Creating Corsages And Boutonnieres: A Simple Wedding Guide

Corsages and boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that hold significant meaning at weddings. They are traditionally worn by VIPs and important guests, such as the parents and grandparents of the couple, as well as the wedding party. While not mandatory, they are a great way to honour and recognise special guests and are usually presented before the ceremony. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create simple corsages and boutonnieres for a wedding.

Choosing flowers and colours

When choosing flowers and colours for your wedding corsages and boutonnieres, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that while these floral arrangements are not mandatory, they are a great way to honour and recognise the most important people in your life on your wedding day. They also help guests identify the wedding party and close family members. Traditionally, the groom's family buys the bridal bouquet, corsages and boutonnieres, and these are usually given to mothers and grandmothers, although they are becoming more gender-neutral.

When selecting flowers and colours, it is a good idea to try to match the colour of the arrangements with the outfit of the person who will be wearing them. If an exact match is not possible, aim for complementary colours. You can also add special touches such as ribbons, rhinestones and leaves. It is also a nice idea to buy the corsage or boutonniere for your partner as a gift, to make them feel special and show respect for their likes and dislikes.

In terms of the types of flowers to choose, it is best to opt for flowers that are in season and to set a budget. You may want to choose flowers that have a special meaning or personal attachment to you and your partner, or select flowers that you have always wanted for your arrangement. Corsages and boutonnieres typically use three or four different kinds of blooms, and you can add something from your own garden to make it more personal. For boutonnieres, you will need a lateral greenery (a long line of greenery), two filler flowers with smaller blooms, and one to two focal flowers, which are the main stars of the show. For corsages, you will need one to two focal flowers, as well as filler flowers and greenery.

Remember that the boutonniere and corsage combo for the couple should complement each other, with the groom's boutonniere and the bride's corsage being individually different from those of the wedding party. If you have bridesmen, they should receive boutonnieres featuring different colours or flowers from the groomsmen.

Corsage and boutonniere design

Corsages and boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that hold significant meaning. They are traditionally worn by VIPs and important guests at a wedding, such as the parents and grandparents of the couple, the wedding party, and the officiants.

Corsage Design

Corsages are small flower arrangements that are either pinned to the bodice of a dress or tied around the wrist with a ribbon. When designing a corsage, it is important to consider the outfit of the wearer. For example, if the wearer is dressed in something flowy and delicate, it is best to keep the arrangement light to avoid damaging the fabric.

To make a corsage, you will need:

• Flowers and greenery: Choose one to two focal flowers, such as roses or orchids, and some filler flowers, such as baby's breath or statice.
• Floral tape
• Florist's wire
• Corsage pins
• Ribbon
• Wristlet (if making a wrist corsage)

Steps to make a corsage:

• Cut the stems of your flowers and greenery down to 1.5 inches in length.
• Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stems.
• Layer one to two stems of greens behind your focal flower and secure them with floral tape.
• Add a filler flower between the greenery and focal flower, and secure with more tape.
• Add a second, larger filler flower if desired, and secure it with tape.
• Tie a bow with the ribbon and attach it to the stems with tape.
• Continue layering greenery, focal flowers, and fillers until you achieve the desired look.
• Finish by wrapping the stems with ribbon, starting from the bottom of the taped stems up to the base of the flowers, and secure with a knot.
• Attach the corsage to a wristlet or add a pin to the ribbon-tied stems, depending on your preference.

Boutonniere Design

Boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that are typically affixed to the wearer's clothing. They are usually inserted into the buttonhole of a suit jacket's left lapel or pinned to the left lapel.

To make a boutonniere, you will need:

• Flowers and greenery: Choose a lateral greenery, such as myrtle stems, two filler flowers with smaller blooms, and one to two focal flowers.
• Floral tape
• Florist's wire
• Ribbon
• Pins

Steps to make a boutonniere:

• Cut the stems of your flowers and greenery to 1.5 inches in length.
• Remove any leaves and foliage from the lower half of the stems to make room for the tape.
• Arrange one to two stems of lateral greenery behind your focal flower and secure with tape.
• Add a stem of filler between the greenery and focal flower to add dimension, and secure with more tape.
• Continue layering greenery, focal flowers, and fillers until you achieve the desired look, taping the stems together as you go.
• Finish by wrapping the taped stems in ribbon, starting from the bottom and working upwards, and secure with a knot.
• Add a pin to the back of the boutonniere so it can be affixed to the wearer's clothing.

How to attach corsages and boutonnieres

Attaching a corsage or boutonnière is a simple process, but it requires care and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach corsages and boutonnieres:

Attaching a Boutonnière:

The word "boutonnière" means "buttonhole" in French. While it was traditionally inserted into the buttonhole of a suit jacket's left lapel, it is now more commonly pinned just above the buttonhole with the stem down. Here are the steps to attach a boutonnière:

• Take the first pin and push it through the left lapel from the back.
• Weave the pin through the wide base of the boutonnière, where the flowers are gathered and wrapped.
• Push the pin back through the lapel.
• (Optional) If there will be dancing or any other active movements, use a second pin for added security. Use the same technique, but this time start at the top and push the pin down through the lapel from the back.
• Weave the pin through the stem and push it back through the lapel.

Attaching a Corsage:

The word "corsage" means "bodice of a dress" in French, and it is typically worn by female-identifying guests. Corsages can be pinned to the bodice of a dress or tied to the wrist with a ribbon. Here are the steps to attach a corsage:

• Hold the corsage against the wearer's chest, just below the left shoulder. Consider the neckline of the outfit and any jewellery they will be wearing. Ask the wearer if they plan on keeping their jacket or shawl on so you can pin through both pieces of clothing. If the fabric is sheer, look for something stiffer to pin through, like a bra strap.
• While holding the corsage in place, push the first pin through the fabric, out of the fabric, and then push it up through the stem.
• Add a second pin for security. Direct this pin downward instead of upward.
• Once again, go in through the fabric, out, and then pin straight down through the stem.

General Tips for Attaching Corsages and Boutonnières:

• When attaching corsages and boutonnières, it is important to consider the overall outfit and jewellery of the wearer.
• For delicate outfits, try pinning through the fabric and a bra strap to provide more support.
• If you are worried about the pin pricking the wearer's skin, place a rubber earring back on the sticky part near their skin.
• It is recommended to attach corsages and boutonnières no earlier than the day before the event to preserve the freshness of the flowers.

Who should wear them

Corsages and boutonnieres are a great way to honour special people at your wedding. They are traditionally only presented to and worn by VIPs, but ultimately the choice is yours. Here is a list of people who commonly wear corsages and boutonnieres at weddings:

Who Wears a Boutonniere?

Traditionally, boutonnieres are worn by those who identify as male, but anyone wearing a suit may wear one. Here are some people who commonly wear boutonnieres:

• The groom
• Groomsmen
• Father of the bride/groom
• Grandfathers
• Ring bearers
• Ushers
• Male officiants
• Other male family members or close friends

Who Wears a Corsage?

Traditionally, corsages are worn by female-identifying guests, but anyone can wear one. Here are some people who commonly wear corsages:

• Mother of the bride/groom
• Grandmothers
• Bridesmaids
• Female ushers or greeters
• Female officiants
• Other female family members or close friends

How to preserve them

Preserving your wedding flowers is a great way to keep a souvenir or keepsake of lifelong memories. Here are some ways to preserve your wedding corsages and boutonnieres:

Refrigeration

Keep your flowers hydrated by cutting an inch off the bottom of the stems and freshening the water in their buckets the night before you plan to start making your arrangements. This will ensure the flowers are well-hydrated before you begin.

Hairspray

Spraying your flowers with hairspray is a common way to preserve them. This method will help to keep the petals from wilting and can add a light layer of protection.

Silica Gel

Using silica gel is another effective way to preserve your flowers. This method involves placing the flowers in a container with silica gel, which will absorb the moisture from the flowers, helping to keep their shape and colour.

Floral Tape, Wire and Ribbon

When making your corsages and boutonnieres, you can use floral tape and wire to secure the stems and add ribbon for a decorative touch. These materials will help to keep your flowers in place and can be used to create beautiful, long-lasting arrangements.

Choosing the Right Flowers

When selecting your flowers, opt for sturdy and durable blooms that can withstand being made into arrangements a few days in advance. Flowers such as poppies, roses and hydrangeas are ideal as they are sturdy and can survive being transported and accidentally squished.

Frequently asked questions