If the word corsage brings to mind huge bulbs sitting on a scratchy wristband that turns and twists all night long, you’re not alone. That was what the trend was years ago. It was a piece that was given by smitten teens on their way to the prom or worn by your grandmother at a wedding reception (wedding corsages).
But as with everything, things have changed. Corsages aren’t what they used to be. They are dynamic works of art that reflect the personality of the person whose arm they adorn. How did corsages revamp their appeal? Keep reading!
History of Corsages
From adorning the bodices of dresses to being artistically entwined with accentuating jewelry, wedding corsages have continued to evolve over the years. In the 1800s these adornments weren’t work on the wrist at all. Instead, they were attached to the bodice of dresses much like a boutonniere is to a man’s lapel.
These flowers served more than one purpose. They were there to add beauty to the outfit, of course, but they were also worn to ward off evil spirits – it was thought that the scent of flowers kept demons at bay. Because of that superstition, they were often worn as part of wedding ceremonies, especially by the bride and the bridal party.
The early 1900s saw a change in the way that flowers were worn. Instead of being affixed to the bodice of dresses, corsages were moved to the shoulder. They were very large arrangements and were typically worn what we would consider upside down these days, with the bow facing upward instead of the blooms.
Over time the arrangements became smaller and smaller. By the time young men began giving their dates corsages for the prom, the flower that was pinned to the dress was actually a bloom picked from the bouquet that was given to the mother as a gift when she answered the door. As prom dresses changed so too did the corsage. Spaghetti straps ushered in the wristband arrangement we think of today.
And now corsages are changing again.
Wedding Corsage Styles
No, they aren’t moving to a place somewhere along the leg, but there are getting a remake of sorts. Corsages can still be worn on the wrist or dress but now gems and beads are being incorporated into the design, making this wearable flower a unique piece of jewelry art.
Artisans craft unique arm pieces using pliable metals to scale the forearm and accentuate the hand. Wedding corsages can also be worn in the hair, pinned to a bun or pulling hair away from the face in a side swoop.
Corsages are a symbol of importance. As with the weddings of old, wedding corsages are worn by a person of honor at an event. This means that wedding corsages can be worn for a wide range of experiences such as by the mother at a baby shower, the bride-to-be at a bridal shower, the mothers of the bride and the groom, the birthday girl at a birthday party, the honoree at an award event, and the list goes on.
Wedding Corsages
Corsages show that the woman wearing it is a special person at a certain event. As such, choosing the right corsage is very important. There are several things to take into account when choosing a corsage.
The color of the dress is perhaps the most important variable. If you know the color, work with a florist to find hues that will complement her outfit. If you don’t know the color of the dress, don’t worry! You can also go with a neutral color like white, cream, and peach. Those colors go with almost any other color.
The second thing to consider is size. Would she enjoy having a large corsage or small? Where would she wear it? You can get away with something bigger if it is to be worn in her hair.
Finally, what flowers does she like? Most corsages are prepared with roses, but that doesn’t mean you have to have that style. There are many different types of flowers that look great in a corsage such as orchids, chrysanthemums, calla lilies, and carnations. You could even choose an exotic flower in your corsage such as a Bird of Paradise. If the person you are buying the corsage for has a favorite flower, see how it can be worked into a corsage. She is sure to love it if the flower is something she is attracted to.
Corsages have stood the test of time, spanning centuries in their use and prominence. Adding them to an outfit carries with it the importance of the wearer and a rich history of appreciation. And today, it is considered wearable art.