A baby shower corsage is a special tradition to honor the mother-to-be. Traditionally, the shower hostess provides a corsage for the mother-to-be to wear at the event. Today, corsage styles range from traditional floral arrangements to whimsical works of art that may also include small baby gifts. Find out about the different types of baby shower corsages, how to make one, and where to buy them.
Corsage Ideas for Baby Showers
If you're planning a baby shower and need a unique corsage to honor the mom-to-be, you have many options. The one you choose will depend on factors such as the formality of the shower and the personality of the mother-to-be. If you are into crafts, you may decide to make the corsage which can give you many more creative options.
Baby Shower Corsage Etiquette
Traditionally, corsages were given to the expecting mother and any women along her maternal line of heritage like her mother and grandmother if possible. If the mom-to-be has a mother-like relationship with any other woman such as a stepmother or mother-in-law, you would provide them with corsages as well. These extra favors are meant to pay tribute to the women who will play the most important role in the baby's life, so feel free to include those who make sense. If you're feeling concerned about leaving people out, stick with a corsage for just the new mom.
Types of Corsages
Types of corsages for baby showers include the following:
- Traditional floral corsages
- Baby sock corsages
- Pacifier corsages
- Corsages mixed with multiple small baby gifts such as socks, pacifiers, rattles, baby barrettes or baby mittens
Pin vs. Wrist Corsage
The corsage can be one that pins on or one that slides on the wrist. Some expectant mothers may prefer a pin corsage if their wrists are swollen and because it leaves their hands free to open gifts with ease. Pin corsage designs can also be larger than a wrist version because you don't have to worry about parts of the corsage getting in the way. However, the wrist corsage may work well for other designs, such as a plush angel toy corsage that hugs the wrist.
Making Corsages for All the Guests
You can also give small lily corsages to the baby shower guests to make everyone feel special, which you can make or purchase. Lily corsages for guests generally feature an arrangement of white lilies and baby's breath. When the guests receive lily corsages, the expectant mother usually gets a larger version, often featuring roses and lilies.
How to Make a Traditional Flower Corsage
If the mom-to-be isn't into the look of a pacifier corsage or you're going for a more elegant style of shower, this simple flower corsage is a great choice. Consider choosing pink or blue flowers or flowers in colors to match the decor at the shower. You don't need a lot of craft experience to create this fun gift.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh flowers of your choice
- Green floral wire and floral tape
- Corsage pin
- Ribbons
- Scissors
What to Do
- Cut one flower so that it has a stem of about two inches. Cut two pieces of floral wire that are each about six inches long. Wrap these around the flower in opposite directions and then twist the ends together to form a wire "stem."
- Repeat this process for each flower you plan to include. It's nice to include one larger flower, three medium-sized blooms, and some green filler or baby's breath.
- Gather all the flowers together and arrange the way you want. Then wrap the wire "stems" with florist's tape. Trim the stems to the desired length.
- Secure the flowers to the corsage pin using more florist's tape.
- Add ribbons for decoration, attaching them using floral wire.
You can also print these directions. When you click on the link, it will open up in a new window and from there you can download or pint. If you need help with the printable, see this troubleshooting guide.
How to Make a Baby Sock Corsage
This adorable corsage is as useful as it is pretty. When the shower is over, the mom-to-be can use the cute little socks for her new baby. Keep in mind that baby socks made of less dense material tend to be easier to use and look more like flowers when you're done.
Things You'll Need
- Two or three pairs of baby socks
- Double-sided tape
- Floral wire
- Floral tape
- Thin fabric ribbon
- Charms (optional)
- Diaper pin (to pin the corsage onto the mother-to-be's lapel)
What to Do
- With the toe of one baby sock toward you, roll it tightly toward the heel, and secure it with double-sided tape. Bring the cuff of the sock across the tape.
- Add a stem made from a short piece of floral wire by wrapping around the bottom of the sock flower and overlapping the stem. Apply floral tape, and wrap tightly.
- Repeat with each sock until you have several sock flowers.
- Add filler like silk leaves or baby's breath and finishing touches like ribbon or baby charms. Just wrap the stems of the filler to the flower stems you've created. Wrap floral tape around all the ends.
- Use floral tape to attach the corsage to the diaper pin.
How to Make a Pacifier Corsage
Another cute baby shower corsage involves using a pacifier as the centerpiece, set on a backdrop of tulle. After the shower, the mom-to-be can wash the pacifier and set it aside for her baby.
Things You'll Need
- Pacifier
- Tulle fabric cut in a long rectangle
- Ribbon
- Diaper pin
- Small flowers
- Glue gun
- Baby charms (toys like rocking horses or block or animals like elephants or bunnies, for example)
What to Do
- Fold the tulle fabric like a fan, pinched at the bottom. Secure ribbon at the pinched end with hot glue.
- Thread the ends of the ribbon through holes in the base of the pacifier. Tie the ribbon into a bow.
- Tie the diaper pin to the back of the corsage using the ribbons.
- Glue the ribbon to the tulle to achieve a finished look. Avoid applying glue to the pacifier itself.
- Decorate the top part of the fan with additional ribbon, small flowers, and baby charms.
How to Make a Rattle Corsage
Another cute idea involves making a corsage that features a baby rattle. One of the fun benefits of this design is that the mommy-to-be will make a rattling noise every time she moves, adding to the fun of the shower.
Things You'll Need
- Baby rattle
- Diaper pin
- Scissors
- Lots of curling ribbon in shower colors
- Other baby items, such as teething rings, booties, and pacifiers
What to Do
- Tie a piece of curling ribbon to the rattle and then tie the diaper pin to the back of the rattle. Leave the ends of the ribbon long.
- Tie other items onto the corsage to make it match the personality of your shower.
- Tie more curling ribbon along the diaper pin until you can't fit any more on.
- Curl all the ribbon ends and trim the corsage into the desired shape.
Where to Buy Unique Pre-made Baby Shower Corsages
You can also buy a pre-made baby theme corsage at the florist or a baby specialty store. Online retailers that offer baby shower corsages for sale include:
- Birthday Direct: This shop offers corsages in pink or blue as well as gender neutral and gender reveal designs.
- Amazon: You'll find a number of baby shower corsages made in a variety of designs and materials including sashes and Dad corsages.
- Joyful Events Store: Choose from a selection of elegant flower corsages, delicate baby-themed ribbon corsages, or Mom and Dad ties.
Making the Mommy-to-Be Feel Special
Whether you choose a corsage that features lots of adorable baby gifts and socks or one that is classically beautiful and full of flowers, you can be sure that your corsage will make the mom-to-be feel special on the day of her shower. Ultimately, any design that accomplishes this goal is a winner.
