next, you'll need to think about the other materials you'll require. Floral tape, floral glue, boutonnière ribbon, pins, and boxes can add up quickly, so it's important to shop around and compare prices. You can also save money by using alternative materials, such as floral wire instead of tape, or safety pins instead of boutonnière pins.

The time of year can also impact the cost of your flowers. Using seasonal blooms will be more cost-effective than choosing exotic or rare flowers. For example, spray roses, ranunculus, anthurium, and pansies are stunning options that won't break the bank.

Finally, consider the size and complexity of your design. A single flower with some greenery will be more affordable than a larger or more intricate arrangement.

By carefully selecting your flowers and materials, and keeping your design simple, you can definitely create a beautiful wedding boutonnière for $10-15 per flower.

Alternatives: lapel pin, pocket square, brooch, or tie bar

If you're looking for alternatives to a wedding boutonniere, there are several options you can consider making yourself. Here are some ideas and instructions on how to create them:

Lapel Pin:

Making a lapel pin, or an enamel pin, is a fun and creative activity that allows you to express your personality and fashion choices. You will need a few basic materials such as soft or hard enamel, metal blanks of your desired shape and size, pin backs or alternatives like safety pins, strong glue (E6000 is recommended), and fine brushes or toothpicks for painting. First, decide on a design idea, keeping it simple and bold. Use digital design tools or sketch your ideas on paper. Transfer your design carefully onto the metal base, ensuring the base is clean and stable. Outline the design with a fine-point pen or pencil. Apply enamel paint carefully, avoiding smudges and overlapping colours. Let it dry, and add finishing touches like a clear sealant to prevent chipping.

Pocket Square:

Creating a pocket square is a great way to add a personal touch to your suit. All you need is some fabric (silk or cotton) and basic sewing skills. Cut out a perfect square, with sides ranging from 10 to 17 inches. Fold and iron each side in twice to create a neat hem, then stitch around the square with a sewing machine. Fold the square in different styles to achieve various looks, such as the Presidential Fold or the Two-Point Fold. Place your folded pocket square in your chest pocket, and you're ready to impress!

Brooch:

Making your own brooch is a meaningful way to reuse old jewellery or create a handmade gift. Gather your charms, baubles, and a strong adhesive like E6000 craft glue. Choose charms with meaning and keep metals and colours consistent for a cohesive look. Cut off any extra metal loops or clasps with wire cutters. Plan the placement of your charms, starting with the largest, flattest piece as the base. Layer the less detailed, flatter pieces in the middle, and add the smallest, most detailed charms on top. Use a bamboo skewer to apply glue to the charms, working from the bottom layer up. Let the glue dry completely before attaching the pin back with adhesive. Leave it overnight to ensure it's secure before wearing.

Tie Bar:

A custom tie bar can be a perfect accessory for a wedding and a thoughtful gift for groomsmen. While there are no specific instructions on how to make one, you can find various tutorials online, including videos on YouTube.

Frequently asked questions