How to make a corsage? Quick guide to help you make one at home

proukAdmin May 9, 2023

0 43 3 minutes read

At some formal events, you may see women wearing tiny bouquets of flowers, also known as corsages, on their wrists.

Typically, corsages are worn by women, while boutonnières are worn by men. These floral accessories are commonly seen at proms, homecomings, weddings and other similar gatherings.

While these arrangements are beautiful, they can become an added expense to someone’s budget. Whether you’re looking to “DIY” a corsage or are looking to learn more on the history of corsages, here is what you need to know.

What is a corsage?

A corsage is “an arrangement of flowers worn as a fashion accessory.” It is often worn at formal events, such as homecomings, proms and weddings.

Corsages can be made with any flower and come in many variations and colors, depending on the arrangement. They are often attached to a ribbon, band or bracelet to be worn on the wrist. However, in some cases, corsages can be pinned to a dress.

It is customary for corsages to be worn on the left wrist, but this has changed over time.

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How to make a corsage

While some may choose to get a corsage from a florist, you can make one yourself to save some money.

You will need the following supplies to make a corsage:

Flowers of your choice (such as roses, carnations and baby’s breath)
Greenery
Floral tape
Florist wire

For additional materials, it is up to you, especially for how you wish to decorate your corsage. You can use ribbons, a bracelet, twine or other materials.

To get started, prepare your flowers. Cut down the stems to less than one inch in length. Be sure to remove any excess leaves and outer petals that may have wilted.

Start from the base of the stem and wrap each flower with florist wire; this allows you to bend and shape them into position. From top to bottom, cover the stem and wire with floral tape. Continue this process until each of your statement flowers are covered.

For filler flowers, like baby’s breath and greenery, cut the stems down and remove any damaged parts.

Then, begin to arrange your mini bouquet by pinching the flowers together at the base. You can add in filler flowers and greenery for more dimension to the corsage. Once everything is in the desired position, tape the corsage together from the base to the bottom of the stem.

Now that your flowers are prepped, here is where you can be creative. You can cover the taped stem with any material of your choice, such as ribbon or twine. You could also place a bow at the base of the arrangement. It’s really up to you how to design your corsage.

Once you finished decorating, attach your floral arrangement to a bracelet or wristband. You can buy corsage bracelets that come with bases for attachment. However, if you want to attach your flowers to a different style of bracelet or to a ribbon, use hot glue or floral adhesive.

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History of corsages

In Ancient Greece, it was believed fragrant flowers could ward off evil spirits, according to 1-800-Flowers. So it should be no surprise that brides began to carry bouquets and wear flowers down the aisle.

Corsage derives from “bouquet de corsage” in French, which translates to “bouquet of the bodice.” Traditionally, at French weddings and funerals, corsages were worn on the top of a woman’s dress.

During the Victorian era, corsages were placed on a woman’s décolletage or the low-cut neckline of her dress. This placement was later changed to a woman’s shoulder so that her date or suitor could pin the flowers more appropriately.

In modern times, as strapless and thin-strapped dresses were popularized, corsages shifted position once again now to a woman’s wrist.