A boutonniere is a symbolic and important accessory often worn by grooms, groomsmen, and Fathers on special occasions such as weddings, proms, and formal events. Boutonnieres are also a popular gift that can be given to guests at events such as bridal showers. However, creating a boutonniere can be intimidating for anyone who has never tried before.
Best of all, it’s relatively easy to learn the basics. We suggest using a hardy flower with a big head such as a rose or miniature calla lily; they can survive being handled. You can make a boutonniere the day before the wedding, and be sure to get extra flowers for practice.
What is a Boutonniere?
A boutonniere is a small floral arrangement traditionally worn on the lapel of the suit jacket. It is typically made up of a single flower and some greenery or filler, such as baby’s breath or ferns. Boutonnieres can be customized to suit your taste and theme of the event.
Boutonnieres are most commonly worn by grooms, groomsmen, Father of the bride or groom, ushers, and other male members of the wedding party. Boutonnieres can also be worn by female members of the wedding party such as mothers and grandmothers.
What Do You Need To Make A Boutonniere?
Making a boutonniere is not as difficult as you might think, and you don’t need any special skills or tools to make one. To make a boutonniere, you will need:
– Flower(s): choose a hardy flower like roses, carnations, or miniature calla lilies that won’t wilt or bruise easily.
– Filler: traditional fillers such as baby’s breath or ferns
– Greenery: this can include leaves, vines, or other green plants.
– Floral Tape: this helps keep the flowers together
– Floral Wire: this helps shape the stem
You’ll also need a pair of sharp scissors or floral snips to cut the stems.
Step-By-Step Guide To Make A Boutonniere
Follow these simple steps to make a beautiful and elegant boutonniere that anyone would be proud to wear:
Step 1: Choose The Perfect Flower
The flower is the main attraction in a boutonniere, so it’s important to select a flower that will match the style and theme of your event. Choose a flower that will last long and won’t wilt easily. Viburnums, spray roses, dianthus or anemones are popular flowers for making boutonnieres.
Step 2: Prepare The Flower
Use a pair of sharp scissors or floral snips to trim the stem of the flower down so that it’s about 3 inches long. You can also remove any excess leaves from the stem.
Step 3: Add Fillers and Greenery
Add your filler and greenery around the stem. Try ferns, baby’s breath, or other fillers to complete the arrangement.
Step 4: Prepare The Stem
Wrap floral tape around the stem thinly to secure the filler and the greenery. Then, wrap a floral wire around the stem of the flower to help shape the stem. Make sure that the wire is secured but not so tight that it damages the stem.
Step 5: Make a Bow
Next, create a small bow with ribbon or twine and tie it around the base of the flower stem. This adds a finishing touch to your boutonniere.
Step 6: Have Some Extra Flowers In Case of Emergency.
Making a boutonniere is a gentle process and can be subject to mistakes. It’s important to have extra flowers and filler on hand in case something goes wrong with the first one.
Conclusion
Making a boutonniere is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your special event, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. With a few simple tools and some practice, anyone can make a beautiful and unique boutonniere that will be sure to impress. Be sure to choose flowers and fillers that are hardy and won’t wilt quickly, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, textures, and styles until you find the perfect combination.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a boutonniere made?
Getting a boutonniere made can take varying lengths of time depending on where you decide to get it from and how you want it customized. Boutonnieres are typically small floral arrangements that are worn on the lapel of a suit or jacket for formal events like weddings, prom, and funerals. These floral accessories can be made from different types of flowers such as roses, carnations, and orchids, and can be further customized with different color combinations and designs.
If you need a boutonniere, it is essential to plan ahead. Most florists recommend placing your order at least a week before the event to ensure availability and sufficient preparation time. However, if you are in a rush, most florists will offer same-day delivery or express options for an additional cost.
Once you have chosen the flowers you want in your boutonniere, your chosen florist will start to make it. The time it takes for the boutonniere to be made will depend on its design complexity and how many orders are ahead. As a general rule, it usually takes 24-48 hours for an order to be completed and delivered. If you have a specific design or customization request, it may take additional time for the florist to source the specific materials needed. For this reason, it would be best to communicate your requirements with the florist as soon as possible to avoid any delay.
It is important to note that boutonnieres should be delivered 1-2 days before the event. This will give you enough time to inspect the boutonniere and ensure that it is made according to your specifications. Boutonnieres can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours prior to the event, so ensure that you have enough fridge space to store them properly. With proper handling and storage, your boutonniere will look fresh and perfect on the day of the event.
Getting a boutonniere made can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the florist’s availability, design complexity, and workload. It is best to plan ahead and communicate your requirements with your chosen florist to ensure that your boutonniere is customized to your liking and delivered on time.
How far in advance can I make boutonnieres?
If you are planning an event where boutonnieres will be utilized, it is important to consider the appropriate timing for creating and storing them. Boutonnieres are delicate arrangements of flowers and greenery that are typically worn by men on their lapels or collars for special occasions. If you are wondering, “How far in advance can I make boutonnieres?” the answer is that they can be made a day ahead of your event and stored properly to maintain their freshness.
It is best not to leave the creation of boutonnieres until the last minute; rather, plan to make them a day before your event. This will give you enough time to purchase the flowers and greenery you will need, as well as any necessary supplies like wire and floral tape. By allowing yourself a day for the creation of your boutonnieres, you can work at a relaxed pace and ensure that each one is crafted to perfection.
When it comes to storing your boutonnieres, it is essential that you keep them cool and free from any fruit that might give off ethylene gas. Ethylene gas is produced by some fruits, and it can accelerate the aging process of flowers, causing them to wilt and lose their color. So, if possible, keep your boutonnieres in a cooler where the temperature is between 40° to 42° F.
It is worth noting that boutonnieres made with sturdy flowers like roses or carnations tend to hold up better than those made with more delicate blooms like freesia or stephanotis. If you are using more fragile flowers, you may need to take extra care in handling them to avoid bruising or damaging their delicate petals.
Boutonnieres can be made a day ahead of your event if you store them properly in a cooler with a temperature between 40° to 42° F. By planning ahead and taking the proper precautions, your boutonnieres will look fresh, vibrant, and beautiful for your special occasion.
Are boutonnieres expensive?
Boutonnieres are a must-have accessory for many formal occasions such as weddings, proms, and graduations. However, the cost of boutonnieres may vary depending on several factors. Fresh flower boutonnieres, which are the most popular and traditional type, typically average around $10 to $20 each. The cost can increase if the flowers chosen are rare or exotic. For example, rare flowers such as orchids and lilies are more expensive than roses or carnations. Additionally, the price may increase if the boutonnieres require customization or if they are made entirely by hand by a professional florist.
Another factor that affects the price of boutonnieres is the location. The cost of boutonnieres in large cities is typically higher than in rural areas due to higher overhead costs. The time of the year can also impact the cost of boutonnieres, with prices increasing during peak wedding season, usually from late spring to early fall, when there is higher demand for flowers in general.
While the cost of boutonnieres may seem like an added expense, it is a crucial accessory to complete a formal outfit, especially for special events like weddings and proms. However, with proper planning and a little research, it is possible to find affordable and beautiful boutonnieres that are within your budget.
