Fresh flower accessories: crowns, corsages and hair flowers

Fresh flower accessories — crowns, wrist corsages, flowers in the hair and boutonnieres — make a look special at a wedding, prom or photo shoot. They do not last long, and that is part of their charm. Here are the main types, which flowers suit them and how to keep them fresh until the end of the celebration.

Wedding flowers: bridal bouquets and spray roses.

View full-size photo

Types of flower accessories

• Flower crown — a staple of weddings and summer photo shoots, and in Ukrainian tradition a symbol of Kupala Night.
• Wrist corsage — a small arrangement for bridesmaids or prom.
• Flowers in the hair — single buds on pins or a floral comb.
• Boutonniere — a men’s accessory matching the bridal bouquet.

Which flowers work

• Long-lasting: spray roses, spray carnations, orchids, chrysanthemums, gypsophila, eucalyptus.
• Small heads and firm buds last longer than large, delicate blooms.
• Avoid flowers with milky sap, strongly scented lilies (the pollen stains) and fast-wilting wildflowers.

View full-size photo

Keeping them fresh

• Order accessories for the morning of the event and keep them somewhere cool until you leave.
• Florists use special glues and sprays that reduce moisture loss.
• Mist the flowers lightly without wetting clothes or hair.
• Keep them out of direct sun and heat.

More on wedding accessories in Bridal flower crown and Wedding boutonniere.

FAQ

How long does a fresh flower crown last?

Usually through the day of the event; longer if kept cool and the flowers were properly prepared.

Can accessories be made from artificial flowers?

Yes, if durability matters — for example at an outdoor wedding in the heat. But in close-up photos fresh flowers look more natural.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

About the author →