Leaf Boutonnieres for Groom and Groomsmen

A boutonniere is generally a small flower arrangement worn by men. Nothing like a corsage, the small arrangement is often just a single flower, and is pinned to the lapel of the groom and/or groomsmen. A boutonniere is an easy way to give a touch of the wedding flowers, colors or theme to the guys in the wedding party. However, most guys balk at having to wear a flower. Of course, the bride gets her way, so if necessary, the men will wear the lapel flower. However, a bride who wants boutonnieres worn by the groom and groomsmen has yet another option besides a flower. Make leaf boutonnieres and the guys can all grumble about other things! Its exciting to see the various silk leaves you can find at a craft store. Choose a vine of flowers which features leaves that you like or just purchase loose leaves in a bag. Theres a huge variety available in most craft stores. The leaves dont have to be all the same; you can combine leaves to create the boutonnieres you want.

Besides silk leaves you can also purchase real leaves from a nearby nursery. Although its not the norm, some nurseries, if you call in advance, will allow you to pluck a single leaf off of each of several plants. Or, the nursery workers will do this for you. If they dont offer this service it may be necessary to purchase a few plants and pluck the leaves at home. Plants are much cheaper at a nursery than they are at a store which sells them.

Choose two or three leaves - alike or different - and stack them on top of each other. Now spread them out a little, like you would playing cards, and hold them in place for the moment. Wrap a piece of tape around silk leaves, if thats what youre using, then tie a ribbon around them. If youre using real leaves wrap them with a floral wire. You dont have to use only green leaves to make the boutonnieres. Real as well as silk leaves come in colors of red, yellow, orange and other colors. If you want, you can even paint silk leaves to match or coordinate with the wedding colors. If youre using silk leaves you can simply hot-glue the pin hardware to the back of the boutonniere. If youre using real leaves attach the pin backing with a floral wire or floral tape. The boutonnieres add even more class to an already beautiful wedding agenda. You wont have to hear complaints from the guys about having to wear flowers, youll save a fortune over floral boutonnieres, and youll be pleased with how easy they are to make!