Prom Flowers: A Buying Guide for Guys (Part II)

We at Paul Wood Florist in Old Town Fort Collins are continuing our two-part series for guys buying prom flowers for their dates. With the preliminary preparations out of the way, the rest of the process is easy. You only need to know something about flowers.

Main Flowers

For corsages, spray roses are a girl's best friend. (Diamonds work, too, but spray roses are less expensive.) These baby roses are relatively inexpensive and are the most popular corsage flowers. They come in colors like white, cream, peach, orange, yellow, red, and different shades of pink, and they're small enough that most corsages are created with a cluster of spray roses, sometimes with greens and other (filler) flowers.

(image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com)

If you or your date prefers variety to convention, you are only limited by your own imagination. Consider these unique possibilities:

> Calla   This is a specialty flower and therefore more expensive than others, but its sleek, clean lines are the epitome of elegance. It comes in a variety of colors (red, pink, white, orange, yellow, purple) and in two sizes: choose the miniature calla for a corsage. A calla works best as a pin-on corsage instead of a wrist corsage.

(image courtesy of flowers.pacficicallas.com)

> Freesia   These scented flowers (be aware if your date has allergies!) make delicate but beautiful corsages. They're most popular in white, but they also come in pink, orange, and yellow.

(image courtesy of flower-arrangement-advisor.com)

> Orchids   These are also specialty flowers and are therefore pretty expensive, but it doesn't take more than one or two to make an exotic statement in a corsage. They hold up well in corsages and come in white, yellow, pink, red, purple, pale green, and a tie-dyed teal-blue-purple combination.

(image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com)

Filler Flowers

Most corsages include greenery or foliage of different types, and some also include what are called filler (accent) flowers, which are smaller, less showy blossoms used to accent the main flowers. Excellent filler flowers include things like baby's breath, which are tiny white flowers that add an airy quality to any corsage; waxflower, which usually comes in pink or white and smells like citrus; and hypericum, which is actually a green, red, peach, or cream-colored berry that adds an unexpected, fun texture. Other filler flowers include heather, solidago, Montecasino asters, and misty blue.

Notes

Keep in mind that it is also just fine to walk into a flower shop and give them the color of your date's dress, and let them take it from there. Paul Wood Florist has many talented designers who would love the opportunity to custom-make a corsage to complement your date's attire.

Also remember that there are many other main flower options; one of Paul Wood Florist's most popular corsages is a mixed spring corsage with daisies, alstroemeria, miniature carnations, and more. Feel free to ask us about mixing and matching flowers for best results!

Conclusion

When you walk into a florist shop like Paul Wood Florist to order your date's corsage, don't be intimidated. We are more than willing to answer questions and make suggestions. Armed with this guide, you will ensure that every detail of your prom experience is as close to perfect as it gets.

Disclaimer: Not every flower listed here will be available in every color listed here. Order early for best results, and call directly to inquire about available colors and product.