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

Wedding flowers are a significant part of the big day, and corsages and boutonnieres are a way to honour important people in your life. They are a physical representation of your love and respect. Making your own wedding flowers can be a great way to save money, and it's a skill that will come in handy for other events. Corsages and boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that can be made simply and easily with the right tools and flowers.

Choosing flowers and supplies

Choosing the right flowers and supplies is an important step in making wedding boutonnieres and corsages. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Flowers

When choosing flowers for your boutonnieres and corsages, consider the following:

• Colour: Choose flowers that complement the wedding colour palette or the attire of the wedding party. You can also use flowers in different shades to represent different roles, such as white for the bride's family.
• Variety: Select three to four types of blooms, including focal flowers, filler flowers, and greenery. Popular choices include roses, orchids, ranunculuses, dahlias, and calla lilies for boutonnieres, and similar flowers for corsages to create a cohesive look.
• Durability: Opt for durable flowers that will last through the wedding day, especially for boutonnieres which may be subjected to hugging and handling.
• Scent: Include fragrant flowers or herbs, such as rosemary, to add a pleasant aroma to your arrangements.

Supplies

In addition to flowers, here are some essential supplies you will need:

• Floral Tape: This is used to secure the stems of the flowers and greenery together.
• Ribbon: Choose a pretty ribbon to wrap around the stems, adding a stylish touch to your boutonnieres and corsages. Consider using satin ribbon for the groom's boutonniere and silk ribbon for the groomsmen's boutonnieres to set them apart.
• Corsage Pins: These are necessary for attaching the corsages to the clothing or wrist of the wearer.
• Florist's Wire: You may need this to create false stems for leaves or other elements without natural stems.
• Floral Tools: Sharp and comfortable pruning shears or snips are essential for cutting and trimming flower stems.
• Vases or Buckets: Have plenty of vases or buckets on hand to hold the flowers and keep them well-hydrated before arranging.

Cutting and preparing stems

Cutting and preparing the stems is a crucial step in making wedding boutonnieres and corsages. Here's a detailed guide:

Firstly, you'll need the right tools. Invest in reliable, comfortable, and sharp tools to ensure precise and effortless cuts. For woody stems, a good pair of pruning shears will do the trick, while for smaller stems, opt for micro-tip snips. Don't forget to have a pair of sturdy, all-purpose shears on hand for medium-sized stems and ribbon cutting.

Now, let's begin the process:

• Cut the flower and greenery stems: For boutonnieres, cut each stem to a length of about 1.5 inches. If you're creating a corsage, follow a similar approach, cutting the stems to 1.5 inches in length.
• Strip off extra leaves: Remove any leaves and foliage from the lower half of each stem. This creates a clean base for taping and ribbon wrapping later.
• Arrange the stems: For boutonnieres, place one to two stems of lateral greenery behind your focal flower. Secure them with floral tape. For corsages, layer one to two stems of greens behind your focal flower and secure them in the same way.
• Add filler flowers: In both boutonnieres and corsages, include filler flowers to add dimension and texture. Place the filler stems between the greenery and focal flower, securing them with floral tape.
• Continue layering: Build upon your design by adding more greenery, focal flowers, and filler flowers as desired. Tape all the stems together, leaving the bottom half exposed. Trim the stems if needed to ensure they are even.
• Finish with ribbon: Wrap the taped stems with a ribbon of your choice. Start at the bottom of the taped section and work your way up. Tie the ribbon in a knot or secure it with a pin. For corsages, you can also add a bow with the ribbon before wrapping the stems.

Remember to handle the flowers gently and keep them well-hydrated throughout the process. It's a good idea to trim and hydrate the stems the night before you plan to make the arrangements.

Arranging flowers and greenery

Choosing the Right Flowers and Greenery

Select flowers and greenery that complement the colour scheme and theme of your wedding. Consider using a mix of focal flowers, filler flowers, and lateral greenery. Focal flowers are the main stars of your arrangement, while filler flowers add dimension and fill in any gaps. Lateral greenery, such as myrtle stems, provides a long line of greenery to accentuate the flowers. Popular choices for boutonnieres include white roses, orchids, ranunculuses, and dahlias. For corsages, you can match the flowers to the boutonnieres or choose different blooms.

Preparing the Flowers and Greenery

Before arranging your flowers, trim their stems to the desired length, typically around 1.5 inches for boutonnieres and corsages. Remove any leaves and foliage from the lower half of each stem to make room for the floral tape. Hydrate the flowers by cutting an inch off the bottom of the stems and placing them in fresh water the night before creating your arrangements.

Arranging the Flowers and Greenery

Start by arranging one to two stems of lateral greenery behind your focal flower and secure them together with floral tape. Then, add filler flowers between the greenery and focal flower to add depth and dimension. Continue layering greenery, focal flowers, and fillers until you achieve the desired look. For boutonnieres, aim for a simple and elegant design. For corsages, you can add more flowers to create a fuller look.

Finishing Touches

Wrap the stems of your boutonnieres and corsages with ribbon, starting at the bottom of the taped section and working your way up. Tie the ribbon in a knot or add a bow for a whimsical touch. You can also secure the arrangements with corsage pins. For corsages, you can attach them to a wristlet or use pins to secure them to the clothing.

Securing with tape and ribbon

When it comes to securing your DIY wedding boutonnieres and corsages with tape and ribbon, there are a few steps to follow for a polished look.

For boutonnieres, start by wrapping floral tape around the stems of your flowers and greenery. This helps to secure the arrangement and prevent wilting. If you're using ribbon, it's a good idea to use a light-coloured or green floral tape as a base, especially if your ribbon is sheer, to avoid any colour bleeding through. Wrap the tape tightly around the stems, starting at the top and working your way down in a spiral motion. Cover the entire stem, leaving a small portion at the bottom exposed. Then, take your ribbon and start wrapping it around the taped stem, beginning at the bottom and working your way up. Keep a firm grip on the ribbon to ensure it stays tight and secure. Overlap the ribbon as you work your way up, and finish with a tight wind at the top before moving back down towards the bottom. Secure the end of the ribbon by curling it up tightly and locking it in place with a twist of wire.

For corsages, the process is similar. After choosing your focal flowers and adding complementary fillers, secure them together with floral tape. You can then add a bow with your ribbon and attach it to the stems with tape. Finish by wrapping the stems with ribbon, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Secure the ribbon with a knot and attach the corsage to a wristlet, ribbon, or elastic.

For both boutonnieres and corsages, it's important to use sturdy tape and ribbon that will hold the arrangements together securely. The ribbon can be a fun way to add a pop of colour or a personal touch to your floral creations.

Attaching to clothing or a wristlet

Attaching your DIY boutonnieres and corsages to clothing or a wristlet is the final step in assembling these floral arrangements.

Boutonnieres

Boutonnieres are typically affixed to the wearer's clothing. The French word boutonniere means "buttonhole" because boutonnieres are traditionally inserted into the buttonhole of a suit jacket's left lapel. Nowadays, they are more often pinned to the left lapel of a suit jacket or attached to a shirt directly above the heart. Boutonnieres can be tricky to pin on, but your wedding planner, venue coordinator, or floral designer can assist if you're having trouble.

Corsages

Corsages are traditionally pinned to the bodice of a dress. However, they can also be tied to the wrist with a ribbon, especially if the wearer's dress is heavily beaded or delicate to avoid damage. A wrist corsage is also a good option if the wearer will be using their hands a lot, as it will not get in the way.

Frequently asked questions