How to Make a Corsage

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: August 4, 2024 Fact Checked

To save money when planning for a special occasion, learn how to make a corsage on your own. Corsages add color and a festive flair to baby showers, bridal showers, weddings and all kinds of other special events.

Things You Should Know

Clip each flower stem back to 1 inch, push the wire through each stem base, and wrap them in florist’s tape before gathering them like a bouquet.
Make a bow with wire and ribbon, holding the ribbon loops together by pinching with them the wire.
Assemble the corsage by attaching the bow, optionally wrapping ribbon around the stems, and sticking a florist’s pin through the bouquet base.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Dress the Flowers

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You'll need 3 to 4 blooms unless you're working with extraordinarily large flowers.^{[1]
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Look for the substantial part of the flower where the bloom meets the stem. Pull the wire through until half sticks out of 1 side and half sticks out of the other side.
The second wire should be at a 90-degree angle to the other wire so that you create an "X."
Use one hand to spin the flower as you slowly release the tape with the other hand.
Be careful not to spray too heavily on dark flowers or you will cause them to look patchy.
Consider attractive color combinations, and vary the heights of the blooms.^{[2]
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Tight buds, greenery, baby's breath or other less dominating flowers make good filler around the main blooms.^{[3]
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Use one hand to spin the bouquet so that the florist's tape wraps around and covers the entire set of stems.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Make the Bow

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Lay the wire down on a flat surface.
The ribbon should be about 1/4" to 1/2" (6 mm to 12 mm) wide.
The loop should be about 2/3 of the width of your corsage. When you've finished the loop, twist it at the base to make it more secure.
Generally, 4 to 6 loops will do for a corsage.
Place the pinched loops against the wire at the wire's midpoint.
Using your other hand, twist the wire ends to secure the loops.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Assemble the Corsage

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1
Decide whether you want to wrap the stem of your corsage with ribbon or to leave the wrapped stems exposed.
- If you wrap the ribbon around the stem:
  - If you decide to wrap the stems with ribbon, position the wrapped loops at the base of the flower and wrap the stems around the ribbon going downward toward the end of the stem.
  - Wrap the stems again going back upward toward the base of the flower.
  - Cut the ribbon with a pair of scissors when you are finished. Leave a length of about 1-1/2 to 2" (4 to 5 cm) at the end.
  - Tie the loose ends of the ribbon together rightly to secure the bow to the bouquet. Wrap a loop of florist's tape around the tied ends if that will make you feel that they are more secure. If you've used silk flowers, use a dab of hot glue instead of tape.
- If you decide not to wrap the stems in ribbon:
  - Cut the ribbon, leaving a 1/2 to 2" (4 to 5 cm) tail.
  - The ends of the ribbon behind the bouquet. Tie them tightly to secure the bow to the blooms. Add florist's tape or hot glue, if needed, for extra security.
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If you use a plastic resealable bag, blow air into the bag before you seal it so that the blooms aren't crushed by the bag.
5
Store the corsage until you're ready to transport it.
- If you've used fresh flowers, refrigerate the corsage until you're ready to transport it.
- If you've used silk flowers, then place the corsage in a cool, dry place so that it won't fade in the light.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I make a wristband corsage?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

Assemble the corsage as directed in the article, and add a 12" (30 cm) ribbon through the middle of the corsage. Tie it securely to the flower stems. There will be enough ribbon to tie the corsage to the average wrist of 6.5" (16.5 cm).

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Tips

If you're using fresh flowers, make your corsage on the day of the event for the best appearance.

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To keep your corsage after using it, such as for a memento, check out the wikiHow How to Preserve a Corsage.

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