Though the practice of wearing flowers goes back hundreds of years, many young people today think that corsages are old school… even cringe. But Hollywood tells us something different. In fact, the Oscars showed us that corsages are all the rage again with many different versions taking over the red carpet.
So if you have a formal wedding or event, or your teen has a school formal coming up, a corsage might be just the thing to take your look from average to extraordinary! But knowing the right corsage flowers to choose, where to buy the best corsages in Brisbane and how to wear them to the best effect is something we can help with.
Read on for our best corsage tips.
Types of corsages
Before we get started let’s talk about types of corsages. All corsages are small floral bouquets that are created to be worn. They often include a ribbon or other simple embellishments as well. Generally there are two types of corsages – pin corsages and wrist corsages.
Pin corsages
Pin corsages are the most traditional. They are generally worn pinned above the heart for men (and are sometimes then referred to as boutonnieres) or women, or worn at the waist for women.
Wrist corsages
Wrist corsages are more modern than traditional pin corsages. They’ve been a popular choice for decades because they’re comfortable and very convenient. And because they’re worn on the wrist like a bracelet, there’s no need to put pins into beautiful clothing.
Types of corsage flowers
When it comes to choosing your corsage flowers, almost any bloom can be used. But there are some that work best as corsage flowers. Usually smaller flowers are most suitable. And a range of colours always leads to more options. For example:
- Spray roses. Spray roses grow with multiple small flowers on one branch, which makes them perfect for small bouquets like corsages. They also come in a huge range of colours to suit any outfit.
- Button chrysanthemums. Mini mums are ideal for corsages, and come in beautiful hues of white, red, purple and even green.
- Lisianthus. Lisianthus has delicate bell-shaped blooms that are reminiscent of roses. They are also quite hardy and have a long life. This makes them perfect in corsages and boutonnieres.
Our Best Corsage Tips
When it comes time to choose your corsage (or choosing for your date), here are our best corsage tips!
Tips for choosing your corsage flowers
When it comes time to choose your corsage flowers, ask yourself a few questions.
- What is the colour of your outfit (or your date’s if you’re looking to match)? Finding corsage flowers in complementary colours is always a great idea.
- What are your favourite flowers? Will they work as corsage flowers? Again small flowers work best, but speak to your florist. Almost any type of flower can be part of a corsage.
- Will your flowers last? Corsages are floral jewellery, so you want to choose flowers that are hardy enough and long lasting.
Tips for storing your corsage flowers
Your corsage should be kept in the florist box for as long as possible, and stored in a cool place. The bottom drawer of your refrigerator is generally the best option to keep your flowers as fresh as possible for as long as possible. If you’re travelling, you can keep it in a small esky with an ice pack.
Tips for wearing your corsage
Wrist corsages are generally worn just above the wrist. As the majority of people are right handed, people tend to like to wear these in the left hand.
They’re typically secured with a ribbon. Simply place the corsage on the top of the wrist and then tie the ribbon at the bottom of the wrist with a bow.
Pinned corsages are typically pinned just under the left shoulder – or just over the heart. Most of the time, they’ll be pinned with the stem down, but not always. It certainly depends on the design. You should always just choose whatever looks best.
While most people don’t wear corsages pinned to the waist any longer, this more retro style is definitely having a resurgence, and can look absolutely stunning, particularly with strapless gowns or when you have a more dramatic neckline. Generally the corsage will be pinned on one side of the waist close to the hip at the natural waistline of the outfit.
When are corsages appropriate?
Corsages are always a beautiful choice for any formal events. But some of the most common are:
- School formals
- Weddings, particularly mother of the bride, mother of the groom and grandmothers on both sides
- Graduations
- Milestone birthdays
- Daddy-daughter dances
- Mother’s day luncheons or events
- Other formal dinners or events
As Vogue says, ‘A corsage is always a nice touch, no matter the occasion.’
Ask about our Corsage availability today!
If you’re ready to find your perfect school formal corsage, or corsage for another event, our team is ready to help! We know all the best (and have the freshest) corsage flowers. And we can create stunning designs to match your outfit, colour choice and personal style.
Corsages are just the floral jewellery you need to complete your formal outfit!