How To Make A Boutonniere With Silk Flowers

"Flowers are not just about color; they shape the mood of any event." A single bloom can change the feel of a boutonniere, a bouquet, or an entire wedding theme. A bold rose, a soft peony, or a delicate sprig of baby's breath—each one adds its own touch.

Silk flowers may not be fresh, but they last, hold their shape, and look just as elegant. The right ones don’t just match an outfit—they complete the look. So, which style fits your occasion best?

What is a Boutonniere?

A boutonniere is a small flower arrangement worn on a jacket lapel for special events like weddings or proms. It adds a touch of elegance and complements the overall outfit. While many people buy boutonnieres from florists, making your own lets you personalize it to match your style and the event’s theme.

Creating a DIY boutonniere with real flowers at home is simple with just a few supplies. Start by choosing a fresh flower that fits your outfit or color scheme. Then, secure it with wire and floral tape to keep it in place. You can also add small leaves, baby’s breath, or decorative accents like ribbon or beads for extra detail.

8 Steps To Make A Boutonniere With Silk Flowers

A boutonniere is a small but stylish detail that adds a special touch to formal outfits. Whether it’s for a wedding, prom, or another big event, make your own boutonniere with silk flowers to create something long-lasting and unique. Silk flowers don’t wilt, so you can prepare your boutonniere in advance and keep it as a keepsake after the event.

Step 1: Pick a Large Flower for the Center

Go for a simple boutonniere by choosing a big flower as the main part. You can use any flower you like, but make sure it has a strong stem so it stays fresh and holds its shape. Try to match the flower color with your outfit or pick one that complements it. 

For example, if you’re wearing a purple tie, go for a purple or yellow flower. If fresh flowers aren’t available, artificial flower ones work just as well and last longer. The four most popular flowers for boutonnieres are roses, carnations, calla lilies, and tulips.

Step 2: Remove Any Damaged Petals

Check the outer petals of your flower and remove any that are wilted or torn. Gently pull off 2–3 outer petals to make the flower look fresh and neat. If there are more damaged petals, remove them carefully until you’re happy with the way it looks.

If you find yourself removing too many petals, the flower may start to look too small or uneven. In that case, it’s better to pick another flower.

Step 3: Cut the Stem to the Right Length

Cut the stem to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the base of the flower. Use garden snips to trim it at a 45-degree angle, which helps it absorb water if needed. If there are extra leaves on the stem, remove them carefully and set them aside. 

These leaves can be useful later for adding more detail to your boutonniere. Keeping the stem at the right length makes it easier to handle and attach securely.

Step 4: Insert the Wire Through the Flower

Take an 8-inch (20 cm) piece of floral wire and push one end through the base of the flower. Make sure the wire goes through the middle of the stem so the boutonniere stays balanced. Keep pulling the wire through until both sides are even, about 4 inches (10 cm) on each side.

If you're using silk or artificial flowers, heat the end of the wire with a candle or lighter before pushing it through. The hot wire will melt through the plastic, making it easier to insert. If you don’t have floral wire, any 22-24 gauge wire will work just as well.

Step 5: Bend the Wire to Make a Stem

Fold the wire in half so both ends point downward, creating a sturdy stem for your boutonniere. The wire will help support the flower and allow you to bend and adjust it as needed. Keep the wire as straight as possible so the boutonniere looks natural.

If you want the stem to look more like a real flower, slightly bend the wire at different angles to give it a more natural, rugged shape.

Step 6: Wrap the Stem with Floral Tape

Start wrapping floral tape around the wire, just above where it was inserted through the flower. Hold the tape in one hand and slowly spin the flower with the other hand, pulling the tape tightly so it sticks to itself. Keep wrapping until you cover the entire wire down to the bottom.

Floral tape is available at most craft stores and helps keep the boutonniere secure while giving the stem a clean and polished look.

Step 7: Add Greenery Around the Flower

Place small leafy plants around the base of the flower and secure them with floral tape. Choose flat leaves that are not too big, so they don’t hide the flower. Arrange the greenery so the stems extend past the wire for a natural look. Once you’re happy with the placement, wrap another layer of floral tape around the stems to hold everything in place. These are the plants to use:

• Holly – Sharp, pointed leaves that stand out against smooth petals.
• Plumosa – A soft fern with small leaves that add texture.
• Hypericum Berries – Small berries that add a pop of color and a unique shape.

Step 8: Trim the Wire for a Better Fit

Cut the wire down to 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) so the boutonniere sits comfortably on your lapel. Long wires can make it harder to pin the boutonniere securely, so trimming helps it fit better. Use sharp scissors or wire cutters for a clean cut. 

If the stems of your greenery are too long, trim them as well to give the boutonniere a neat and tidy appearance. For extra security, you can curl the end of the wire backward to help hold the ribbon in place and prevent it from unraveling.

Now that you’ve made your silk flower boutonniere, you have a stylish accessory that lasts for years. This DIY piece adds a personal touch to any event and stays fresh as a keepsake. Making boutonnieres allows you to create a unique design that looks elegant and professional, so take your time and enjoy the process!

Timeless Style for Any Occasion

"A boutonniere is more than just a small detail—it adds a special touch to any outfit and helps complete the look." Whether for a wedding, prom, or another event, the right boutonniere brings everything together and makes a lasting impression.

Silk flowers are a great choice because they last, hold their shape, and let you create something personal without worrying about wilting. Just like picking an outfit or a theme for an event, the boutonniere should match the moment. In the end, it’s not just about how it looks—it’s about how it fits the occasion. 

BBCrafts offers high-quality silk flowers in a variety of colors and styles, perfect for any event. If you're preparing for a wedding, prom, or special occasion, our silk flowers help you design a boutonniere that stays fresh and elegant. Shop now at BBCrafts and find the perfect flowers to complete your look!

Key Takeaways

Silk Flowers Last Longer

Silk flowers are a great choice for boutonnieres because they do not wilt like fresh flowers. They hold their shape, stay bright, and can be used long after the event. This means you can prepare your boutonniere in advance without worrying about it drying out or losing petals. Since silk flowers are reusable, they are also a budget-friendly option for weddings, proms, or any special event.

Easy to Make at Home

You don’t need special skills to create a silk flower boutonniere. With simple tools like floral wire, tape, and a few decorative accents, you can put one together in no time. A homemade boutonniere lets you choose the flower style and colors that match your outfit or event theme. 

A Small Detail with a Big Impact

A boutonniere may be a small piece, but it makes a big difference in formal wear. It adds a polished and stylish touch to any outfit, whether for a wedding, prom, or formal gathering. If you want a personal touch, you can make boutonniere that matches your partner’s corsage or complements the event’s color scheme, tying your look together effortlessly.