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Below you can find instructions on how to make a corsage and boutonniere, but first we like to explain exactly what they are, for those who are not familiar with them. Basically, there are few different kinds of corsages: pin-on corsages, wrist corsages and hand held nosegays. Popular flowers are mini (or sweetheart) roses, standard roses, dendrobium orchids, alstroemeria lilies and other small flowers such as cornflowers and freesia. A pin-on corsage is a small "bouquet usually consisting of two to five flowers. A wrist corsage is an elastic band attached to flowers (essentially a pin-on corsage arrangement) that can be worn as a bracelet. Hand held nosegays are corsages that are hand held.
Corsage and boutonnieres are worn for such occasions as prom and weddings. For prom night, a young lady typically presents her date with a boutonniere, which is a small flower for his lapel, most likely a rose or a carnation. It is usually tied with a ribbon that matches the corsage and dress to be worn for the special event. A boutonniere consists of one or two flowers that are pined to a suit or tuxedo lapel. If the flower bud is large enough, one flower should do just fine. While the boutonniere is worn exclusively on the lapel, a corsage can be worn almost anywhere. A corsage can be worn in your hair, over the shoulder, at the shoulder, in your hair, on your wrist, on your waist, on your hat, hem line, or even on a bag. Interestingly enough, proper etiquette indicates that no matter how you decide to wear your corsage, it is almost always worn on the left side. The boutonniere should be subtle enough to blend in with the tuxedo, yet still add a touch of class. Although there are a variety of flowers that you can use for corsages, there is no rule that says that you can’t use just one classic bloom; Gardenia is an excellent choice for its beauty, fragrance and a touch of class! Another trendy alternative to corsages for weddings are mini-posies. Three to five perfect blossoms all gathered together and tied with a luxurious ribbon or tucked into a Victorian Tussie-Mussie holder (nosegay) is very classy and elegant and very easy to make. Floral designers often work in odd numbers because it seems to be more pleasing to the eye. See instructions below on how to make a corsage. The process for making boutonnieres is similar to making a corsage (just use one or two flowers).
Corsage making instructions:
Corsages are usually decorated with greenery, filler, wire, wristlets, and/or ribbons. When making a corsage, you should consider the boutonniere flower that you want it to compliment. Although this is becoming more of a popular trend, it is not mandatory. For example, for weddings it is always nice for the Mother’s corsage to match the Father’s boutonniere, whether it is by using the same type, color, or style of flowers.
1) Choose three to five small boutonniere clusters. Trim down extra leaves from flowers so you have a clean stem to work with. Begin by holding flowers together, add greenery, and/or filler, and wire to the boutonniere clusters and then gather them together, alternating right to left, to form a pleasing shape. Be creative and use your best judgment on what looks best.
2) Use odd numbers; three to five medium boutonnieres is typical when making a corsage.
3) Using green floral tape, tape the stems and wire together. Note: You may want to leave the stems loose at the bottom, to create a �hand-tied� look, or satin wrap them with ribbon for a more formal look.
4) Trim stem ends and wires to desired length. Floral tape the whole length of the corsage stem to secure.
5) Fine details such as ribbon may now be added. This is optional depending on the look that is to be achieved and the flowers used. If you like, a small bow may be added to the left-bottom side of the corsage (use a glue gun to secure ribbon). The stem of the corsage can then be satin-wrapped with ribbon, fully or partially, again, depending upon the look that you want to achieve.
6) Attach to a wristlet (if making a wrist corsage) or leave as a pin-on.
7) Insert two large decorative-headed corsage pins into the back of the corsage, up through the stem.
8) Pinning the corsage: Always place the corsage on with the flowers on top, just like they grow. Insert the pin horizontally into the fabric of the dress, back through the fabric and slide the pin over the stem (around the middle) and then back through and out of the fabric. This not only holds the corsage securely, but creates four holes in the dress. Make sure the flower is pinned in a comfortable place, not too close to her face and where it won’t be crushed when dancing. If a strapless dress is worn, it is acceptable for the lady to pin her corsage onto her handbag.
9) Pinning the boutonniere: A gentleman’s boutonniere should be placed on his lapel at the buttonhole or where it should be. Holding the flower in place, insert the pin into his jacket, then up through the fabric and flower stem and back into and out of the fabric. Enjoy!
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