Tips for Ordering a Corsage for Prom

Ordering a corsage for his girlfriend to wear at the prom is one of the hardest things a young man has to do to prepare for the dance. He has to go into the florist and for the first time order flowers.

The five questions he will be asked…

1) What flowers do you want to use, ie: roses, carnations or orchids?
2) What color flowers?
3) Wristlet or pin on?
4) What color bow?
5) What day and time do you want to pick it up?

Which Flowers to Use
The most common flowers used in our area for corsages are roses and carnations. The orchids are occassionaly ordered, they are more expensive, but make for a lovely corsage. When money is the main issue, carnations are chosen as they are the least expensive. Roses are the most common corsage ordered for prom in our store, they are considered by many as the most romantic.

What Color Flowers to Order
This is usually the toughest part for the young man to figure out. If he is lucky, she told him the color of her dress. If she did not tell him, he pulls out his cell phone and calls her.

This is where a good florist will take over and help the young man choose the color. If the girl is wearing a red dress, one of the hardest colors to match, it is
recommended that she contrast the dress, rather than try to match it. White flowers will show up very well against a red dress. Even pink can be used, depending on the other colors worn and her accessories. If she is wearing black, either white or red would work. The thing to consider is to contrast the dress color, rather than try to match it. Trying to match a dye, with a natural flower color, rarely works. It can, but your safer bet is to contrast the colors.

Worn on the Wrist or the Shoulder
Wristlets are the favorite way to go in this day and age, and your florist would/should know that. Most of the dresses these days are strapless and you would be hard pressed to find a good place for a pin on corsage.

The Bow Color
Again, what color is she wearing? Then take into consideration what color flowers you chose. Is she wearing gold or silver accessories? Here again the florist should be able to recommend a color for the bow. A favorite is the sheer white, as it will go with anything. Another favorite is the irridescent ribbon for the bow, as it will pick up the color of the dress.

Pick Up Time
What time do you want to pick up the corsage? If you are having pictures taken, it has to be before that. Or if you are going straight to the dance for the photos, then you can pick it up later. Are you having to pick up a tux, or do other things that day? Think out your day and make sure to plan for the pick up of the corsage, you can even have your mom or dad pick it up if they are willing.

Final Tips
Okay here is a big tip! Order at least a week in advance if at all possible. That gives the florist time to make sure they have the color flowers you decide on. It also ensures you to get your order in. If you wait until the day before the prom, the florist may not be able to take your order, as they may be all booked up. Or they may not have the flowers you want, and if you don’t order what your date wants, that may make for a rocky evening. So think ahead and make your job of getting the corsage easier.

Keep the corsage in a cool place until you pick up your date. Then, be a gentleman and help her put it on, she will remember you for that. Then go and have a good time!