Tag Archives: july wedding flowers

Rose boutonnière

Boutonniere: How To Make a Buttonhole

Buttonholes were first introduced as “nosegays” in early 1500s Europe and North America for wealthy gentlemen to disguise the odours of those eras (we’ll let you use your imagination).

Today the tradition of wearing buttonholes continues for special occasions like weddings or big events. Buttonholes are traditionally worn by men on the lapel of their suits, however these days more elaborate buttonholes are commonly unisex and can be worn regardless of gender.

So, how do we make one?

Ingredients

  • 1 x rose bud
  • 1 x rose
  • 1 x sprig of any accent flower (we used Scholtzia)
  • 1 or 2 leaves

Tools & Accessories

  • Basics Tool Kit – floristry snips, secateurs, towel, apron, gloves
  • .5 wire
  • .4 wire
  • Parafilm (green floral tape) 3mm ribbon or twine

Construction

1. Cut the rose stem to a suitable length, then, using the .5 gauge wire, pierce through the calyx of the rose head, pushing the wire through until it reaches the length of the rose stem. Fold the two ends of the wire down along the rose stem, cut the wire ends to length, then tape (using parafilm) the entire stem, hiding the wire.

2. Prepare the remainder of the flowers and leaves by cutting them to a suitable length and wiring with the .5 or .4 wires. Tape over any wire sticking out.

3. Construct the buttonhole by beginning with the large rose and the rose bud. Place the rose bud slightly higher than the large rose, as pictured. The two wires will meet at the junction point.

4. Add the accent flower, alongside the rose bud, which will sit slightly higher to create the highest point of the buttonhole.

5. To finish the placement of materials, add 1–2 wired pieces of foliage or leaves in front of the large rose.

6. Once you are happy with your design, tape all the wire stems together forming one shank/stem, making sure you cover the end of the shank with tape so no wires are left exposed.

7. Finally, you can wrap some ribbon or twine around the shank to add colour or detail

TIP: Cut the ‘shank’ length measured using your 3 fingers held horizontally (approximately 5 cms) The ‘shank’ is the group of wire stems coming from the junction point down.

This is one of seven super easy arrangements featured in our Bloom Basics online course!

Gain access to our FREE Ebook with step by step instructions on a range of designs suitable or beginners

What flowers are in season for a July wedding?

July marks the middle of winter here in Australia, so if you’re planning a July wedding,  it’s time to unpin the sunflowers and dahlias from your Pinterest boards. While imported flowers are usually available, Bloom are advocates for locally-grown flowers (discover why by clicking here) and trust us when we say that when it comes to the flowers that will appear wedding albums for decades to come, you want the best of the best.

Let’s have a look at the best winter flowers available locally for a July wedding.

Ranunculus 

With its brightly coloured shades of pink, purple and yellow, ruffled petals and smaller shape, it’s easy to see why ranunculus is such a popular choice for wedding bouquets. Also known as a buttercup, ranunculus pairs well with almost any flowers or foliage. Some good choices for pairing would be anemones, dahlias and some beautiful greenery.

Daphnes 

Daphnes are famed for their intense, citrusy-rose scent. They bloom in tight clusters of waxy, star-shaped flowers that are some shade of pink or white in colour. The smaller size of daphnes makes them an ideal bouquet filler flower, especially when paired with brighter colours or greenery.

Sweet Peas 

Sweet peas have very soft, delicate petals that fold over very slightly. They bloom in many colours, but rich reds and pale pinks are usually quite popular for winter weddings. Their elegant shape makes them a go-to for less structured bridal bouquets (think whimsical, garden-fresh styles).

Camellias 

Camellias are the queen of the winter flowers, often used as the feature flowers of bridal bouquets. Their larger size and beautiful, soft petals mean they look stunning on their own, but can also be paired with smaller filler flowers and greenery to really make them pop. Camellias come in shades of pink, red, white and a peachy orange.

Anemones 

Anemones are best known for their striking black centre, surrounded by white or coloured petals. White anemones are a popular wedding flower choice, as the pop of black in the middle gives the bouquet a more eye-catching look than typical all-white flowers. Anemones look incredible against a bed of greenery and foliage, and make for the ideal, low-key bouquet look.

Blushing Bride 

The aptly named protea blushing bride flower is a very unique bridal flower, with the almost spiked look of its petals. Legend has it that the name came about because men used to wear one in their buttonhole on their way to propose, letting everyone in town know his intentions. This versatile flower looks stunning on its own or you can pair it with other flowers of softer shades, like roses or dusty miller.

Hyacinth

Hyacinth grows in small clusters of flowers that come in all kinds of colours like white, pink, orange blue and violet. It has a very sweet scent and makes for a beautiful filler flower that makes the larger flowers stand out in a bouquet. 

Cymbidium Orchid

The cymbidium orchid is a striking winter/spring flower that is very popular for weddings as it makes a fabulous statement flower. It comes in all different shapes, colours and sizes, ranging from deep reds to soft pinks. 

Interested in learning more about putting together the perfect bridal bouquet? Check out our latest eBook, Wedding Flower & Event Styling. It’s a go-to guide for any wedding florist (or interested bride!)