How should flowers be conditioned before making a corsage or boutonniere?

To ensure that flowers are prepared properly for use in a corsage or boutonniere, they should be conditioned by placing them in water for several hours to hydrate. This step is crucial as it allows the flowers to absorb moisture, which helps to maintain their freshness and longevity once fashioned into the final arrangement. Proper hydration contributes to the overall aesthetic and durability of the corsage or boutonniere, ensuring that the blooms look vibrant and alive.

While other methods might offer different benefits, they do not specifically target the hydration needs that flowers have before they are styled. Keeping flowers at room temperature could lead to wilting and reduced freshness without proper water intake. Refrigerating flowers overnight can help in preserving them but can potentially lead to chilling injury if flowers are not suitable for refrigeration. Soaking flowers in a sugar solution can provide nourishment but does not address their immediate hydration needs as effectively as simply placing them in water. The direct hydration method is, therefore, the most efficient and widely accepted practice in floral preparation for wearable arrangements.