Creating Silk Wrist Corsages For Your Wedding Day

Flowers have been used to decorate special occasions since Ancient Greece, and they're a wonderful way to add a pop of colour to your wedding. Wrist corsages are a beautiful, elegant accessory for the bride, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, and grandmothers. They're also a great way to include your guests in the creative process and can be made with silk flowers and satin ribbon. You can also use fresh flowers, but be sure to make the corsages as close to the wedding as possible.

Choosing the right silk flowers

When it comes to choosing the right silk flowers for your wrist corsage, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select flowers that complement the colour scheme of your wedding. Silk flowers come in a wide range of colours, from rich burgundies and deep blues to light and airy yellows and pinks. You can also find flowers in more neutral tones, such as ivory and mocha. If you're looking to add some sparkle to your corsage, consider choosing flowers with added crystals or pearls.

Another factor to consider is the size of the flowers. For a wrist corsage, you'll want to choose flowers that are not too large. The largest flowers can be used for a bouquet or another floral arrangement, while the middle-sized and smaller flowers are more suitable for a corsage. You'll typically need around three medium-sized flowers and a handful of petite wildflowers or other fillers for each corsage.

It's also important to think about the overall look you're going for. Most wrist corsages feature three to five flowers, but you can use more or fewer depending on your preference. If you're making corsages for multiple people, you may want to customise each one slightly to suit the wearer's dress or attire.

When selecting your silk flowers, it's a good idea to choose a variety of types and colours to create an interesting and well-rounded floral arrangement. You can also mix and match silk flowers with fresh flowers or artificial foam flowers for a unique look.

Lastly, consider the durability of the silk flowers. Silk flowers are generally quite robust and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, if you're concerned about the flowers holding up over time, you may want to opt for artificial foam flowers, which are known for their durability.

Using a bracelet or ribbon

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need:

• A bracelet or ribbon that fits snugly on your wrist. You can use an old bracelet, lace, or coordinating ribbon.
• Flowers: Choose 3-5 sturdy flowers that are close to fully blooming. Roses, lilies, and sunflowers are good options.
• Filler flowers: Baby's breath or other small flowers to add fullness and highlight the colour.
• Wire cutters or scissors.
• Floral wire and tape.
• Hot glue gun (optional).

Step 2: Prepare the Flowers

Cut the flower stems to about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) below the bud. If any stems are too short, add wire to lengthen them. Bind each stem with floral wire and tape, starting from the top and working down. This will make it easier to position the flowers later.

Step 3: Assemble the Corsage

Tape the main flowers together in a bundle, then do the same for the filler flowers. Combine the two bundles, taping or wiring them together. If using any trinkets or accents, attach them at this stage.

Step 4: Attach the Bracelet or Ribbon

Place the bracelet or ribbon in the centre of the flower bundles and attach it with floral wire. Ensure the flowers are pointing towards the elbow. If using a hot glue gun, hold the flowers and wrist piece together until the glue sets.

Step 5: Create a Bow (Optional)

You can add a bow to your wrist corsage for extra flair. Use thin ribbon to create six loops, then cut the ends at an angle. Remove the loops from your hand, wrap the centre with another piece of ribbon, and tie tightly. Pull out each loop and twist it, alternating directions, to create a puffy bow. Attach the bow to the flowers and bracelet/ribbon with floral wire.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

Check the fit of your wrist corsage. It should be snug but not too tight. Adjust as needed by moving the flowers or adjusting the bracelet/ribbon.

Your silk wrist corsage is now complete and ready to be worn at the wedding!

Trimming stems and taping

Trimming the stems and taping is an important step in creating a silk wrist corsage. This step ensures the flowers are securely fastened and creates a neat, professional finish.

Begin by gathering your chosen silk flowers and arranging them into a mini bouquet. Try this arrangement on your wrist, making adjustments until you are happy with the design. Once you have decided on the final arrangement, use wire to tie the stems together securely. You can then use wire cutters to trim the stems, cutting them down to size so that they sit just below the base of the flower blossoms. It is better to cut the stems slightly longer than you need at this stage, as you can always trim them down further if required.

The next step is to wrap the stems and wire with floral tape. This step serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps to conceal the wire, giving your corsage a neat and tidy appearance. Secondly, it protects the wearer's hands from any sharp edges. Finally, it provides a professional finish to your design.

After taping, your silk wrist corsage is almost complete. The final step is to attach your mini bouquet to a rope, ribbon, or bracelet, using a hot glue gun to secure it in place.

Attaching the mini bouquet

Now it's time to attach your mini bouquet to your wrist piece. You can use a rope, ribbon, or bracelet—if you're upcycling old jewellery, braided or corded pieces work best as they give hot glue something to grip onto. Use a hot glue gun to secure the mini bouquet to your chosen wrist piece. Hold the two together until the glue sets.

If you're using fresh flowers, you can create a bouquet with three roses, add some leaves, then tie them with wire. Cut off the stems, tape the ends, and glue the mini bouquet onto a bracelet or ribbon.

For silk flowers, you can use a satin ribbon as the main material. You can use any colour or form of ribbon to create a unique corsage.

If you're using elastic, you can create a bracelet base with a velcro strip. Join flowers and any additional flair, like rhinestones, together and glue them to the bracelet.

Corsage placement

The placement of a wrist corsage is largely a matter of tradition and convenience. Typically, a wrist corsage is worn on the left wrist, as most people are right-handed. This is, however, only a recommendation and not a rule. The wearer can choose to wear the corsage on whichever wrist they prefer—right or left.

The placement of the corsage can also be influenced by the style of the dress. For example, if the wearer's dress has spaghetti straps or is strapless, they may choose to adjust the position of the corsage to complement the style of the dress.

In addition to the wrist, corsages can also be pinned to the dress or top, typically on the left side and attached to the shoulder strap. This option provides flexibility in terms of placement, allowing the wearer to choose the most aesthetically pleasing or comfortable position.

Ultimately, the placement of a wrist corsage should be guided by what makes the most sense for the individual and the unique occasion they are celebrating.

Frequently asked questions