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How to Make an Easy Orchid Boutonniere By Nina Callaway, About.com

Making your own boutonniere is an easy DIY wedding task that can save you money without a lot of time or difficulty. Houston wedding planner and floral designer Dennis Kutach will take you step-by-step through an easy way to make your own boutonniere.

Although there are several steps, each of them is very quick and easy. A beginner can make this boutonniere in less than 5 minutes. You'll need to buy some floral supplies, but especially if you are making bouquets that will also need those supplies, you can easily cut your floral bill in half.

If you have a refrigerator with no fresh produce in it (the produce gives off an enzyme that wilts flowers), you can assemble the boutonniere up to two days before the wedding. Otherwise, make it the day before the wedding, and store it in a cool place.

1 bloom from a stalk of cream or white dendrobium orchid.
1 piece of variegated lily grass

You'll also need the following florists supplies, which can be found at most major craft stores (like Michael's or Hobby Lobby) or floral supply stores.

Wire the Orchid

Begin by removing a single bloom from the stalk of orchid. Hold the bloom in one hand, and then poke the soft-gauge florist's wire straight through the base of the stem, as pictured.

Bend the Wire

Feed about 3 inches of wire through the flower stem, then bend it down into a u shape. (One side of the wire will be about 3 inches, the other about 9 inches. You'll trim them later.)

Add an Optional Crystal Accent Pin

One of the advantages of this boutonniere is that it is easy and economical to make enough for everyone in your bridal party. Since one stalk of orchids can have as many as 20 blooms on it, you'll be able to make plenty of boutonnieres.

But many couples like to distinguish the groom by making his accessories slightly different from the others. A crystal accent pin is an easy way to add a little sparkle to his boutonniere. Simply insert the pin directly into the center of the bloom.

Secure with Florists Stem Wrap Tape

Holding the wired orchid in one hand, use the other hand to wrap the tape tightly around the top of the stem twice to secure it. Waxed florists tape is not very sticky, so you need to stretch it tightly to have it adhere correctly.

If you have used a crystal accent pin, you'll want to make sure that you completely cover the sharp end of the pin with tape, so that you won't stab yourself while you are working.

Add the Lily Grass

Form a loop with the lily grass, then place it behind the wired orchid. Use your judgment to make the loop proportionate to the size of your orchid. Here, our bloom is about 2" across, and the loop is about 2" in height, and ¾" in width.

Secure the Lily Grass and Tape

Secure the lily grass with two tight winds of the floral tape. Then, neatly wrap the tape about 1.5" down, forming an attractive stem for your boutonniere.

Trim and Finish

First, use wire snips to cut the wire exactly at the length of the tape, so that no wire is exposed. Then, use scissors to cut the grass at an angle. Cut the grass 1/2 of an inch below the end of the tape, so that you have two little tails that mimic the end of a ribbon.

Tada! You've made your first elegant and easy boutonniere! You probably now have the supplies to make a dozen more, if you'd like.

How to Store and Pin Your Boutonniere

To store the finished boutonniere, place it in a plastic zip-top bag and seal it ¾ of the way. Blow air into the bag so it is fully inflated, and the flower is protected, then seal completely.

If you have a refrigerator without ANY fresh fruits or vegetables in it, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Otherwise, put the plastic bag in a cool spot for up to a full day.

Just before the wedding, pin the boutonniere on the groom. (It's best to have someone other than yourself to pin it on you.) Place the boutonniere on the center of your lapel. From the back of the lapel, insert a pearl-headed boutonniere pin, cross over the stem, and reinsert into the fabric.

With this easy orchid boutonniere, you're a sharply dressed and elegant man, ready to head down the aisle and get married.

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