A long-lasting buttonhole that is easy to make yourself? We have just the thing! If you know someone with plenty of succulents to hand, raid a few stems (after asking permission – of course!), and get creative with a succulent buttonhole. Easy to make, very long-lasting, and with so many different types of plants to choose from, this wedding DIY is one to bookmark!

What you will need:

– A variety of succulents – although some plants bruise easily and shed leaves if you so much as brush past them, there are many options that will hold up well, even with vigorous hugs from Gran. Sempervivum, crassula, and jade are all good options, and if you decide to go for a lovely, full echeveria, perhaps do a practice run first to see if it bruises too easily. A range of textures and forms will help your design

– Secateurs or garden scissors

– Your chosen ribbon

– Wire – I didn’t use any here, but it may come in handy if you’re struggling to hold everything together!

Step 1. Collect together your succulents, making sure they have been well hydrated before snipping. Carefully and thoroughly remove the lower leaves from each stem.

Step 2. Using 3-4 varieties, begin with the tallest at the back, and work gradually forwards, until the last focal rosette is facing out. Keep the stems neat, and angled in the same direction.

Step 3. At this stage, you can use string or florist tape to bind the stems together. If you’re feeling comfortable, you only need ribbon! Using some sweet silk ribbon, bind your succulent buttonhole firmly together.

These succulent buttonholes can be attached to a lapel with floristry pins, and can be made up to two days in advance. Store them somewhere bright yet cool, to avoid the plants stretching for light.