Corsages are a small but meaningful part of any wedding. They honor special women in your life and complement the wedding’s floral aesthetic. Getting the right number of corsages ensures that no one feels left out, and it saves stress on the wedding day.

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1. Who Traditionally Wears a Corsage

Corsages are most often worn by women who play a special role in the wedding, particularly family members and VIP guests. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

a) Mothers of the Bride and Groom

• Always wear corsages.
• Traditionally, the mother of the bride wears something that matches the wedding color scheme, often similar to the bridesmaids’ bouquets.
• The mother of the groom also wears a corsage that coordinates, though sometimes in a slightly different color or style.

b) Grandmothers

• Each grandmother is usually given a corsage.
• Some families distinguish between maternal and paternal grandmothers, often choosing slightly different flowers or arrangements to reflect each side.

c) Aunts and Special Female Relatives

• Optional, but a thoughtful touch, especially if they are close to the bride or groom.
• Decide based on the number of women in your extended family and your budget.

d) Other VIP Female Guests

• Some couples give corsages to close family friends or mentors as a gesture of appreciation.
• This is not required but can be a beautiful personal touch.

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2. How Many Corsages to Order: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make a Recipient List

Start with the “must-have” recipients:

1. Mother of the bride → 1
2. Mother of the groom → 1
3. Bride’s grandmothers → 1–2 each
4. Groom’s grandmothers → 1–2 each

Optional recipients:

• Aunts
• Close female family friends
• Mentors or godmothers

Example calculation:

• Mother of the bride: 1
• Mother of the groom: 1
• Grandmothers: 3
• Aunt: 1
• Optional VIP: 1

Subtotal: 7 corsages

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Step 2: Add Extra for Safety

It’s always smart to order a few extra:

• Flowers can be fragile or get damaged during transport or while being worn.
• Extra corsages can also accommodate last-minute changes or additional guests.

Rule of thumb: 10–15% extra

• For 7 corsages → order 1 extra → total = 8

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Step 3: Coordinate With Boutonnieres

Corsages are often paired with boutonnieres worn by fathers, grandfathers, and other men. Coordination tips:

• Mothers and grandmothers: corsages
• Fathers and grandfathers: boutonnieres
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen: optional wrist flowers or small bouquets
• Flower colors: match the wedding palette and each other to maintain a cohesive look

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3. Types of Corsages

Corsages come in several styles. Choose based on comfort, style, and floral theme.

a) Wrist Corsages

• Secured with an elastic or ribbon band around the wrist.
• Comfortable and practical; don’t damage clothing.
• Popular for modern weddings.

b) Pin-on Corsages

• Pinned to a blouse, dress, or jacket.
• Traditional choice, looks elegant in photos.
• Some delicate fabrics may require extra care.

c) Materials and Flowers

• Fresh flowers: most common, fragrant, and visually striking.
• Silk flowers: long-lasting, practical for hot or outdoor weddings.
• Mixed materials: pearls, beads, or ribbons can enhance elegance.

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4. Timing for Ordering and Delivery

• Order early: At least 2–3 weeks before the wedding to ensure availability.
• Florist preparation: Corsages are usually made the day before or the morning of the wedding for peak freshness.
• Delivery: Have them delivered to a responsible person (mother, maid of honor, or wedding coordinator) for distribution.

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5. Color and Style Coordination

• Corsages should match the wedding color palette and floral style.
• Mothers and grandmothers typically have unique colors or slightly different flowers from bridesmaids to signify their special role.
• Consider subtle differences in ribbon or flower type for different family branches (maternal vs. paternal).

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6. Quick Reference Table: How Many Corsages by Recipient

Recipient	Typical Quantity	Notes
Mother of the bride	1	Essential
Mother of the groom	1	Essential
Bride’s grandmothers	1–2 each	Optional depending on family size
Groom’s grandmothers	1–2 each	Optional depending on family size
Aunts / Special female relatives	0–4	Optional
Other VIP female guests	0–2	Optional
Extra / Backup	1–2	Always order for safety

Typical total: 6–12 corsages for a medium-sized wedding.

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7. Tips and Etiquette

1. Match flowers to roles: Mothers and grandmothers first, then bridesmaids, then optional VIPs.
2. Consider seasonality: Some flowers may not be available year-round. Florists can suggest alternatives.
3. Budget carefully: Corsages can add up; plan according to the number of recipients.
4. Photographs: Corsages should be camera-ready. Small, delicate flowers often look best on photos.
5. Communicate with the florist: Give an accurate list of recipients and note wrist vs. pin-on preferences.

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8. Bonus: Alternatives to Traditional Corsages

• Boutonniere-style flowers for women: Pin-on mini bouquets
• Floral jewelry: Necklaces or hairpieces with flowers
• Ribbon corsages: Elegant and lightweight, often combined with a small flower or greenery

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✅ Key Takeaways

• Corsages honor special women in the wedding and are typically given to mothers and grandmothers first.
• Optional recipients include aunts, close friends, or VIPs.
• Always order extras to account for last-minute changes or accidents.
• Decide early and coordinate colors and styles with bouquets and boutonnieres.
• Choose wrist or pin-on style based on comfort and clothing.

With careful planning, corsages can add a beautiful, meaningful touch to your wedding day while keeping everyone feeling appreciated.

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