Floral Design for Special Occasions

Lesson: Boutonnieres & Corsages

Use the powerpoint posted on Google Classroom to complete this notes page. Turn it in once you have finished.

1. What are the two main types of body flowers?

Corsage and boutonnieres

2. What information should be gathered from the wearer?

the purpose, flower preference, color, style, and fragrance, theme, formality of the occasion, style of dress, Size of the wearer, cultural
background
3. Why is it important to select long-lasting, durable plant materials for body flowers?
they are subjected to extreme conditions such as, high body temp and lack of water.

4. List some examples of plants AND flowers that would be good for body flowers.

Chrysanthemums, Carnations, Orchids, Roses, and Alstroemeria Ivy, Ruscus, Galax, Salal, or Boxwood

lightest weight and

5. Fill in the blank: Wire used in corsage construction should be the _______

finest
_______ support
gauge needed to ________ the flowers and foliage.

6. What are common RIBBON sizes used in corsage construction?

#1, #1½, #3, and #5.

7. What should the designer consider when it comes to scale in a corsage/boutonniere?

The size relationships among the flowers and accessories used in the corsage. The proportional relationship of the corsage
and the wearer.

8. What should the designer consider when it comes to balance in a corsage/boutonniere?

Properly balanced corsages lie flat on the body Wristlets should cling to the wrist to provide ease of movement for the wearer

9. What should the designer consider when it comes to texture in a corsage/boutonniere?

The formality of the occasion and the style of design influence the selection of flowers, ribbons, and accessories to include in a design.
Choices and styles of ribbon range from lace and satin to raffia and burlap
 10. What should the designer consider when it comes to harmony in a corsage/boutonniere?
Bows, ribbons, and accessories should enhance the floral materials in the design, not detract from them

11. What should the designer consider when it comes to color in a corsage/boutonniere?
The colors should blend together or provide a pleasing contrast with the clothing colors of the wearer

For EACH picture in the slideshow (slides 23-26), list factors to consider when creating

wearable flowers for the individuals in the pictures.

Slide 23: Young female, brunette, light/medium skin, light blue/green dress.
carnation

Slide 24: Young boy, fair/light skin, light blonde hair, checkered jacket, yellow pants.
carnation

Slide 25: Young female, dark brown hair, light skin, white/cream dress with lace and tulle.

chrysanthemum

Slide 26: Young male, tall, light brown hair, light skin, light tan suit, pink tie. Young female,

blonde hair, fair/light skin, light pink dress with detailing.

alstroemeria for male and orchid for female
 Boutonniere Construction

List out the steps to complete the construction of a single flower boutonniere. Include any

questions you may have or additional information you think is important for each step.

Corsage Construction

List out the steps to complete the construction of a corsage. Include any questions you may

have or additional information you think is important for each step.

Boutonniere
Select a long lasting flower such as a standard carnation and durable foliage such as ivy or leather leaf fern. Slant cut the ivy stem, leaving 1 inch
of the stem base. Wire the leaves using the stitch method (not always necessary). Tape the stem, beginning at the base of the leaf. Slant cut the
carnation stem, leaving 1 inch below the base of the flower. Wire the flower using the piercing method and ½ length of #22 or #24 gauge
wire.Tape the wired flower stem, beginning above the wire insertion point, to conceal the wire and to cover the wound. Add an accent filler. Use
the hairpin method to wire the stem (not always necessary). Tape to conceal the wire. Assemble all of the components of the boutonniere: Hold
foliage in left hand between thumb and forefinger. Place the filler in front of the foliage. Place the flower in front of the filler, allowing the tip of
the leaf to extend about ½ inch above the flower. If desired, allow some of the filler to cover the calyx of the flower. Use floral tape to secure the
three parts. Tape from the binding point, stretching tightly down the wires past the end then back up again. Check and tape all exposed wire ends
to prevent any damage to clothing or the wearer. Choose the desired stem finish and cut the stem to a length of 1½ to 2 inches. Insert a black or
white boutonniere pin through the thick portion of the boutonniere. Mist the floral materials, place in a boutonniere box, and store in the floral
cooler.

Corsage
Wire flowers using either pierce, hook, or clutch methods and tightly tape. Tightly tape 1-3 small stems of fern to each bloom. Tightly tape 3-5
small stems of filler flower to each bloom. As components are taped together, stems must be thinned out. Start with tightest bloom at the top of
the corsage. Medium sized blooms provide transition to the middle. The largest bloom will be in the center of the corsage. Medium sized
blooms provide transition to the end. End with another tight bloom at the bottom of the corsage. Smaller accessories may be taped to tight or
medium bloom stems. Larger accessories may be taped around the largest bloom. Stem may be curled or cut short. Insert corsage pin into spine
of corsage, making sure that the sharp end does not stick out, which could cause an injury. Place in corsage bag/box with packing material to
cushion. Store in floral cooler until customer pick-up.