Wedding Florist Guide to Flowers That Can Be Used in Corsages
Corsages are elegant, wearable floral arrangements typically worn on the wrist, shoulder, or as a boutonnière. They are popular for occasions such as weddings, proms, graduations, and formal events. The flowers chosen for a corsage must be small, delicate, and able to withstand being worn for an extended period.
Here’s a wedding florist guide to some of the best flowers to use in corsages, including their unique qualities and care tips:
1. Roses (Rosa)
Why They’re Great: Roses are timeless and elegant, making them a popular choice for corsages. Their soft petals and availability in various colors allow for versatile design options.
Best Varieties:
Miniature Roses: These are smaller versions of traditional roses and are perfect for corsages. They come in a variety of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues.
Spray Roses: These are smaller blooms that grow in clusters and are ideal for creating a fuller, more intricate corsage.
Care Tips:
Ensure the roses are freshly cut and placed in water immediately after being arranged.
To prevent wilting, keep the corsage in a cool place before wearing it.
Longevity: Roses in corsages can last up to 24 hours if kept cool and hydrated.
2. Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Why They’re Great: Orchids are sophisticated and exotic, making them a standout choice for a corsage. They are also durable and can tolerate being worn for extended periods.
Best Varieties:
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid): The large, flat blooms are perfect for corsages, offering a sleek, elegant look.
Cymbidium Orchids: With their bright colors and long-lasting blooms, cymbidium orchids are excellent for corsages, especially in bridal arrangements.
Care Tips:
Orchids are hardy but should be kept in a cool area before use.
Use a little water to moisten the flowers if they start to wilt, and make sure to handle them gently as their petals can be delicate.
Longevity: Orchids can last up to 2 days when properly cared for and kept cool.
3. Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Why They’re Great: Carnations are an affordable and versatile option for corsages. They have a long shelf life, making them great for events that require long-lasting wear.
Best Varieties:
Miniature Carnations: Smaller and more compact than the standard variety, miniature carnations are ideal for corsages.
Spray Carnations: These have multiple smaller blooms on one stem, which can be arranged to create a fuller look.
Care Tips:
Carnations are hardy and can last for many hours. Ensure they are well-hydrated in the hours leading up to the event.
To keep them fresh, store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Longevity: Carnations can last up to 3 days with proper care, making them a great option for events that last for hours.
4. Stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda)
Why They’re Great: Stephanotis, also known as Madagascar jasmine, is a fragrant and delicate flower often used in bridal bouquets and corsages. Its small size and waxy petals give it an elegant appearance.
Best Varieties:
Stephanotis: These small, star-shaped flowers have a rich, sweet fragrance that makes them perfect for formal events and weddings.
Care Tips:
Stephanotis flowers are sensitive to heat and need to be kept cool and hydrated.
They can wilt quickly if exposed to direct sunlight, so ensure they are stored properly.
Longevity: Stephanotis can last up to 24 hours when kept cool and hydrated.
5. Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Why They’re Great: Sweet peas are known for their soft, ruffled petals and gentle fragrance. They are a perfect choice for corsages due to their delicate beauty and sweet aroma.
Best Varieties:
Single-Flower Sweet Peas: These flowers come in a wide variety of colors and have a lovely, subtle fragrance.
Double Sweet Peas: With fuller blooms, these flowers add a rich texture and softness to corsages.
Care Tips:
Sweet peas are delicate, so they must be handled with care.
They need to be kept cool and in water until right before the event to prevent wilting.
Longevity: Sweet peas can last up to 12 hours if kept cool and hydrated before being worn.
6. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Why They’re Great: Lily of the valley is a classic choice for corsages, especially for weddings. Its tiny, bell-shaped flowers have a pure white color and a delicate fragrance, adding elegance to any arrangement.
Care Tips:
Lily of the valley has a very short lifespan once cut, so it is essential to arrange them just before the event.
They should be kept hydrated and in a cool place before being worn.
Longevity: These flowers can last up to 8 hours, so they’re best suited for short events or as a final touch before wearing.
7. Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia)
Why They’re Great: Calla lilies are sleek and sophisticated, with their elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms. Their sturdy nature makes them a great option for corsages, offering a modern and refined look.
Best Varieties:
Mini Calla Lilies: These smaller varieties are ideal for corsages, bringing the same elegance as their larger counterparts but in a more compact size.
Care Tips:
Calla lilies are quite sturdy but should still be kept cool and hydrated before the event.
These flowers can tolerate being out of water for a short period, making them a good option for a corsage that will be worn for several hours.
Longevity: Calla lilies can last up to 2 days when kept cool and hydrated properly.
8. Violets (Viola spp.)
Why They’re Great: Violets have small, heart-shaped petals and a pleasant fragrance, making them ideal for delicate, vintage-inspired corsages. Their soft, vibrant colors make them perfect for spring and summer occasions.
Best Varieties:
Sweet Violets: These are small, delicate flowers that come in shades of purple, blue, and white. They are perfect for adding color to a corsage without overwhelming it.
Care Tips:
Violets are delicate and should be handled carefully.
Keep them in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight to prevent wilting.
Longevity: Violets can last up to 8 hours, so they are best suited for short events or for use just before wearing.
9. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)
Why They’re Great: Tuberoses have strong, waxy petals and a lovely, sweet fragrance, making them an excellent choice for corsages. They are elegant and can create a full, rich look in an arrangement.
Best Varieties:
Single Tuberose Stalk: A single stalk can be used in a corsage, offering an elegant, fragrant focal point.
Care Tips:
Keep tuberose flowers hydrated and in a cool place to extend their lifespan.
These flowers can be more fragile than others, so they should be handled gently.
Longevity: Tuberoses can last up to 2 days in a corsage if properly hydrated and stored.
10. Hypericum Berries (Hypericum perforatum)
Why They’re Great: Hypericum berries are a unique addition to corsages, adding texture and a pop of color. These berries can complement flowers like roses or lilies and are particularly popular in autumn and winter arrangements.
Best Varieties:
Red Hypericum Berries: These are vibrant and work well in traditional corsage designs.
Gold or Green Berries: These add variety and texture to the corsage while keeping the look elegant.
Care Tips:
The berries should be kept cool and hydrated but can last longer than some flowers.
Longevity: Hypericum berries can last up to 4 days, making them a great long-lasting element for a corsage.
The best flowers for corsages are those that are small, resilient, and aesthetically fitting for the occasion. Flowers like roses, orchids, and carnations provide structure and longevity, while delicate blooms such as sweet peas, violets, and lily of the valley offer a soft, romantic touch. By selecting the right flowers and taking care to hydrate and store them properly, your corsage will look fresh and beautiful for your special event.
