Our Favorite DIY Wearable Flowers for Graduation Season
Graduation season is one of the most joy-filled, flower-loving times of the year. Each one is a major milestone worth celebrating with style — and that includes fresh, wearable blooms! From classic leis to modern boutonnieres and dreamy corsages, wearable flowers have become a meaningful (and Instagrammable) way to show pride, love, and accomplishment.
At Cascade Floral Wholesale in Everett, Washington, we’re here to help you make graduation season not only beautiful, but also doable, especially for those who love a good project. Below, we’re sharing our favorite DIY wearable flower ideas, plus pro tips on selecting the right blossoms, tools, and techniques to make it all bloom with success.
Leis: A Beautiful Garland for the Graduate
Leis are a beloved tradition for many families — especially in Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures — but have now become popular across the U.S. as a joyful and symbolic gift. Worn around the neck, leis represent love, honor, and good luck. And the best part? They’re customizable, fragrant, and surprisingly simple to DIY.
Recommended Flowers for Leis:
Dendrobium orchids – long-lasting, elegant, and available in a rainbow of colors
Carnations – budget-friendly, fluffy, and vibrant
Plumeria (frangipani) – traditional and tropical
Mini roses or spray roses – romantic and lush
Ti leaves or fern – for structure and greenery
DIY Tips:
Use floral needle and thread or strong dental floss to string blooms.
Alternate flowers with foliage or ribbon for variety and balance.
Store finished leis in a plastic bag with a light mist of water and refrigerate until gifting.
Boutonnieres: Small in Size, Big on Style
Boutonnieres are the go-to wearable flower for male and non-binary graduates or anyone wanting a minimalist floral accent. Pinned to a lapel or stole, they’re an easy way to incorporate school colors, personal style, or a nod to tradition.
Recommended Flowers for Boutonnieres:
Spray roses – compact and classy
Orchid – delicate and lush with a modern vibe
Craspedia (billy balls) – fun, sturdy, and great for school color themes
Hypericum berries or succulents – great texture and durability
Dusty miller, eucalyptus, or rosemary – soft greenery adds a polished touch
DIY Tips:
Use floral tape and wire to secure stems together tightly before wrapping with ribbon or twine.
Keep arrangements small and balanced — usually just one focal flower with 1–2 accents.
Spray with a finishing mist to lock in freshness for the day.
Corsages: Classic, Custom, and Totally Cool Again
Corsages have made a comeback and not just for proms! Today’s corsages are more stylish than ever and worn by graduates, moms, aunts, mentors, and anyone who helped make the celebration possible. Whether they’re worn on the wrist, pinned to a dress, or even added to a hairpiece or clutch, these wearable florals are all about personalization.
Recommended Flowers for Corsages:
Mini cymbidium orchids – exotic, long-lasting, and statement-making
Spray roses – classic and always lovely
Lisianthus – romantic and ruffly
Carnations – colorful and hearty
Waxflower or statice – great accent blooms that hold up well
DIY Tips:
For wrist corsages, use floral wire + adhesive wristlets or elastic bands.
Build the base with greens or ribbon, then layer flowers using floral glue.
Avoid overstuffing — 3–5 blooms plus accents is often the sweet spot.
Graduation is one of those milestone moments that brings all the feels: pride, excitement, joy, and a little nostalgia, too. Wearable flowers are a beautiful way to mark the occasion, and with a little help from the experts at Cascade Floral Wholesale, DIYers can create memorable blooms that move with them — from the stage to the dance floor to the family photo op. We’re proud to supply the freshest, most wearable blossoms of the season — perfect for any project and every graduate.