Creating the Best Boutonniere for Your SpecialEvent (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Boutonnieres are a classic way to add a touch of sophistication to any special event. Whether you’re

attending a wedding, prom, or any other formal event, boutonnieres are the perfect ticket to elevating

your outfit with a hint of class.

These little flower arrangements can add a lot of personality and elegance to any event. While many

boutonnieres can be made for you at your local florist, creating a DIY boutonniere can be a lot of fun.

And it’s not as complicated as you may think. 

Considering making a boutonniere yourself for your next special occasion? Then our guide is just what

you need!

Creating a DIY Boutonniere

There are many reasons why you may want to create a boutonniere yourself. Maybe you’e on a budget

and want to save some money. Or perhaps you’re just the creative type and want to put your own

personal touch on your boutonniere. Whatever your reason, making a boutonniere yourself is a fun and

easy project. 

To calm any nerves you may have when preparing a DIY boutonniere, we’ve created a step-by-step

guide to help you make a simple, beautiful boutonniere for your next special event.

Zinnias: These beautiful, fast-growing flowers are easy to grow and will add a burst of color to your garden up until autumn.

How Do You Make a Boutonniere? Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get started creating your DIY boutonniere? Let’s get started!

1. Explore Your Options and Find Inspiration

Before you dive into your boutonniere project, you have to do a little bit of research. You want to find

inspiration for your boutonniere design by looking at other boutonnieres and floral arrangements, or

even take inspiration from the upcoming event itself.

Ensure that you’re looking at different color options, blooms, fabrics, and

2. Pick Out Your Blooms

Choosing suitable blooms for your boutonniere is the most important part of your project. It can also be

a little overwhelming. It’s important to remember that a boutonniere is meant to be a small and simple

design. You want to keep the blooms to a minimum and avoid using too many flowers that could make

your arrangement look too busy or too heavy. 

Ideally, you should choose a focal flower that will be your boutonniere’s main attraction. Then, you can

select various blooms that will help complement this central flower.

3. Clean and Cut All Stems

With your blooms at the ready, you’ll want to take a moment to cut and clean the stems properly. Keep

the stems as clean as possible when cutting them. Start by removing any dirt or debris from the stems,

and then remove any leaves that are hanging off the stems. You’ll also need to take a moment to trim

off any damaged petals from the flower itself.  

When cutting the stem, it’s best practice to use a pair of sharp, clean scissors, to ensure a healthy cut.

Cut the stem about an inch below the bloom for a boutonniere.

4. Assemble and Wrap Your Boutonniere

When it comes time to assemble your boutonniere, begin with your central flower. Depending on the

size of the bloom, you may want to take a floral wire and insert it through the flower’s base. This will

make it easier to secure the stem to the boutonniere. Then you can build up the rest of the boutonniere.

Once the remaining flowers and greenery are in place, just secure them with floral tape. Finally, you can

wrap the stem with a decorative ribbon.

Hydrangea: This plant produces plentiful blooms and comes in plenty of colors for your garden. 

How Do You Make a Simple Rose Boutonniere?

If you’re looking to make a simple rose boutonniere for a special occasion, then you can still follow the

step-by-step instructions above. The only real difference is adding a rose to the center of your

arrangement. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to make a simple rose boutonniere:

● Pick your rose

● Choose your greenery

● Trim the leaves from around the flower and cut the stem to about an inch in length

● Layer your leaves/greenery around the rose

● Wrap with floral tape

● Wrap with ribbon

How Far in Advance Should I Make a Boutonniere?

Ideally, we suggest you make your boutonniere the day before or early on the day of the event. While

some boutonnieres can last up to a week and be refrigerated for up to 24 hours to ensure the freshness

of your arrangement, it’s best to make it as close to the event as possible.

Delphiniums: These perennial flowers are prone to illness and fungus problems, so they need plenty of sunlight, nutrient-rich soil, and need to be deadheaded after their first bloom.

Should a Boutonniere Be Refrigerated?

While a boutonniere can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, it’s not always ideal as it can

cause the flowers to lose their color and the leaves to wilt. Instead, we recommend you spritz the

flowers with a bit of water, place them on a tissue or paper towel, and store them in a cool place.

Creating a DIY Boutonniere Is Easier than You’d Think!

Creating a boutonniere is a simple process that only requires a few supplies and a bit of time. By

following the steps above, you’ll be able to create a beautiful boutonniere that is perfect for any special

occasion. 

Want more tips on creating a DIY boutonniere? Check out our blog today!