Tips on Putting Orchids in Corsages

Choosing the Orchid

• Dozens of varieties of orchids are available on the market, in a wide selection of sizes and colors. Browse your florist's catalog or do an online search to get an idea of the selection of available orchids. Also, take into consideration both the kind of event for which the corsage is intended (wedding, dance, etc.) as well as the theme of the event and the clothing to be worn.

  Choose colors and styles accordingly, being careful to choose complementary shades and to avoid overkill. Depending upon the size of the orchid, you may want to cluster several small flowers for one corsage or keep it simple with one larger bloom.

  Orchids are typically harvested from their stems and sent to florists already plucked, and nestled in cotton. If you are constructing your own arrangements, use floral wire to pierce the base and attach the corsage to clothing, or to add stability to a wrist corsage. Floral wire and tape can also be used to attach other accent pieces to the orchid.

Ribbons and Other Accents

• To highlight the beauty of the orchid itself, consider adding an accent to the corsage. Nestle the orchid on a length of complementary-colored fabric ribbon, and attach it with a pin. Try voile, lace or feathers, or simply wrap the stem of the flower in a ribbon or decorative wire for an understated, elegant look. Search online or visit your florist or a good craft supply store for more ideas.

Additional Flowers and Greenery

• Like other arrangements, orchid corsages can be accentuated with other flowers. Baby's breath, ferns, astibe, variegated or English ivy, salal and seeded eucalyptus are only a few of the plethora of options for complementary flowers and greens. Place the orchid or orchid cluster atop the greens and other accents to see what looks best. Check with your florist or an online flower merchant for seasonal availability and more ideas. When making your plans, do not forget to consider using orchids without embellishment--this flower is beautiful enough to stand alone, should you so choose.