Corsages are usually three or more clusters of boutonnieres sometimes with greenery, filler, and, ribbon. The process is the same for making corsages as it is for boutonnieres
Directions:
- Make three to five small boutonniere clusters.
- Add greenery, and/or filler, to the boutonniere clusters and then gather them together, alternating right to left, to form a pleasing shape.
- Work in odd numbers. Usually use three to five medium boutonnieres to make a corsage.
- Using floral tape, tape the stems together. Note: Depending upon the look you are trying to achieve. You may want to leave the stems loose at the bottom, to create a “hand-tied” look, or satin wrap them with ribbon for a more formal look.
- Trim stems and wires. Floral tape the whole length of the corsage stem.
- Accessories such as ribbon may now be added. Depending on the look that is to be achieved and the flowers used, a small bow may or may not be added to the left-bottom side of the corsage. The stem can be satin-wrapped with ribbon, fully of partially, again, depending upon the look that is trying to be achieved.
- Place two large decorative-headed corsage pins into the back of the corsage, up through the stem.
- If using fresh flowers: Mist with cool water and place on tissue in a box or in a corsage bag. Keep refrigerated.
Note: If using fresh flowers, please make sure that they are processed properly to insure adequate prolonged life.
Helpful Tip: When designing a corsage, consider the flowers that they will complement. For example, it is always nice for a Mother’s corsage to compliment The Father’s boutonniere, whether it is by using the same type, color, or texture of flowers. Designers often work in odd numbers because it tends to be more pleasing to the eye, but there is no rule that says that you can’t take advantage of one classic bloom, such as a gardenia-with such beauty and fragrance-this blossom has the class to stand-alone! Another more up to date alternative to corsages for weddings, are mini-posies. Just three to five perfect blossoms all gathered together and tied with a luxurious ribbon or tucked into a Victorian Tussie-Mussie holder, is the perfect way to tell that special person, “Thanks for sharing this day with me!”
How to pin on and wear a corsage:
- With one hand behind the corsage and the other holding the stem of the corsage, flowers facing away from the wearer and toward you, place the corsage at a slight angle on the dress or lapel. This is an average of about 4 inches in from the tip of the left shoulder.
- Make sure that the corsage is evenly placed on the lapel before attempting to pin it.
- Use a Corsage Pin to pin into the fabric at the bottom left corner of the stem.
- Weave the pin back out from under the fabric. Push it through about 1 inch, laying it at an angle over the top of the corsage stem.
- Stick the tip of the pin back into the fabric on the other side of the stem. Insure that the stem is tightly in place with the length of the pin pushing it down.
- Weave the pin back out of the fabric once more. Be sure that the very tip of the pin does not stick out, nor does it poke under the fabric and touch the skin.
- Repeat this process with the Corsage pin at the top left corner of the stem, just under the heads of the flowers. Two Corsage pins will help to support the weight of heavy flowers on delicate attire.
Helpful Tip: A corsage can be worn almost anywhere! It can be worn at the shoulder, over the shoulder, in the hair, on the wrist, at the waist, hem line, on a hat, or even on an evening bag. How interesting, that etiquette indicates that no matter how it is worn, it is most always worn on the left side.
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