Crafting Wedding Buttonholes: Supplies You Need

Wedding buttonholes, also known as boutonnieres, are a great way to add a touch of flower power to your wedding ensemble. They are usually composed of a single flower or a small collection of flowers and/or decorative accents, and are placed on the lapel of a jacket or blazer. While they are not necessary, they are a nice way to differentiate your close wedding party from the rest of your guests.

If you're thinking of making your own wedding buttonholes, here are the basic things you will need: flowers of your choice, floral tape, twine, scissors, stub wire, pins, and possibly magnets. You can also add decorative extras such as ribbon and raffia.

Choosing flowers and foliage

Flowers are the main component of a wedding buttonhole, and there are many different types you can choose from. Popular options include roses, lilies, freesia, eucalyptus, and greenery such as rosemary and mint. You can also add decorative accents such as ribbons, raffia, or twine. When selecting flowers, consider the colour scheme and theme of your wedding, as well as the durability of the flowers. Some flowers, such as roses and lisianthus, hold moisture in their stems better than others, making them ideal for summer weddings. Dried flowers can also be used and will last longer throughout the day.

If you want to add a personal touch, you can incorporate flowers with special meaning. For example, a thistle can be used to represent Celtic heritage, or sunflowers can symbolise happiness. You can also use flowers that are in season during your wedding month to add a seasonal touch. For spring weddings, consider hyacinths, freesia, daffodils, and sweet peas.

In addition to flowers, you can also use foliage to add texture and interest to your buttonhole. This can include eucalyptus, mint leaves, or herbs such as rosemary. When choosing foliage, look for varieties that will complement your chosen flowers and enhance the overall design.

When selecting flowers and foliage for your wedding buttonhole, it's important to consider the weight and size of the arrangement. Heavier flowers or those with larger heads may require additional support, such as thicker wire or extra pins, to ensure they stay securely in place.

It's also a good idea to prepare a few extra buttonholes in case of any last-minute changes or damage. This will ensure that everyone in your wedding party has a beautiful and cohesive floral accessory to enhance their outfit.

Tools and preparation

To make a wedding buttonhole, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Flowers of your choice, such as a statement flower like a rose, and some flat green leaves.
• Floral tape
• Twine or ribbon
• Scissors
• Stub wire (the thickness will depend on the flowers used—for heavier flowers, use thicker wire)
• Pins
• Florist's wire
• Stem tape
• Decorative extras, such as ribbon and raffia
• A small loop on the underside of the lapel beneath the buttonhole to secure the stem (if available)

Before you begin constructing the buttonhole, cut each stem to the required length, ensuring any unwanted leaves are removed. Cut each stem to approximately 9cm, although you can always make this shorter at a later stage.

Now, it's time to wire each stem. This step is optional, but it helps to strengthen delicate flowers and make the placement more flexible. Hold the flower between your thumb and index finger and position a wire behind the stem one-third of the way up. Bend the wire ends together, with one length shorter than the other. Hold the shorter length of wire parallel to the stem and wrap the longer wire leg around both the stem and the other wire leg. Straighten the long wire and repeat this process with all of your flower stems.

Next, tape each wired stem to help cover the wire and assist in holding moisture for the flower. Wrap floral tape around the top of the wire and flower stem, twirling the stem while stretching and pulling the tape downward. Ensure the tape is tightly wrapped without any gaps.

Now you can start placing the flowers together. Begin with your focal flower (usually the largest) and add each of your materials by taping the stems together. Remember that this will be placed on a lapel, so all flowers must be facing the same way. Once all the flower stems are securely taped together, cut the wired stems to the required length. Secure tape over the exposed wires, ensuring no sharp ends can be seen.

Your buttonhole is now ready to be worn! You can add some twine or ribbon for a finished touch, tying or wrapping it around the stem.

Wiring the flowers

Firstly, ensure you have the right tools. You will need floral tape, twine, scissors, and stub wire. The thickness of the wire will depend on the flowers you use; select a thicker wire for heavier flowers. Cut each stem to the required length, approximately 9cm, and remove any unwanted leaves.

Now, you are ready to start wiring. Hold the flower between your thumb and index finger, and position the wire behind the stem about one-third of the way up. Bend the wire ends together, with one length shorter than the other. Hold the shorter length of wire parallel to the stem and wrap the longer wire leg around both the stem and the other wire leg. Straighten the long wire and trim off any excess. Repeat this process for each flower stem.

The next step is to tape each wired stem. This will help cover the wire and assist in holding moisture for the flower. Wrap floral tape around the top of the wire and flower stem, twirling the stem as you stretch and pull the tape downward. Ensure the tape is tightly wrapped without any gaps.

Once all the flower stems are taped, cut the wired stems to the required length. Secure tape over any exposed wires, ensuring no sharp ends can be seen. Your flowers are now wired and ready to be placed together to form your buttonhole!

Taping the stems

To begin taping the stems, you will need floral tape. This tape is stretchy and can be found at most craft stores. Cut a small piece of the tape and place it at the top of the wired stem, just below the flower head. Start wrapping the tape around the stem, stretching and pulling it downward as you twirl the flower. Ensure that the tape is tight and that there are no gaps. Continue wrapping the tape down the stem, covering any exposed wire. For a decorative touch, you can finish the buttonhole with twine or ribbon, wrapping it around the stem.

Once all the individual stems have been taped, it's time to assemble the buttonhole. Start with your largest flower, also known as the focal flower, and add the other flowers and foliage by taping their stems together. Remember to position all the flowers in the same direction, as the buttonhole will be placed on a lapel. Secure the stems with tape, then cut them to the desired length. Finally, cover any exposed wires with tape, ensuring there are no sharp ends.

Your wedding buttonhole is now complete and ready to be pinned to the lapel of the jacket or blazer. This simple DIY project adds a special touch to the wedding attire and makes for beautiful photographs.

Assembling the buttonhole

Now that you have chosen your flowers and gathered your tools, it is time to assemble your buttonhole. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your flowers: Cut each stem to the required length, removing any unwanted leaves. The ideal length is approximately 9 cm, but you can always trim it down further later.
• Wire the stems: This step is optional but recommended, especially for delicate flowers. Cut a piece of stub wire, hold the flower between your thumb and index finger, and position the wire behind the stem about one-third of the way up. Bend the wire ends together, with one length shorter than the other. Hold the shorter length parallel to the stem and wrap the longer wire around both the stem and the other wire leg. Straighten the long wire and cut off any excess. Repeat this process for each stem.
• Tape the stems: Cover the wire and help retain moisture by wrapping floral tape around the top of each wired stem. Stretch and pull the tape downward while twirling the stem to ensure a tight wrap with no gaps.
• Arrange the flowers: Start with your largest flower, also known as the focal flower, and add the other flowers and foliage by taping the stems together. Ensure all the flowers are facing the same way, as this arrangement will be placed on a lapel.
• Secure the arrangement: Once all the stems are taped together, cut the wired stems to the required length. Cover any exposed wires with tape, ensuring no sharp ends are visible.
• Finish with decorations: You can add some twine or ribbon around the stem for a decorative touch.
• Store properly: If you are preparing the buttonhole ahead of time, store it in the fridge overnight. Some flowers will hold up better without water for 24 hours, while more delicate flowers may need to be prepared on the day of the event.
• Attach to the lapel: On the day of the wedding, the buttonhole can be attached to the left lapel of the jacket, just above the heart. Hold it upright and lay it flat, then turn the lapel over and insert the pin through the flower stem at an upward angle. Push the pin further in, then back through the stem and into the jacket. Add an additional pin if needed for heavier buttonholes.
• Check for placement and security: Ensure the buttonhole is securely attached and that the pin is not visible. Be gentle when greeting guests to avoid damaging the flowers.
• Fix any issues: Keep floristry tape and spare pins on hand to fix any damaged buttonholes.

Frequently asked questions