Creating Silk Flower Wedding Boutonnieres

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, with so many details to arrange. One detail that can be simplified is the boutonniere. Traditionally displayed on the lapel of a jacket, a boutonniere is a great way to make your floral design entirely cohesive. In this guide, we will show you how to make wedding boutonnieres with silk flowers, a simple and cost-effective way to add a unique touch to your special day.

Choosing flowers and colours to match the wedding's overall floral design

Choosing the right flowers and colours for your wedding boutonnieres is an important part of wedding planning. The flowers and colours you choose will set the mood for the day and complement the overall aesthetic of the wedding. Here are some tips to help you match your silk flower boutonnieres to the wedding's overall floral design:

Consider the Season

The flowers that are in season will usually lend themselves well to the time of year you are getting married. For example, autumn weddings typically feature colours like burnt orange, yellow, and deep reds, with accents like bronze leaves, seasonal berries, and wheat. If you want to use these colours for a spring wedding, opt for brighter, fresher tones and avoid the berries and leaves. Spring weddings will have a wider selection of flowers available, including peonies, hydrangeas, tulips, and anemones.

Think about the Venue

If your wedding venue is surrounded by natural scenery, such as a park, botanical garden, or vineyard, you may want to keep the flowers to a minimum. On the other hand, if your venue is indoors, you may need bigger and more impactful arrangements. Opt for flowers that seem to belong with the vibe of your setting. For example, tropical, brightly coloured flowers might clash with a rustic setting.

Choose a Colour Scheme

Your wedding colour scheme will greatly influence your choice of flowers and boutonnieres. You can either choose flowers that match your colour palette exactly or opt for blooms that complement it. Dahlias, carnations, mums, roses, tulips, and lilies come in most colours, while peonies, lisianthus, hydrangeas, and anemones have a more limited selection. Be as specific as possible when discussing colours with your florist, and provide examples of your wedding invitations, table linens, and accessories to help them understand your desired colour scheme.

Pick Flowers that Reflect the Wedding Season and Style

In addition to the colour, the types of flowers you choose will shape the tone of your wedding. For a formal black-tie wedding, classic blooms like white calla lilies or pink roses can add elegance. For a more relaxed and informal wedding, you can be creative with mix-and-match wildflowers or garden-style arrangements.

Personalise with Meaningful Touches

To make your boutonnieres even more special, consider incorporating flower symbolism or other meaningful touches. During the Victorian Era, each type of flower held a special meaning, and flowers were used to send coded messages. For example, red roses and red tulips declare love and passion, while orchids symbolise refinement and beauty. You can also add personal touches, such as using the same flowers that your parents had at their wedding or adding charms or mementos to the boutonnieres.

Remember, when choosing the flowers and colours for your silk flower boutonnieres, it's important to stay true to your personal style and what you love. By considering the season, venue, colour scheme, wedding style, and meaningful touches, you can create beautiful boutonnieres that complement the overall floral design of your wedding.

Trimming the stems to the desired length

To achieve the desired length, use sharp scissors or floral stem cutters to cut the stems. You may need to trim the stems in stages, gradually shortening them until you reach the ideal length. Take care not to cut the stems too short, as this may compromise the stability of the boutonniere.

When trimming the stems, it is also important to consider the type and arrangement of the flowers you have chosen. For example, if you are using a combination of tall, thin flowers and smaller blooms, you may want to trim the stems of the taller flowers slightly shorter to create a more balanced and visually appealing composition.

After trimming the stems to the desired length, the next step is to secure the flowers in place. This is typically done by wrapping floral tape around the stems, starting at the base of the flowers and working downwards. You can choose to leave the stems exposed or cover them completely with tape, depending on your preferred look.

In addition to the functional aspect of stem trimming, it is worth considering the aesthetic impact. The length of the stems can affect the overall proportions and visual balance of the boutonniere. Therefore, it is recommended to trim the stems with precision, ensuring that they are all uniform in length and neatly arranged. This attention to detail will enhance the overall appearance of the finished product.

Arranging the flowers, fillers and leaves

Arranging the flowers, fillers, and leaves is a fun part of the process, as you get to experiment with different combinations and colours until you find your desired effect.

Firstly, select your flowers and greenery. You will need 1-2 statement blooms, 2-3 smaller accent blooms, and some greenery. A statement flower, a filler flower, and a leafy green is a good combination. For a natural bouquet look, try arranging the flowers so that the tall, thin flowers are at the back, with a large flower in the centre (such as a rose or lily), and smaller pieces in front.

Next, cut the stems to your desired length. Stems should be around 2-4 inches long. You can always go back and trim again once the boutonnière is put together.

Now, you can start arranging your flowers. Begin with the statement bloom and add the additional accents and greenery behind it. Play around with the arrangement until you are happy with the result. You could try adding an accent flower to the front, for example. Try to add the leaves last, so they hug the arrangement from the outside. Remember, don't stress while creating your arrangement. If you don't like your initial design, you can easily rearrange the floral pieces until you find the perfect fit.

Securing the stems with floral tape

Floral tape is a must-have when creating silk flower boutonnieres. It is used to secure the stems of the flowers together and prevent them from wilting since you are working without a water source. Here is a step-by-step guide to securing the stems with floral tape:

• Pinch all the stems together tightly: Gather the stems of your chosen flowers and pinch them together at the base, holding them securely in place.
• Start wrapping the floral tape: Take the floral tape and begin wrapping it around the stems, starting at the base of the flowers. Stretch the tape slightly as you wrap to activate its adhesive properties.
• Work your way down the stems: Continue wrapping the floral tape around the stems, overlapping each layer slightly, and work your way down towards the ends. Make sure to maintain tension on the tape as you wrap to ensure a tight and secure hold.
• Decide on the stem length: You can choose to leave the ends of the stems exposed or cover the entire length with floral tape. If you prefer a more minimalist look, leave about 2-4 inches of the stems exposed. Otherwise, wrap the tape down to the cut ends of the stems.
• Trim the stems: If you have left a portion of the stems exposed, use scissors to neatly trim them to your desired length. A stem length of around 2-4 inches is generally recommended for boutonnieres.
• Secure the tape: Once you have finished wrapping and trimming the stems, give the floral tape a gentle stretch to activate its adhesive and ensure a secure hold. The floral tape should now be tightly securing all the stems together.

By following these steps, you will have successfully secured the stems of your silk flowers with floral tape, creating a sturdy base for your boutonniere. Floral tape is flexible and easy to work with, so take your time and make any adjustments necessary to achieve a neat and tidy finish.

Embellishing with ribbon

Firstly, you will want to decide on the type of ribbon. You could opt for a simple satin ribbon, a sheer organza, or a rustic burlap. The choice is yours, but it is best to choose a ribbon that is not too thick, as you will be wrapping it around the stems in a spiral. A thinner ribbon will give you more flexibility and a neater finish.

Now, you are ready to start embellishing. Take your chosen ribbon and, starting at the bottom of the boutonnière, wrap the ribbon in overlapping spirals upwards, towards the base of the flowers. You can secure the ribbon with a small amount of hot glue as you go, or simply tie it off at the end. Cut the ribbon, leaving a few inches of extra length. Take the loose end and tuck it 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 dovetail. If you prefer a neater finish, you can add a small bow made of the same ribbon.

For a more polished look and to help secure the ribbon, bend about ¼ to ½-inch of the tip of the boutonnière up and behind the wrapped stems.

Frequently asked questions