2010-05-14 07:00:00 by SMARTBRIDE
Floral Expert Advice: A Fashion Forward Floral Jewelry & Body Flower DIY For The Modern Bride
At one time, the corsage and boutonniere reigned supreme. Any self respecting lady would never attend holiday church service without a proper carnation corsage and likewise, a true gentleman would adorn himself with a buttonhole gilded in babies breath.
Image Courtesy of FLUR.
Why did the traditional corsage fall out of fashion? The answer to this is that trends have changed and today's bride-to-be is accustomed to personalizing every aspect of her perfect day. She would never ask a florist to wrap a big red rose in babies breath and ferns to create a gaudy corsage that would be strapped to the wrists of unsuspecting wedding goers.
Fortunately, most floral designers have adopted new techniques for creating breathtaking corsages and boutonnieres that reinforce, rather than distract from, other decorative elements of the event.
Even the terminology has changed to better reflect a wider range of floral possibilities. Today, floral jewelry offers a way for you to express your personal style. A beautiful and fragrant accessory makes for a pretty finishing touch.
Most florists charge about $15 to $25 per boutonniere and $25 to $55 for custom corsages because of the labor invovled. This could easily blow your floral budget if your guest list increases. The good news is that body flowers are easily and affordable made at home. When refrigerated they can be designed up to two days before the wedding.
Body Flower How-To Guide:
I picked up some metal cuffs and hair accessories at an inexpensive costume jewelry chain store without spending more that $10 - $15 per item. Remember to keep it simple and light! Don’t glue a full size rose head, for instance, to a delicate headband. Choose accessories like beads, jewels or wire to customize each corsage for the wearer.
Image Courtesy of FLUR.
- Begin by choosing long lasting blooms that are not sensitive to dehydration, like orchids, kermit mums, mini calla lilies, and spray roses.
- Using Oasis Cold Glue for fresh flowers (available from your florist) pour a small pool of glue onto a scrap piece of cardboard.
- Take a small piece of chenille stem (pipe cleaner) and roll it into a small tight coil. Dip one side into the glue, careful not to saturate it, and allow to set for a few seconds.
- Adhere the coil to the cuff, lifting and reapplying several times to achieve good adhesion. Alternately, for the hair band or hair clips, use a small piece of chenille stem or simply glue your flowers directly on.
- Trim stems off of each bloom, so that they lay flat.
- Gently dip the back of the flower into the glue puddle and allow the glue to oxidize for a few seconds. Place the flower onto the chenille coil, again lifting an reapplying until you feel the flower stick. Repeat for all flowers and accessories you wish to use, fully covering the chenille coil.
- Allow to fully dry. Spritz the flowers with room temperature water and place wet into a small sandwich bag. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
If you're attempting to make a number of body flowers remember to practise before making the real thing. You want to make all your mistakes in advance to ensure you achieve the end result you want.
As always, if in doubt then talk to your local florist!
Alex
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About our Guest Florist Blogger Alex:
Alex Bazos is a floral designer with 7 years of industry experience focusing on wedding and event florals. As the owner and principal designer of FLUR Designs Inc. in Edmonton, she has become one of the chief proponents of modern floral design in western Canada. Alex believes strongly in educating and inspiring brides and young designers about the new floral design.
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