How to make a boutonniere so you can save up for that prom limo instead
Learning how to make a boutonniere is a lot easier than trying to spell the word boutonniere. And that’s lucky for you, since crafting together your own results in prom memorabilia is seriously special and allows for some beautiful customization. It’s also usually more affordable than purchasing a boutonniere from a florist.
The boutonniere traditionally matches the corsage, so read up on how to make your own corsage too. They often use the same flowers and most of the same supplies, making it easy to create them both at the same time.
And in case you were wondering, boutonniere is a french word meaning “buttonhole.” In the 1700s, men would insert a flower into their buttonhole in order to ward off evil spirits and disease. Now it’s just used to complement an outfit, because hopefully ghosts aren’t haunting your prom night.
What you’ll need:
- Flowers
- Greenery or filler flowers (or both!)
- Green floral tape
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Pin
- Gather your flowers and arrange them in a small bouquet-like design. A boutonniere is typically smaller in size than a corsage, so be selective. Go for one main flower with accompanying greenery or filler flowers. Cut the stems to about 2 inches.
- Starting at the base of the flowers, wrap the length of the stems with green floral tape. Wrap tightly. You should have a good idea what the final product will look like at this point.
- Use ribbon to cover the green floral tape and add some color. Add a bow if desired.
- Make any last-minute touches and it’s ready to wear. Secure your boutonniere to the lapel of your jacket by inserting the pin from behind the fabric, through the flower stem, right just below the bud, and then reinsert back into the fabric to avoid any unfortunate prom night accidents.
Tips to make your boutonniere last longer:
?Choose sturdy flowers and greenery that can withstand your presumably killer dance moves. Roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums are good options.
?Keep your flowers in water prior to putting together the boutonniere, to keep them fresh and happy as long as possible.
?Give your flowers a spray of a life-extending mist, like Clear Life, to give your blooms a few extra hours.
?If you don’t want to worry about ending the night with dead flowers on your chest (or if you want to use an out-of-season flower) use faux flowers in your boutonniere.
Have fun, dance a lot, and don’t let any evil spirits ruin your prom night.
