Creating Beautiful Wrist Corsages For Weddings

Wedding wrist corsages are a beautiful accessory for the bridal party and can be a fun DIY project. You can use fresh flowers, faux flowers, or a combination of both to create a unique and elegant design. The process is simple and only requires a few basic supplies, such as flowers, ribbon or string, floral wire, and tape. With some creativity and attention to detail, you can make stunning wrist corsages that will complement the wedding attire and add a special touch to your big day.

Choosing flowers and foliage

When choosing flowers and foliage for your wedding wrist corsage, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select flowers that are hardy and not too large. Look for flowers with sturdy stems that can be easily trimmed and wrapped with wire and floral tape. Examples of flowers that work well for wrist corsages include roses, orchids, gardenias, lisianthus, freesia, dahlias, gerberas, and foam roses. You can also add fillers such as gypsophila, lavender, stephanotis, or wildflowers to add interest and texture to your arrangement.

In addition to flowers, you'll also want to choose some greenery to complement your chosen blooms. Greenery options can include rosemary, eucalyptus, ivy, or other types of leafy foliage. When selecting your greenery, look for pieces with sturdy stems that can be easily trimmed and wrapped. You'll want to trim each sprig down to about 2-3 inches in length.

Another consideration when choosing your flowers and foliage is colour. You may want to select flowers that complement your wedding colour scheme or the attire of the wearer. For a cohesive look, choose flowers in similar colour families or opt for a designer flower box that comes with flowers in a carefully curated colour palette. This will make it easier to create a beautiful arrangement without having to worry about clashing colours.

The size of the flowers and foliage is also important. As mentioned earlier, you'll want to avoid flowers that are too large, as they may overwhelm the wrist. Look for medium-sized flowers or use smaller blooms as fillers around a larger focal point flower. You can also add interest and texture by incorporating flowers of different shapes and sizes.

Lastly, consider the availability and seasonality of the flowers you choose. If you're using fresh flowers, you'll want to select varieties that are in season and readily available to ensure they look their best on your wedding day. Creating your wrist corsage no sooner than the day before the wedding will also help keep the flowers fresh.

Preparing flowers

Preparing the flowers is the first step in making a wrist corsage. The types and colours of flowers you choose are entirely up to you, but it's recommended to use 1 to 3 hardy flowers, 1-2 types of greenery, and a filler flower. You can also add in some smaller flowers to accentuate the design. A statement flower, such as a rose, lisianthus, freesia, dahlia, gerbera, or orchid, is a good option for a focal point.

Once you've chosen your flowers, you'll need to prepare them for the corsage. Cut the stems down to around 2-3cm, removing any thorns, leaves, or petals that look unsightly. You should also remove any excess greenery. If you're using roses, remove the guard petals. Then, place the blooms in water until you're ready to assemble the corsage. For any greenery, trim each sprig down to about three inches.

If you're using a statement flower, you'll need to prepare it separately. Cut the stem to measure 2 inches long, then pierce the base of the flower with an unwrapped wire and thread it all the way through. Bend the wire in half so it frames either side of the flower stem. You can then add in some leaves and secure them with tape.

Now your flowers are ready to be assembled into a mini bouquet. Layer the flat green leaf first, then add the other greenery, and finally, the statement flower on top with some fillers. Position them roughly how you want them to sit on your wrist. You can always rearrange the flowers, add more, or take some away until you're happy with the design.

Adding wire to stems

• Cut the flower stems: Using a pair of sharp scissors or wire cutters, trim the flower stems to the desired length. The ideal length will depend on the size of your flowers and the overall design of the corsage. For most wrist corsages, you will want to cut the stems fairly short, leaving only about 1/2 to 1 inch of the stem directly underneath the flower bud. This will help create a neat and compact mini bouquet.
• Prepare the floral wire: Cut the floral wire into small pieces, approximately 5 cm in length. You will need one piece of wire for each flower stem. The wire should be thin and flexible enough to wrap around the stems without breaking.
• Wrap the wire around the stems: Take one piece of 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 strengthen the stem and provide a base for the floral tape. Bend any excess wire downwards so that it is not visible.
• Secure the wire: Once you have wrapped the wire around the stem, you can secure it in place by twisting or bending the ends of the wire. This will ensure that the wire does not unravel or come loose.
• Repeat for each stem: Continue adding wire to each stem in the same manner. This process will provide support and structure to the entire mini bouquet.
• Finish with floral tape: After you have added wire to all the stems, you can finish them by wrapping floral tape around the wire. This will help protect your skin from any sharp edges and give a neat and professional look to your corsage.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a sturdy and secure base for your wrist corsage. The wire will provide flexibility, allowing you to adjust and move the flowers into your desired position. Adding wire to the stems is a crucial step in creating a beautiful and long-lasting floral accessory for your wedding or special event.

Adding floral tape

Floral tape is an essential component when making a wrist corsage. It helps to bind the stems and wire together, giving the arrangement a neat and professional finish. The tape also serves a practical purpose, protecting the wearer's hands from any sharp edges.

When adding floral tape to your wrist corsage, start by wrapping it around the wire. Cut 5cm lengths of floral wire for each stem, and use this to strengthen them. Place the wire across the top of the stem, crossing it around the back and twisting it together. Then, use the floral tape to cover the wire, protecting your skin from any sharp edges. Repeat this process for each stem, ensuring they are all neatly wrapped.

Once you have taped all the stems, it's time to assemble the primary blooms. Gather the main flowers you are using and tape them together into one bundle. If you are using filler flowers, tape their stems together separately and then bind the two bundles together with wire. Trim the ends of the wire and finish by wrapping the whole arrangement in floral tape.

The final step is to attach your mini bouquet to the wristlet, ribbon, or bracelet. Use florist wire to secure the bundle of flowers to your chosen base, ensuring the stems are pointing towards the elbow. Now your wrist corsage is almost complete! The final step is to add a ribbon or string to form a bow, using wire or glue to hold its shape.

Arranging flowers into a mini bouquet

Firstly, select your flowers and foliage. You will need a statement flower, such as a rose, orchid, or lisianthus, and some fillers like gypsophila or petite wildflowers. Don't forget to include some greenery, such as rosemary, eucalyptus, or ivy. Cut the stems down to around 2-3 cm, removing any thorns, leaves, or unsightly petals. You can also add in some colourful ribbon or string to complement your flowers.

Now, it's time to start building your mini bouquet. Layer the greenery first, then add your statement flower and fillers. Play around with the arrangement until you are happy with how it looks. You can try the bouquet on your wrist to see how it sits and make any adjustments. You may want to add more flowers or fillers, or perhaps take some away.

Once you are satisfied with your design, it's time to secure the arrangement. Use floral wire to strengthen each stem, wrapping it around neatly and bending any excess wire downwards. Then, use floral tape to wrap around the wire, protecting your skin from any sharp edges and giving a neat finish.

Finally, use thin ribbon or string to wrap around the stems, covering any remaining tape. Leave the ends of the ribbon long enough so that you can attach your mini bouquet to the main ribbon or wristband.

Your mini bouquet is now ready to be attached to your wrist! Simply cut a piece of ribbon long enough to wrap around your wrist and form a bow. Attach your bouquet to the centre of the ribbon, and then tie it onto your wrist, ensuring the bow sits on the same side as the flowers.

And there you have it – a beautiful, handmade wrist corsage to complement your wedding outfit or to give as a gift to someone special.

Frequently asked questions