Creating Wedding Buttonholes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding buttonholes are a simple DIY project that can add a pop of colour to your wedding outfits. They are traditionally worn on the left lapel of a jacket by the groom, groomsmen, best man, ushers, fathers of the bride and groom, and sometimes the page boy. Ladies usually wear their buttonholes on their right. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to create your own wedding buttonholes, from choosing your flowers to assembling and attaching them.

Choosing flowers and foliage

The first step in making your own wedding buttonholes is to choose the flowers and foliage you want to use. This can be a fun and creative process, and you can select a variety of different flowers and foliage to create a unique and personalised look for your wedding.

When choosing flowers, consider the colour scheme of your wedding and select flowers that will complement the bridal bouquet and the groomsmen's outfits. You can choose a single statement flower, such as a white rose, or a combination of smaller flowers such as lily of the valley, scented pinks (dianthus), cornflowers, and nigella. You can also add some greenery, such as mint leaves, rosemary, or eucalyptus, to add texture and interest.

In addition to the flowers, you will also need to choose some foliage to add to the buttonholes. This can include evergreen foliage, ornamental grasses, and seedheads, which will last well and provide a nice backdrop for the flowers. You can also get creative and use whatever you have on hand, such as herbs or other types of greenery.

Once you have chosen your flowers and foliage, you will need to prepare them by cutting the stems to the required length and removing any unwanted leaves. You may also need to wire the stems for extra support, especially if you are using delicate flowers.

Overall, the flowers and foliage you choose for your wedding buttonholes can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your wedding day. By selecting a variety of different flowers and foliage, you can create a unique and memorable look that will be admired by all your guests.

Trimming and layering flowers

Firstly, select your flowers and greenery. For a simple and elegant look, choose one statement flower, such as a rose, and add some flat green leaves, such as holly or rosemary. You can also add other types of greenery or smaller flowers to complement the main flower.

Once you have your flowers, start by trimming them down to size. Remove any unwanted leaves or outer petals that may be damaged or discoloured. Leave enough stem on the flowers to allow for easy pinning to the lapel of the jacket. For example, leave about an inch of stem on a rose.

Now, you can begin layering your flowers. Start with the greenery as your base. Place the flat green leaf first, followed by the rosemary (or other greenery), and then position the statement flower on top. Play around with the arrangement until you are happy with the composition and balance of the buttonhole.

Once you have decided on the final arrangement, it's time to secure the flowers together. Use florist tape to tightly wrap the stems together. Make sure the tape is pulled tightly and stretched to ensure a secure hold. Cover the florist tape with ribbon, securing it with a small amount of hot glue or tape at the back.

Your trimmed and layered flowers are now ready to be used in your wedding buttonholes! You can store them in the fridge overnight, but keep in mind that some flowers may require more care and need to be prepared on the day of the wedding.

By following these steps, you can create elegant and personalised wedding buttonholes that will add a special touch to your celebration.

Using florist tape

• Start by gathering your flowers and trimming them down to the desired length. Remove any unwanted leaves and leave about an inch of stem on the flower, which will be used for attaching the buttonhole to the lapel.
• Once you have prepared your flowers, it's time to assemble them. Layer the flowers and foliage in the desired order, starting with a flat green leaf, followed by any herbs or smaller flowers, and then the statement flower on top.
• With your flowers positioned, it's time to secure them with florist tape. Wrap the tape tightly around the stems, stretching and pulling it downward. Make sure there are no gaps in the tape, as you want a smooth and secure finish.
• After taping the stems together, you can cut them to the required length. This is also the time to cover any exposed wires with tape, ensuring there are no sharp ends.
• You might choose to cover the florist tape with ribbon or twine for a decorative touch. Secure the ribbon or twine with a small dab of hot glue or some additional tape.
• Store your finished buttonholes in the fridge overnight. Some flowers will hold up better than others without water for 24 hours, so it's best to prepare delicate flowers on the day of the wedding.

By following these steps and using florist tape effectively, you can create beautiful and personalised wedding buttonholes.

Adding decorations

If you want to add a personal touch, you could add a thistle for texture and a nod to Celtic heritage, or sunflowers to symbolise happiness. You could also add a statement flower, such as a white rose, or a sprig of rosemary.

For a pop of colour, you could use flowers such as lily of the valley, scented pinks (dianthus), cornflowers, or nigella. If you want to add some greenery, evergreen foliage, ornamental grasses, and seedheads all last well.

Attaching the buttonhole

Firstly, it is recommended to have one designated person attach all the buttonholes to ensure consistency in placement. Before you begin, it's important to position the buttonhole correctly. Hold the buttonhole upright and lay it flat on the left lapel, just above the heart. This is the ideal placement for gents' buttonholes, as it adds a pop of colour and a personal touch to their outfits.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of attaching the buttonhole:

• With your right hand, insert a pin through the flower stem at an upward angle. It is important to ensure that the pin goes through the stem and the jacket securely.
• Push the pin further, and then guide it back through the stem and into the jacket. You may need to adjust the angle to find the best path for the pin.
• Once the pin is fastened, check that the buttonhole is securely attached. You don't want it to fall off during the festivities!
• If the buttonhole is quite heavy or has a large flower head, consider adding an additional pin for extra stability. This will ensure that it stays firmly in place, especially during movements like hugging.
• For children or delicate ladies' dresses, it is recommended to use magnets instead of pins for safety. However, keep in mind that multiple magnets may be needed as one is often not strong enough to hold the weight of the flowers.

By following these steps, you can confidently attach wedding buttonholes and create a cohesive and elegant look for the bridal party. Remember to handle the buttonholes with care, especially when greeting guests, to avoid any damage to the flowers.

Frequently asked questions