Supplies

• Select one large flower, such as a rose or a carnation, and if you'd like, a smaller accent sprig---baby's breath or a branch of fern fronds are standard accents. You will also need floral wire, which you can buy in most craft stores. If you can't find floral wire, buy a soft wire, such as thin-gauge copper or brass wire. Silver wire is also easy to work with, but costs a bit more. You'll also need floral tape, a 2- to 3-inch long pin (traditionally boutonniere pins are topped with a white pearl tip, but you can get creative since you're hand-making this one), and either a knife or stem-cutters.
  
  

Preparing the Flowers

• If you are using a rose as the main flower, cut off any leaves and thorns along the stem. Then, cut diagonally across the stem at the length you desire: typically a 3-inch stem is advisable. Take the accent sprig, and determine how high behind the main flower you want the accent foliage to be. Hold it in place at that level, and cut the stem diagonally to match the stem of the main flower. Only cut the flowers the night before you plan to use the boutonniere, otherwise you risk having them wilt before the event.
  
  

Securing the Flowers

• Take a 6-inch piece of wire and wrap it once or twice around both stems to secure them in together. Then, stretch the rest of the wire behind the stems and flower (make sure it's not visible over the top of the flower or accent sprig, however) to give it some support. Take the floral tape and, starting at the base of the main flower, wrap the tape around the stems, working down toward the end of the stems. Once you reach the bottom of the stems, reverse and wrap back up toward the flower until you reach the base of it. Loop the floral tape around the base of the flower several times to make sure it is secure.
  
  

Final Touches

• If you'd like, you can add a colored ribbon or bow to the base of the flower. Otherwise, insert the long pin into the stem (you may need two pins if the flower is heavy) so that you can attach it to the man's lapel. Lightly spray the whole boutonniere with water, and place it inside a plastic bag or box (loosely shut so that there is plenty of breathing room) and set it inside a refrigerator for the night. Don't put it in the freezer.