Creating carnation boutonnieres for formal events is a wonderful way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Carnations are popular flowers for boutonnieres due to their durability, variety of colors, and classic appeal. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making carnation boutonnieres, ensuring that you have a stunning accessory for your formal event.
1. Carnation flowers (choose your preferred color) 2. Floral tape 3. Floral wire 4. Wire cutters 5. Ribbon or decorative accents (optional) 6. Scissors 7. Pins
Start by choosing fresh and healthy carnation flowers. Look for blooms that are fully open but not overly mature. Select the color that complements your outfit or the event's theme. It's a good idea to have a few extra carnations in case of any mishaps during the process.
Trim the stems of the carnations to a length of about 4-5 inches. Remove any excess leaves or thorns from the stems, ensuring that only the flowers and a small portion of the stem remain.
Take a floral wire and insert it through the base of the carnation stem, starting from the bottom and pushing it up until it reaches the flower head. Gently bend the wire to create a loop and twist the ends together to secure it in place. This wiring technique provides support to the flower and allows for easier manipulation during the arrangement process.
Using floral tape, start wrapping it tightly around the base of the flower head, just above the wire. Continue wrapping the tape down the stem, overlapping it slightly as you go. The floral tape will stick to itself when stretched, creating a secure and neat finish. Keep wrapping until you reach the end of the stem.
If desired, you can enhance the boutonniere by adding decorative accents such as ribbon or small foliage. Cut a piece of ribbon or foliage to your desired length and wrap it around the stem, just below the flower head. Secure it in place with a small piece of floral tape.
Trim the bottom of the stem to your desired length, typically around 2-3 inches. This length ensures that the boutonniere sits nicely on the lapel without being too long or too short. Use a pair of scissors to make a clean and even cut.
Attach the boutonniere to the lapel by sliding a pin through the back of the stem, ensuring it is secure but not too tight. The pin should be inserted at an angle, going through the stem and into the lapel fabric. Adjust the boutonniere as needed to achieve the desired position.
By following these steps, you can create beautiful carnation boutonnieres for formal events. Remember to handle the flowers with care and keep them in water until you are ready to assemble the boutonnieres. Enjoy the process and have a fantastic time at your formal event!
