15 Elegant Mother of the Bride Corsages & Alternatives

Photo: A Heart String Wedding Co.

Mothers of the bride and groom play an important role in any wedding celebration. But since they’re not necessarily a part of the bridal party, they don’t need to carry a wedding bouquet down the aisle.

They do, however, need something that makes them stand out from the other guests and shows that they’re a big part of your day.

And the way that most couples choose to honor mom is with a wedding corsage.

There’s nothing wrong with a pretty flower arrangement on a stretchy wristband, but it’s not exactly a fresh, new concept. Mothers of the bride and groom have been wearing wrist corsages forever.

Looking for a cool, modern way to make your mom stand out at your wedding? 

Here are 15 great ideas (and alternatives) for mother of the bride corsages.

1. Floral Necklace

If flowers can be attached to a wristband and worn as a bracelet, why not mix it up and add them to a necklace instead?

Getting married in the city or having a rustic wedding on a farm? There are endless ways that you can incorporate small flowers into a delicate necklace that will make mom stand out.

Having a tropical wedding? This one’s a no-brainer:

Give mom a Hawaiian-inspired lei! 

2. Floral Hair Accessory

Is mom planning to wear her hair pulled back or pulled up on one side? 

A floral hair clip may be just what she needs!

Buy a few sturdy, functional hair clips and give them to your florist to decorate with the same flowers or greenery in your bridal bouquet.

3. Nosegay Bouquet

A nosegay bouquet is a perfect way for mom to carry flowers down the aisle without having to hold the same bouquet as the bridesmaids.

A few floral stems bound with ribbon is all you need to make her feel like an integral part of your big day.

4. Tussie Mussie

It’s kind of fun to say “tussie mussie,” isn’t it?

A tussie mussie (or tussy mussy) is similar to a nosegay bouquet in that it’s a petite, delicate floral arrangement. The only difference is that a tussy mussy includes a slim metal holder so mom doesn’t have to hold the actual stems.

5. Small Boutonniere

Boutonnieres aren’t just for the groomsmen. In fact, a small boutonniere is perfect for the mother of the bride or groom, as long as her dress has sleeves or wide straps.

Boutonnieres can be one single flower or a large cluster of flowers (depending on mom’s style). 

If her dress is made from sturdy, woven fabric, she can pin on the flower. If she’s wearing a lightweight dress made from chiffon or crepe, she can use mini-magnets to hold the flowers in place. That way, she won’t have to worry about damaging her delicate dress.

6. Ring Corsage

Nothing says feminine and chic quite like a ring made out of fresh flowers! If mom wants something truly one-of-a-kind, have your florist make a small corsage that she can wear right on her finger.

7. Floral Hoop

Perfect for a boho wedding, a simple wooden hoop embellished with flowers or greenery can make a big statement coming down the aisle. (Especially if mom's the one carrying it!)

This accessory would fit right in at any wedding that takes after Troian Bellisario’s outdoor “I Do”s — and that’s no lie.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can make a DIY wedding corsage out of silk flowers, and mom can have it as a keepsake when the wedding is over.

Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Wedding Budgets

8. Floral Spray for a Clutch Bag

Is mom planning to carry a wristlet clutch bag or a chic little minaudière? 

Instead of the traditional flower corsage, have your florist create a floral spray that she can attach to her bag.

She’ll thank you for not having to wear that itchy stretch band around her wrist all night!

9. Embellished Brooch

There’s no rule that says mothers of the bride and groom have to wear a floral corsage. If your mommas are more into bling and glitz, present them with an embellished brooch instead!

Give her a crystal or rhinestone brooch in the shape of flowers, and she’ll be able to wear it on special occasions for years to come.

10. Corsage Bracelet

Photo: Daniel Kim Photography

Want to find the perfect balance between classic tradition and fashion-forward style? 

A wrist corsage can be elevated simply by attaching flowers to an actual bracelet.

To make this DIY project as simple as possible, look for a bracelet with a flexible rubber mount. That will make it super easy to adhere flowers, greenery, and other embellishments.

11. Floral Cuff

If mom’s going for an understated, shabby-chic look, a metal cuff bracelet is the way to go. You can decorate it with a single hydrangea or calla lily in the center, wrap the whole cuff in silk flowers, or add dried flowers for a more rustic look.

You can even skip the flowers altogether and decorate it with succulents instead!

12. Feather Corsage or Boutonniere

Trying to keep your flower budget to a minimum? 

Feathers make a great alternative!

On a brooch, on a wristband, on a necklace … any corsage that you can make with flowers you can make with feathers instead.

Better yet — if your wedding dress happens to be a Kendall Jenner feather moment, the corsages will fit right in!

13. Pearl Bracelet with Flowers

A multi-strand pearl bracelet is chic and elegant on its own. But weave some flowers or ribbons through it and you’ve got something really special. Coordinate it with her dress or with your wedding flowers — the choice is yours!

14. Make a Classic Corsage Look New

Some brides and grooms are big on tradition. So if you want your mothers to wear classic wrist corsages, go for it! 

If you want to give it a fresher, more modern look, ask your florist to incorporate pearls or rhinestones for some extra glitz.

15. Skip the Corsage Altogether!

The first rule of wedding planning is that it’s your day, and you can do whatever you want. And if that means skipping the corsage altogether, then so be it.

Conclusion

Presenting your mother with a corsage on your wedding day is a simple yet sweet way to show her just how much you love her.

The day might be all about you and your spouse-to-be, but every day of the year, even your wedding day, is a good day to honor your mom! 

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