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

Flowers are an integral part of weddings, from floral arches and bouquets to floral accessories like wrist corsages. Wrist corsages are elegant and easy to wear, making them a beautiful addition to wedding formal wear. They are also a thoughtful gesture for guests who are close to the couple. In this article, we will be discussing how to make your own DIY hand corsage for your wedding, including the materials you will need and a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful floral accessory.

How to Make a Hand Corsage for a Wedding

Choosing flowers and foliage

When choosing flowers and foliage for your wedding hand corsage, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select flowers that are the right size for a wrist corsage. Opt for medium-sized flowers as the focal point, with smaller flowers and fillers to accentuate the design. You can also add a handful of petite wildflowers for added interest and texture.

The type of flowers you choose is also important. Consider choosing flowers that complement the wedding colour scheme and the wearer's attire. For a classic, romantic look, roses, lisianthus, freesias, dahlias, and gerberas are all popular choices for statement flowers. If you want something more subtle and delicate, consider using gypsophila, lavender, or stephanotis as your main flower.

To add greenery to your corsage, rosemary, eucalyptus, and ivy are all great options that will provide a beautiful contrast to the flowers. When selecting your greenery, look for fresh leaves and avoid any that appear wilted or discoloured.

You can also get creative and incorporate your personality into the flower choices. For example, if you love the beach, you could add some baby's breath to represent the ocean, or if you're a fan of herbs, include some rosemary or thyme for a unique scent.

Remember to consider the overall colour palette when choosing your flowers and foliage. Whether you're going for a monochromatic look or a vibrant mix of colours, make sure the shades complement each other and fit within your wedding theme.

Preparing flowers

Preparing the flowers

The first step in making a hand corsage for a wedding is to prepare your chosen flowers and foliage. You will want to select flowers that complement the wedding theme and the wearer's attire. For a statement flower, you could choose a rose, lisianthus, freesia, dahlia, or gerbera. Then, add some fillers like gypsophila, lavender, or stephanotis. You can also include greenery such as rosemary, eucalyptus, or ivy.

Once you have selected your flowers, cut the stems down to around 2-3 cm. Be sure to remove any thorns, leaves, or petals that appear unsightly. If you are using roses, be sure to remove the thorns. This process will ensure your flowers look neat and are comfortable to wear.

Next, cut 5 cm lengths of floral wire, one for each stem. Strengthen each stem by wrapping it with a piece of wire. Place the wire across the top of the stem and cross it around the back, overlapping and twisting. Bend any excess wire downwards. This step will provide support and make it easier to work with the flowers.

Finally, use floral tape to wrap around the wire. This will protect the wearer's hands from any sharp edges and give a neat, professional finish to your hand corsage. Now that your flowers are prepared, you are ready to move on to the next step of creating your mini bouquet.

Adding floral wire

Cut Floral Wire to Size

Using wire cutters, cut the floral wire into small pieces, approximately 5cm in length. You will need one piece of wire for each flower stem. The wire should be long enough to wrap around the stem securely.

Wrap the Wire Around the Stem

Take one piece of the cut floral wire and place it across the top of the flower stem. Cross the wire around to the back of the stem, overlapping and twisting it as you go. This will help to secure the wire in place and provide strength to the stem. Ensure that you bend any excess wire downwards, creating a smooth finish.

Repeat for Each Stem

Continue this process for each flower stem in your hand corsage. By reinforcing each stem with floral wire, you will create a sturdy base for your floral arrangement. This step is crucial, especially for more delicate flower stems, as it will help to ensure that the flowers remain securely in place.

Protect with Floral Tape

Once you have wrapped each stem with floral wire, it's time to add a protective layer. Use floral tape to carefully wrap around the wire, covering any sharp edges. This step not only enhances the overall appearance of the corsage by creating a neat finish, but it also ensures that the wearer's skin is protected from any potential scratches or irritation.

By following these steps, you will successfully incorporate floral wire into your wedding hand corsage. The floral wire provides the necessary support and structure to transform your chosen flowers into a beautiful and elegant accessory for the special day.

Using floral tape

Floral tape is an essential component of making a hand corsage for a wedding. It serves multiple purposes, including hiding the wire from view, protecting the wearer's hands from sharp edges, and providing a professional finish. Here is a detailed guide on using floral tape:

Step 1: Prepare the Floral Wire

Before applying the floral tape, ensure that each stem of your chosen flowers has a piece of floral wire wrapped around it. Cut 5cm lengths of floral wire, one for each stem. Place the wire across the top of the stem, cross it around the back, and twist it together, bending any excess wire downwards. This step strengthens the stems and provides a base for the floral tape to adhere to.

Step 2: Wrap the Stems with Floral Tape

Take your floral tape and begin wrapping it around the wired stems. Make sure to cover the entire length of the wire, including any sharp edges, to protect the wearer's hands. The floral tape should be wrapped neatly and securely, creating a smooth and seamless finish. This step not only ensures safety but also enhances the overall appearance of the corsage.

Step 3: Secure the Mini Bouquet

Once all the stems are individually wrapped with floral tape, it's time to secure them together as a mini bouquet. Use the floral tape to bind the stems tightly, creating a cohesive unit. This step ensures that the flowers stay in place and don't shift or move around. It provides structure and stability to the entire arrangement.

Step 4: Finish with Ribbon or String

After securing the mini bouquet with floral tape, add a final touch by wrapping thin ribbon or string around the stems. This step not only covers any remaining tape, giving a neat appearance, but also adds a decorative element. Leave both ends of the ribbon or string longer, so you can attach them to the main ribbon or bracelet that will be worn on the wrist.

Tips for Using Floral Tape:

• Floral tape is stretchable and slightly sticky, so pull it gently as you wrap to activate its adhesive quality.
• Start wrapping from the top of the stem and work your way down, overlapping the tape slightly with each rotation.
• If you make a mistake or want to adjust the position of the flowers, gently lift the tape and re-wrap it. Avoid stretching the tape too much, as it may lose its stickiness.

Arranging the bouquet

Now you're ready to assemble your mini bouquet. Start with a flat green leaf, then add your other greenery. Place your statement flower on top, along with the smaller flowers, positioning them as you want them to sit on your wrist. You can play around with the arrangement, adding or removing flowers until you're happy with the design. Try it on your wrist to get a feel for how it will look.

Once you've settled on your bouquet design, it's time to secure it. Use wire to tie the stems together, then trim the stems so they are short, just below the base of the blossoms. Be careful not to cut them too short! Wrap floral tape around the stems and wire to protect your skin from any sharp edges and to give your corsage a neat, professional finish.

Frequently asked questions