Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Types of Flowers for Corsages

...
Orchid cymbidium image by Azazirov from Fotolia.com

A corsage, while originally referring to the bodice of a dress, is a small bouquet worn by a woman at the waist, on the shoulder or on the wrist. Ancient Greeks were the first to use corsages in weddings, as a way to keep evil spirits from the ceremony. The bride and other members of the wedding party would hold or pin flowers to their clothing to protect themselves. Today, corsages are used in many ceremonies as a way to celebrate the occasion or give special attention to the recipient. Almost any flower can be used in a corsage, but there are some that are considered more traditional.

Cymbidium Orchid

The exotic cymbidium orchid corsage symbolizes magnificence, love and refinement. According to FlowerSession, the cymbidium is resistant to moisture loss and heat, which makes it a good choice for corsages, particularly in warm weather. It's best used as a pin-on corsage because its petals are quite delicate.

  • A corsage, while originally referring to the bodice of a dress, is a small bouquet worn by a woman at the waist, on the shoulder or on the wrist.
  • Ancient Greeks were the first to use corsages in weddings, as a way to keep evil spirits from the ceremony.

Rose

Roses are used in corsages for their beauty, but they are not very long-lasting. While they will dry well and can be kept for a long time as a souvenir, corsage roses should be kept in a refrigerator until the last minute so they are fresh. Red roses symbolize love, desire, respect and courage; pink symbolize grace and love; yellow symbolizes friendship.

Carnation

The red or pink carnation traditionally used in Mother's Day corsages because it symbolizes the love of a woman or mother. A white carnation used on Mother's Day symbolizes a mother who is no longer living. The carnation is quite popular in other corsages because it is sturdy and holds its beauty for a long time. A red carnation symbolizes love and admiration; white symbolizes innocence and pure love.

  • Roses are used in corsages for their beauty, but they are not very long-lasting.
  • The red or pink carnation traditionally used in Mother's Day corsages because it symbolizes the love of a woman or mother.

Calla Lily

The snowy white calla lily is frequently used in wedding corsages and boutonnieres. It symbolizes purity and innocence. The calla lily is available year round, and it also comes in a wide range of colors from red to almost black.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums have been used for decades in college homecoming corsages. Typically, the school colors are reflected either in the flower itself or in the ribbons attached to the corsage. In other situations, red chrysanthemums symbolize love; white symbolizes truth and loyal love; and yellow symbolizes slighted love.

Related Articles

Meanings of Different Colors of Roses
Meanings of Different Colors of Roses
History of Corsages
History of Corsages
The Best Flowers for Corsages
The Best Flowers for Corsages
The Meaning of Blue Carnations
The Meaning of Blue Carnations
Flowers Used for Corsages
Flowers Used for Corsages
Meaning of Carnation Colors
Meaning of Carnation Colors
Flowers That Mean
Flowers That Mean "I Miss You"
Types of Plants & Flowers for a Funeral
Types of Plants & Flowers for a Funeral
Flowers That Mean Unity
Flowers That Mean Unity
The History of the Carnation Flower
The History of the Carnation Flower
Flowers that Symbolize New Beginnings
Flowers that Symbolize New Beginnings
Flowers That Mean Sorry
Flowers That Mean Sorry
Meaning of White Carnation Flowers
Meaning of White Carnation Flowers
How to Keep a Corsage Forever
How to Keep a Corsage Forever
Symbolism of the Amaryllis
Symbolism of the Amaryllis
Names of Lavender Roses
Names of Lavender Roses
Why Are Roses So Expensive?
Why Are Roses So Expensive?
Types of Orchids for Corsages
Types of Orchids for Corsages
How to Dry Out a Corsage
How to Dry Out a Corsage
Meaning of Black Orchids
Meaning of Black Orchids
Garden Guides
×