How Do You Make a Simple Boutonniere? Easy!

Making a simple boutonniere is very easy. It is the perfect first project to get into using flowers that is practical, simple, and easy. To turn flowers into boutonnieres you will need a few supplies and less than 10 minutes to make. Once you get the hang of it, it will take less than 5 minutes to make.

Supplies for Boutonnieres

Flowers (I used dried yarrow)
Greenery (I used juniper branches, and pine branches)
Floral tape
Green floral wire (optional)
Floral Pin

Assembly

To assemble a boutonniere simply

Arrange your flowers and greenery
Wrap floral tape around the stems to join them together
Add a pin to pin on to a jacket or shirt
Stray with water to keep hydrated
Put boutonniere in a plastic bag with air to protect the flowers and seal
Put into the refrigerator until ready to use

Which Two Flowers are Perfect for Boutonnieres

The perfect flowers for boutonnieres will be the flowers you like best! BUT some flowers will last longer and be easier to work with. The most common boutonnieres are made with a flower equation.

Focal flower + Helper Flower + Filler/greenery = boutonnieres

The focal flower is usually a rose. The helper flower is usually a baby’s breath, and the filler is usually fern. All of these plants are long lasting, durable to movement, and beautiful. Once you have the equation that makes a good boutonniere the sky’s the limit, but you also will want to consider how long the flowers need to look good for and can last without water. Because boutonnieres are typically being worn the flowers need some sort of longevity.

How To Use Floral Tape

Floral tape is a little tricky to use at first, but is easy once you get the hang of it. Floral tape is covered in wax and only sticks to itself. It also tears easily so getting the right tension is important. To use floral tape pull on the first inch. This will allow the tape to stretch and stick to itself. The tape will only stick to itself if it has been stretched. While using floral tape stretch, pull, and spin the tape around the stems of the flowers to hold them together.

How To Use Floral Wire

Using floral tape is not 100% necessary, but it is very helpful. The benefits of using wire is you will be able to move and shape the flowers to the exact spot that you want them. It will also help the stems to move without breaking which would ruin your boutonniere. You can also use floral wire on some, but not all of the boutonniere. Different ways to use floral wire is to stick the wire to the base of the flower and bend the wire down to make a “stem”. You can also fold the wire in half and poke it through the middle of the flower. Depending on the flower you are using will determine the best option.

How Far in Advance Should I Make a Boutonniere

Boutonniere cannot be put in water. The best you can do is spray them with water and seal it into a plastic bag. I personally wouldn’t do it any sooner than the day before you want to use the boutonniere.

3 boutonniere with dried flowers and evergreen branches

Boutonniere with Ribbon

Most ribbons added to boutonnieres are done using wire. The ribbon is folded and then held together with wire.

Do Boutonnieres Need Ribbons

No boutonnieres do not need ribbon; it is a personal preference.

Boutonniere Ideas

Wildflower- skip the focal flower and use all small flowers and greenery.

Goth- Use all dark colors for a real statement

Greenery- skip the flowers and just use greenery for a more masculine boutonniere.

Dried flower- want a boutonniere that will last forever? Use dried flowers, but be aware that many dried flowers will crinkle and break off very easily.