How to Make a Silk Wedding Corsage

Miniature silk orchids go well in wedding corsages.

Homemade silk corsages provide an attractive and lasting wedding memento. Silk flowers are lightweight and safe for guests who are sensitive to scent. The realistic appearance of quality silk flowers makes them an effective floral substitute. MarthaStewartWeddings.com suggests choosing the wearer's favorite flower or matching the corsages to the bridal bouquet. Though it may seem challenging, creating wedding corsages requires only a minor time investment and learning a couple of basic guidelines. Even a first-time corsage maker can create eye-catching corsages in time for the big day.

Things You'll Need

• Silk flowers, such as orchids, small calla lilies, rosebuds and baby's breath
• Ruler
• Wire cutters
• Floral tape
• Silk foliage, such as small fern fronds or leaves
• Scissors
• Corsage pins (such as pearl stick pins)

Instructions

1. Select an odd number of silk flowers. A single orchid or rose works well, or three rosebuds. Keep the corsage small, under 6 inches long and 4 inches wide.

2. Set the silk flower on the counter. Put one small silk bud or sprig of silk filler flowers such as baby's breath on each side of the main bloom. A silk orchid or calla lily works well with one leaf or fern behind it. For a group of three flowers, put the two small buds an inch lower than the main flower. Put the silk foliage behind the flowers.

3. Cut the stems to 3 inches long.

4. Wind the floral tape around the flower stems beginning below the petals. Wind the tape firmly to hold the stems together. Floral tape sticks to itself. Stretching the tape as you wind it helps the adhesive seal. Wind the tape all the way down the stems to cover them. Cut the tape at the bottom of the stems and press the end down against the stem.

5. 

   Lifelike silk roses make romantic wedding corsages.

   Place two corsage pins through the back of the stem to help attach the corsage.

Tips & Warnings

• Use as little floral tape as possible in order to keep the corsage light and reduce the risk of damaging the wearer's dress fabric.

• Limit the use of filler flowers and foliage to keep the focus on the main flower.

References

• Martha Stewart Wedding: Corsages
• Martha Stewart Wedding: Attaching Corsages
• Save on Crafts: How to Make a Corsage