How to make a boutonniere

When you need an eye-catching boutonniere for a special occasion, you don't have to spend a fortune at the florist. Make your own!

You Will Need
* A small flower
* Scissors or wire cutters
* One bunch baby's breath
* One piece floral greenery
* Green flower tape
* ¼-inch silk or satin ribbon
* A small, clear plastic box

Step 1: Pick your flower
Choose a small flower as the centerpiece of your boutonniere; carnations or roses are often used. If you’d like, pick a color that matches your date’s dress or the theme of the event. You can also use artificial flowers.

Step 2: Prepare the flower
Cut the stem of the flower with the scissors until it is 3 inches long. Remove the leaves and set them aside.

If you're using artificial flowers, cut the stem down using wire cutters and remove all plastic appendages, leaves, and extra buds.

Step 3: Prepare the flower accents
Use a small bunch of baby’s breath and greenery to accentuate the flower; lay the baby’s breath on top of the greenery. Keep these pieces slightly longer than the flower.

Step 4: Wrap the stems
Use green floral tape to wrap the flower tightly with the baby’s breath and greenery.

Step 5: Tie the bow
Use the silk or satin ribbon in a complementary color to hide the floral tape and tie a pretty bow.

Step 6: Store the flower in a special case
Place the flower gently in a clear plastic case and leave in the refrigerator until the event. This will help keep it fresh until the big event.

Fact: The word boutonniere is French, meaning buttonhole.