A Tussie Mussie (Tussy Mussy) is a mini bouquet or small nosegay bouquet. It’s originates from the Victorian era when women carried them around frequently. They were considered fashionable. Nosegays, small bunches of flowers and herbs, often given as a gift, for one to smell. They were carried around so that the women could smell the flowers in lieu of the unpleasant smells of the street. (Think pre-sanitation and pre-deodorants.) Jewelers created fabulous Tussie Mussie holders to help keep the flowers fresher with water. You can find vintage ones like this for sale for as much as $1,600! In case you were wondering what to get me for my next birthday!

The Tussie Mussie has gained in popularity as more and more Brides are choosing them for Moms, Grandmothers and other important Bridal Party Women instead of corsages. I like them. I like making them. They are sweet and beautiful and you don’t have to think about what to do with your hands while walking down the aisle. The Tussie Mussie’s can be made of flowers and foliage that coordinate with the Bride and maids or anything else you can dream up. Here I used feathers, some faux jewels and a few blooms and herbs.

We typically wrap them with a ribbon that coordinates with the bridal party, but there are also some keepsake options available. An engraveable silver plated tussie mussie holder is available.

If you are a Mother of a Bride or Groom, which do you prefer? A corsage or a Tussie Mussie?