Corsages nowadays are getting more and more stylish and fashion influenced. It has come a long way since the rose bud button holes and the carnation wrapped in tin foil. Now people want corsages to match their clothes, jackets or dresses, and in responce to that we can see an ever increasing array of designs in the flower-to-wear department.

Wrist corsage (left) and dahlia buttonhole mixed with hydrangea floret (right)

Generally speaking, flower-to-wear items are divided into two categories, the corsage and the buttonhole. Buttonholes usually consist of single blooms or buds simply deocorated. They are usually for men. Corsages are comparatively bigger, more flamboyant and are usually for ladies. Some ladies would prefer to have wrists corsages as lapel corsages may tear the fabric on delicate clothing items.

Elaborate vanda corsage (left),and elegant single calla lily buttonhole (right)

But as fashion evolves, the boundaries between corsages and buttonholes are becoming less distinct. Depending on the event, they can be very extravagant or extremely simple. In other words, as long as the item can last for more than a few hours, anything goes.

Scabiosa and lawn daisy corsage (left), and bog primula and gold flke buttonhole (right)

Usually corsages and buttonholes are made with flowers that can survive without water for a day or so, but in reality it depends much on the weather, the duration as well as the way they are worn. A delicate lawn daisy corsage can easily outlast an orchid corsage if it is in winter, and a buttonhole of pale colour can easily be bruised if worn without care. So these factors have to be taken into consideration when choosing any flower-to-wear items. Ask a professional florist for advice, he will know best!

Traditional rose buttonhole (left), clematis seedhead (right)

Solomon Leong AIFD specializes in making flower-to-wear items on demand. Why not contact him and see what this Chelsea Gold winner can do to add glamour and the ‘wow’ factor to your occassion?

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