Corsages

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Whether you need a corsage  for an upcoming wedding, prom, or other special event, why not take this occasion to make your own -- or one for that special somebody. The process is easy and you only need a few supplies. Here's how to make your own corsage in 9 easy steps.

Basic Tools

Flowers 

The first step is buying flowers (fresh or silk). You can buy a single rose for a boutonniere, several for a corsage, or even select another flower if you prefer.

Wire Cutters 

Use cutters, not scissors, to trim the flower(s) to the desired length keeping in mind whether you are using a single flower or multiples.

Floral Wire 

Use this to support the flower, to lengthen the stem, to hold multiple flowers and greens together, or to make bows. Click here for more information about wiring.

Baby's Breath 

Add these delicate white flowers around the roses and wrap them with floral wire. You can also add other flowers, leaves, greens if you wish.

Hot Glue Gun 

When you have heavy flowers, silk flowers, or you prefer to use less wire because of the weight, a hot glue gun can be used to secure the flowers and accents together.

Floral Tape 

Use florist's tape to wrap all the stem(s) completely. This gives them more support and a more finished appearance.

Corsage Ribbon 

Add a pretty ribbon or bow to the corsage (not to a boutonniere) and secure it with wire or tape.

Corsage Pins 

Use a pin or two to attach the finished corsage or boutonniere to your lapel or dress.

Wristlet 

You can attach the corsage to a wristlet or sew it to an elastic band if you prefer not to pin it on an expensive dress.

Color Schemes

Note that all sorts of flowers can be used to make different color combinations. When selecting the flowers, there are a few things to consider.

  • Buy flowers that will match what the recipient will be wearing.
    • Usually for men, a red or white rose boutonniere is simple, but if you know the color of the man's tie, you can try to match the flower color to it.
    • If you don't know what the person is wearing you can choose a simple white flower, which often matches everything, or try some of the following ideas.
      • Choose the recipient's birth flower. See the Birthday Gift Guide for a selection of flowers by birth month.
      • Choose a corsage that features the recipient's favorite flower.
  • Think of the harmony of the colors that you choose.
    • Monochrome colors are less distracting and very subtle, such as choosing all white flowers and a very pale shade of green to make them stand out.
    • Contrasting colors make a bold statement and are fun and festive.
  • Not all greens are the same. Choose from ivy, ferns, leaves, herb sprigs, and even pine.

Corsage Styles

  • Before cutting anything or assembling, make sure to try a few different layouts to see what you like best. Sometimes you'll find that experimentation will get you a better result.
  • When choosing a style, be sure that you know where the recipient will wear it; on a lapel, dress, wrist, hat, neck, or hair.
  • Consider the recipient's size. More flowers are not always better. Women with a small frame shouldn't have a five flower corsage that will overwhelm their dress or wrist.

Boutonniere 

Corsage 

Three-Flower Corsage

Wristlet Style

External Links