How to Pin a Corsage on a Gown

Pinning on a corsage can be tricky.

When that special event rolls around, whether it be a wedding, prom or anniversary, be sure you know how to pin a corsage on a gown properly. You don't want to wound your date or damage your date's dress. A few simple steps will make you a star at pinning on the mini flower arrangement, and you can smirk at the guys who chickened out and went for the wrist corsage.

Things You'll Need

• Corsage
• Corsage pins

Instructions

1. Hold the corsage in your hand with the flowers facing toward you. The corsage goes on your date's left side and looks good about 4 inches from the left shoulder. Place the corsage in that spot or in an area in that vicinity that's comfortable for your date. Angle the flowers slightly away from your date's face.

2. Insert the pin through the fabric at the bottom left of the corsage stem, and weave it out of the fabric and then over the corsage stem at an angle. Be careful not to prick yourself or your date or damage the gown.

3. Guide the pin over the stem into the gown's fabric on the other side of the stem, and weave it back out of the fabric. Make sure the pin isn't jutting out or poking your date. The stem and the pin should resemble an "x" and not a "+."

4. Weave a second pin over the corsage stem, starting at the top left corner to the stem. Two pins will hold the corsage in place and prevent it from sagging.

5. Carry extra pins in their original packaging in your suit coat. If the corsage starts to fall or if a pin falls out, you'll have extra pins to secure the corsage in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out from your date ahead of time if she'll be wearing a silk dress or another delicate fabric. Opt for a wrist corsage in that case, so the fabric won't get damaged.

References

• Martha Stewart Weddings: Corsages
• Dr. Dave and Dee: Corsage Pinning
• Modern Manners and Etiquette: Corsage Etiquette: To Pin or Not To Pin