WEDDING CORSAGEs: WHAT ARE THE RULES AND WHO WEARS THEM?
Traditionally, corsages are made of flowers that are also used in the bridal bouquet. This creates harmony throughout the event and ensures that the bride and groom (or bride and bride, groom and groom or any combination thereof) are in floral harmony as well as marital harmony. Corsages often contain some greenery as well as flowers, but this isn't necessary and depends on your taste. You wear the corsage close to your heart, so let it speak for itself!
The groom is the most obvious candidate for a corsage and traditionally wears the largest one. Other common corsage wearers include the parents or guardians of the bride and groom, the witnesses and the master of ceremonies.
the difference between corsages for men and women
In traditional corsage etiquette, men wear their corsage on the left lapel, at heart level, with the stem down (and the flowers up). Ladies officially wear their corsage on the left, but with the stem up (and the flowers down). Female guests can also wear the corsage in their hair or around the wrist if they wish. You absolutely don't have to follow etiquette (although it can be helpful to know the traditional 'done thing' just in case!) - simply let your heart speak and wear your corsage as you like!
WEDDING CORSAGE INSPIRATION
Are you looking for inspiration for a corsage for the groom (or bride!) or for your wedding guests? Get inspired by the 5 corsages below.
1. a cool, romantic wedding CORSAGE WEDDING
Looking for a romantic yet cool and stylish look? Then choose the soft colour combination of pink, blue-green and white. Think flowers such as astrantia, blue thistle and lady-in-the-green.
2. a CLASSIC RED WEDDING CORSAGE
If you prefer a bright colour and flowers that radiates passion choose a red corsage, with flowers such as red rose, hypericum and skimmia. You could combine the red flowers with green branches for a nice contrast. This corsage is perfect for an autumn wedding!
3. A CLASSIC WHITE WEDDING CORSAGE
Looking for a classic, stylish corsage that matches any outfit? Then opt for the timeless, serene combination of white rose and white baby's breath. This is a corsage to say 'yes' to. For a fresh effect, combine the white flowers with a sprig of greenery.
4. A BLUE WEDDING CORSAGE
It might not be the 'standard' but this blue wedding corsage is terribly stylish and bound to impress. Choose flowers such as dyed craspedia, dried scabiosa and blue thistle. If necessary, add green sprigs and/or some white hypericum for colour contrast. This corsage is perfect for a subtle 'something blue', if you're adhering to that tradition.
5. a COLOURFUL WEDDING CORSAGE
If you want your wedding day to celebrate all things colourful and festive, choose a corsage with flowers in a variety of bright colours. Think waxflower, roses, delphinium, chrysanthemum, blue thistle and craspedia. Smiles are sure to shine extra brightly when faced with all that cheerful colour.
how to keep your wedding corsage looking fresh for the entire day
- Choose hardy, long-lasting flowers such as rose, calla, carnation, orchid, craspedia, gypsophila and gerbera. If you're not sure about which flowers have the best longevity, ask your florist for advice.
- Don't make a corsage too big, as this makes it more likely to hang lower or twist faster.
- To prevent the corsage from drooping, gentlemen can fasten the corsage in the buttonhole of their jacket.
- By choosing corsages with a magnet instead of a pin, you'll avoid having to poke a hole in your clothes.
- Match your corsage to the season and choose seasonal flowers and seasonal colours. A corsage in warm shades is perfect for autumn, while a corsage in bright colours is ideal for a summer wedding.
- If you want to personalise your corsage and add extra decoration, you could add a decorative pin in the shape of a pearl, diamond or heart.
MAKE YOUR OWN WEDDING CORSAGES
You can of course have your wedding corsages made by a florist, but you can also make them yourself. Wondering how? Check out the essentials and our step-by-step plan below.
MAKE YOUR OWN WEDDING CORSAGE: you will need
- Flowers (and/or plants) of your choice
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Glue
- Florist's tape or string
- Pretty ribbon that matches the colour of the flowers in the corsage.
- A corsage magnet (or corsage pin). If you use a magnet, make sure it is strong enough to hold the corsage.
- Optional: decorative pin
how to make your own wedding corsage
- Make sure you have a clean work surface with enough space, such as a table or worktop.
- Ensure the flowers, twigs and leaves are clean. Remove any thorns or unsightly leaves. Cut the flowers, leaving about 5 centimetres of stem, so that you have space to tie the stems together later.
- Arrange the flowers as you wish. Lay down any twigs first, and place the flower(s) on top. You need precision to get everything in the right place!
- Once you're happy with the corsage, it's time to tie the flowers together. Wrap florist's tape (or string) around the flowers several times.
- Place the corsage pin or corsage magnet on back of the corsage, and wrap around the corsage twice more with florist tape or string.
- Wrap a pretty ribbon around the florist tape.
more wedding inspiration
Can't get enough of wedding inspiration? Check out these four wedding bouquets for every season, discover this wedding bouquet with dried flowers, or get inspired by the most beautiful bouquets to give as gifts on your wedding day or on your wedding anniversary.
