Creating A Wedding Corsage Wrist: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wrist corsages are a beautiful accessory for weddings, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. They are typically worn by the mothers of the bride and groom, as well as grandmothers, but can also be worn by other special guests or bridesmaids as a substitute for a bouquet. Making your own wrist corsage is an easy DIY project that requires just a few supplies and simple steps to follow. With the right materials and a bit of creativity, you can design a unique and beautiful accessory that complements your wedding colour scheme and dress or attire.

Choosing your flowers

For a delicate and elegant look, opt for dainty flowers such as spray roses or ranunculus. You can also add a touch of greenery to your corsage by trimming sprigs down to around 3 inches in length. If you're using a single flower, make sure it's big enough to make a statement, but not so large that it becomes awkward or uncomfortable to wear. If you're using multiple flowers, three to five blooms is typically recommended, depending on the size and variety of the flowers.

The colour of your flowers is also important. Consider choosing flowers that complement the wedding colour scheme or the attire of the person who will be wearing the corsage. You can even customise your corsage with a specific colour palette to match the wedding theme. If you're using a pre-arranged flower box, these usually come with a variety of flower types and colours, making it easy to create a cohesive floral arrangement.

Remember, the key to choosing the right flowers for your wedding wrist corsage is to select blooms that are sturdy, elegant, and well-proportioned. With the right flowers and a bit of creativity, you can design a beautiful and unique accessory for your special day.

Using a slap bracelet

Firstly, you'll want to gather your materials. You will need a slap bracelet, a low-temp hot glue gun or professional floral glue, flowers of your choice, a 1/2-inch ribbon, and a 1 1/2-inch ribbon. You can also add some foliage, such as oregonia or camilla leaves, and a few sparkly pins for extra decoration.

Begin by making two small boutonnieres with your chosen flowers. Wrap them with stem tape, ensuring that you keep the stems long for now. Scooch the boutonnieres close together and use a small zip tie to secure them. Trim off the excess tie and stems once the zip tie is fully tightened.

Now, use another zip tie to secure the tied flowers to the slap bracelet. You can use a plastic adapter to make this easier, and then cover the zip ties with your 1/2-inch ribbon. Apply a small amount of hot glue or floral glue to the centre of the ribbon and add a pretty centre bud. Continue adding bits of greenery and flowers, gluing them around the floral piece until the mechanics are hidden.

Finally, use the 1 1/2-inch ribbon to cover the slap bracelet. This will ensure that your wrist corsage looks elegant and also prevent it from sliding around on your wrist. And that's it! You now have a beautiful and secure wedding wrist corsage.

Attaching flowers to the wristlet

Now that you have your flowers ready, it's time to attach them to the wristlet. There are several ways to do this, depending on the materials you have at hand.

If you are using a bracelet, you can secure the flowers to it with a hot glue gun. Hold the flowers and bracelet together until the glue sets. If you are using an old bracelet, braided or corded pieces will work best, as they give the hot glue something to grip onto.

If you are using a ribbon, cut a small slit in it so that a bit of the flower stem sticks through. Then, artfully place pins through the stem so that they are not sticking out. You can also use a low-temp hot glue gun or floral glue to attach the flowers to the ribbon.

Another option is to use florist wire to attach the flowers to a wristband, bracelet, or wristlet. Cut the stems off the flowers so that only 1/2 to 1 inch of the stem directly underneath the bud remains. Then, wrap wire around the stems and attach them to your wristlet. The stem of the flowers should be pointing toward the elbow.

Finally, you can create a slap bracelet corsage with an adapter. First, make two small boutonnieres and wrap them with stem tape, keeping the stems long. Scoot the boutonnieres close together and wrap and tighten them with a small zip tie, using the long stems to pull the buds together. Once the zip tie is fully tightened, trim off the excess, along with the excess stems. Use another zip tie to secure the tied flowers to the plastic adapter. Then, use a 1/2-inch ribbon to hide the zip ties, applying hot glue or floral glue to the centre of the ribbon and adding a pretty centre bud. Continue to glue in small bits of greenery and flowers until you've hidden the mechanics. Finally, use a 1 1/2-inch ribbon to hide the slap bracelet.

Securing the arrangement

Start by cutting the stems of your chosen flowers, leaving only about half to one inch of the stem directly under the bud. This step ensures that the flowers are close to the wrist and easy to work with. You can always trim the stems a little more later if needed.

Next, wrap wire around the stems of the flowers. This provides a sturdy base and allows you to bend and adjust the flowers into your desired position. It is important to use a thin wire that is easy to bend, such as an 18-gauge floral stem wire. After wrapping the stems, take your floral tape and wrap it around each stem, starting from the top of the bloom and moving downwards. This step secures the wire in place and gives a neat finish.

Now, it's time to assemble the primary blooms. Gather your main flowers and tape their stems together into one bundle. If you are using filler flowers or greenery, create a separate bundle for them. Then, bind these two bundles together with wire, trim the ends, and wrap them together with floral tape. This creates a cohesive arrangement that is easy to attach to the wrist.

The next step is to attach the flowers to a wristlet, bracelet, or ribbon. You can use florist wire or hot glue to secure the bundle of flowers to your chosen base. Ensure that the stems of the flowers are pointing towards the elbow for a natural and comfortable fit.

Finally, add a ribbon to your wrist corsage. You can use one wide ribbon or several smaller ribbons to create a bow. Secure the bow in place with wire or glue, attaching it to the bundle of flowers. The ribbon adds a delicate touch and conceals any mechanics or wires.

Your wrist corsage is now ready to wear! You can adjust the ribbon or wristlet to fit comfortably around the wrist. It is recommended to make the corsage no sooner than the day before the event to ensure the flowers remain fresh and vibrant.

Adding the finishing touches

Now that you've assembled your wrist corsage, it's time to add the finishing touches. Here are some ideas to elevate your design and make it even more special:

Ribbons, Rope, or Bracelets

One of the most important finishing touches is choosing what your wrist corsage will be attached to. You can opt for a ribbon, which can be tied elegantly around the wrist, or even cut a small slit in the ribbon to allow the stems of the flowers to poke through. If you're looking for something more secure, consider using a bracelet, especially one with cut-out designs that make it easier to attach flowers. You can also upcycle old jewellery, particularly braided or corded pieces, as the texture gives hot glue something to grip onto.

Greenery and Filler Flowers

Adding a touch of greenery or filler flowers can enhance the overall design of your wrist corsage. Greenery, such as leaves, can be arranged around the main flowers and secured with tape or glue. Filler flowers, like petite wildflowers, can be used to complement the primary blooms and add interest to your arrangement.

Colour Coordination

Colour coordination is key to achieving a cohesive and elegant look. Choose flowers that complement the wearer's attire and match the wedding theme. You can also opt for a colour palette that includes a variety of shades to add depth and interest to your design.

Personalisation

Involving the wearer in the creative process can add a special touch to your wrist corsage. This is especially meaningful if the corsage is for someone special at your wedding, like the mother of the bride or groom. By including them in the design process, you can incorporate their favourite flowers or colours, making it a truly personalised accessory.

Size and Placement

The size and placement of your wrist corsage are important considerations. Most wrist corsages feature three to five flowers, but you can opt for a single statement flower if you prefer a more minimalist look. Traditionally, wrist corsages are fastened to the left wrist, as most people are right-handed, but ultimately, you should choose what works best for the wearer.

Frequently asked questions