How to Make Corsages for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom

Weddings can’t be too beautiful: follow these useful and simple guidelines to learn how to make special corsages for both the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom. This corsage can also be made for additional special occasions such as Mother's Day, Christmas or a prom.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Florist Wires
• Artificial Flowers And Greenery
• Baby's Breath
• Floral Pins
• Fresh Flowers
• Fresh Or Artificial Greenery
• Green Floral Tape
• Hot Glue Guns
• Hot Glue Sticks
• Scissors
• Wire Cutters
• 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch satin ribbon
• 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch silk ribbon

1. Ask the mothers of the bride and groom what colors they will be wearing to the wedding. If they plan to coordinate their clothing with the colors of the wedding, then make the corsages to match the other arrangements. If not, make corsages that coordinate with the colors each is wearing.
2. Incorporate the same type of flowers into the corsages as will be used for the wedding. If roses will be predominant in the floral arrangements, use roses for the corsages.
3. Use between one and eight fresh or artificial flowers for each corsage. The number of flowers used will depend on the size of the flowers and the desired corsage size. For example, a corsage that uses one or two orchids is comparable in size to one made with four or five roses.
4. Order fresh flowers well in advance of the wedding. This will insure that the desired flowers are available when you need them.
5. Use artificial flowers for the corsage if fresh flowers are not available or for last-minute needs. Artificial flowers can also make wonderful keepsakes without the need for special preservation methods.
6. Experiment with the placement of the corsage flowers before you cut or tape any stems. They can form a cross between an oval and a diamond shape, or they can be in a relatively straight line. Determine whether you want stems to show from the bottom of the arrangement.
7. Use green floral tape to attach the stems of greenery and other filler items, such as baby's breath, to each individual flower. Arrange these elements as you would with a boutonniere ' baby's breath placed between the greenery and flower. Trim stems as needed.
8. Begin to attach one flower to the next according to the pattern determined in step 6. Tape stem to stem as you go and wrap the stems completely with floral tape.
9. Add any additional greenery or baby's breath, plus a 1/2- or 1/4-inch silk or satin ribbon bow, attached with a hot glue gun or florist wire.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep cut flowers cool and moist until you are ready to use them. Avoid picking up your flowers too far in advance.
• Use greenery and baby's breath sparingly. Keep the focus on the flowers.
• Keep the size of each corsage in proportion to the wearer.
• Avoid excessive wrapping with the floral tape. This may cause the corsage to be too heavy to wear without causing the clothing to pucker or pull. Use two corsage pins, if necessary - one at each end of the corsage.
• Avoid adding weight to the corsage by using a little bit of florist wire to attach the greenery and filler to each individual flower, then tape the stems together as in step 8.