Recipe for a hot corsage!

Prom season is nearing and we are stocking up on corsage flowers and supplies. Every year, new trends come into play and we are always on the look-out for cool ideas. We're still checking it out and placing orders, but we'd like to give you an idea of what makes up a typical Flower Cart wrist corsage.

First off is FLOWERS!

Obviously, flowers are a huge factor. We carry all kind of single and multi-bloom flowers for wrist corsages.

Roses and spray roses are the most popular choice and they come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from deep reds, hot pink, lite pink & peach, to oranges and yellows, and of course, ivory.

For a more elegant and classy look, we carry mini calla lilies and a few types of orchids.

Mini carnations come in even more colors than the roses and are a great-looking, long-lasting flower for corsages.

 Other flowers such as, alstromeria, delphinium, and daisies can be used in combination with some of the aforementioned focal flowers for a lush corsage with a lot of depth.

Second ingredient: RIBBON.

The Flower Cart carries hundreds of colors and styles of ribbon for corsage and choosing the right one is important!

Your ribbon doesn't have to match your dress color exactly. In fact, it's usually better to choose a color that simply complements the dress or your accessories. Metallics work great as a neutral color that still has a lot of OOMPH.

Ingredient #3: ACCENTS / BLING

We are always thinking of new bits and baubles we can add to corsages to make them extra special. Adding just the right accent can turn an "okay" corsage into an amazing work of art.

Some of the accents we carry are iridescent and colored faux leaves, clear and colored rhinestones, pearl strands and colored bead strands. We can also add feathers, colored floral wire, and fancy beaded wristlets like these:

Your Flower Cart salesperson can help you pick the best combination of flowers, ribbon and accents to complement you and your style. The level of customization we offer simply can't be beaten. We recommend visiting us at one of our stores to hand-select your ribbon and flowers with guidance from our knowledgeable salespeople. You can even bring in your dress or a fabric swatch to help us color-match your accents!

So call or come into one of our stores when you're ready to place your order for a one-of-a-kind prom corsage, made just for you.

Where flowers should fit into your wedding plans

A lot of people make the mistake of putting the cart before the horse in their wedding plans. Then they usually have to go back and make a ton of changes to work everything out. The best thing you can do is prioritize the items and services you'll need for your reception.

Try knocking out these things in order:

#1 Determine your overall budget! Just a ballpark is fine to start with, but try to estimate what you'll need for each service.

#2 Come up with a rough guest list. It doesn't have to be perfect, but you'll need some kind of figure to work with. One of the biggest mistakes couples make with their wedding budget is starting off with a guest list that is much too large. Having to accommodate that many people really drains your resources. Start off small, and add to it near the end if you can.

#3 Pick a venue. It will need to be able to fit enough tables for all of your guests and will either be the basis of your theme, or will have to suit your existing theme.

#4 Pick your caterer and menu. The food and table settings you choose will help determine the types of centerpieces and accent arrangements you'll need.

#5 Choose your linens and Bridesmaids' dresses. Pick styles and colors that will complement the venue, the season, and the time of day.

#6 Start looking for a florist. If you have followed these few steps in order, you should know how many centerpieces you'll need, as well as what other types of decorative arrangements you may want for the reception. Your florist will help you pick flowers, containers, and colors that will fit your theme, venue and budget.

Don't think you have to settle on the first florist you meet with. Many florists offer free consultations, so look around for someone you think "gets you" and that you're confident can provide the flowers and style you're looking for while staying under budget.

 So yes, flowers are usually the last thing on the list, but that's because they set the mood for the entire event. They tie all the elements together in perfect harmony and help create a unified landscape and the setting for your wedding photos, which you'll cherish forever. Plan carefully, making sure everything is in place so that the arrangements you and your florist choose will be a perfect fit.

Top 5 Coolest Accent Flowers

When you think of flowers at a wedding, you may imagine beautiful white roses, elegant calla lilies, and tropical orchids. And while those flowers do have a place in many arrangements, there are other things you may not have thought of which could add that cool, unique touch you're looking for in your bridal bouquet.

So, here is a list of the top 5 coolest accent flowers you may not have considered for your wedding, courtesy of The Flower Cart.

#5 : Brunia

Green Brunia and Silver Dutch Brunia are two varieties of this accent. They appear as a cluster of spheres, Silver being a larger size. Brunia can add a new shape and texture to an otherwise plain bouquet and looks great paired with ivory and white flowers. And its silvery hue makes it a great choice for winter weddings.

Price: $$-$$$

# 4: Alstromeria

This is a flower that is often overlooked when brides select their favorite bouquet flowers. Alstromeria, also called the Peruvian Lily, is a gorgeous, hardy and affordable flower that comes in a huge variety of colors.

Price: $$ 

# 3: Craspedia

Craspedia is a yellow spherical flower that creates a great texture in any spring, summer, or fall color scheme. Its fun and funky look is growing in popularity and expected to be a favorite for 2011.

Price: $$$ 

#2: Fiddlehead Fern

 
This spiral-y fern tip is a unique and natural accent which can instantly transform your wedding flowers into a chic, modern design. A cool look for a black and white color scheme.

Price: $$$

#1: Celosia 

"That Brain thing" as you may know it. Celosia is a velvet-like flower most readily available in late spring and summer. It comes in a range of colors from pale green to dark burgundy. It is coveted for  its interesting texture.

Price: $$$$

So hopefully this gave you some inspiration or at least made you feel a little smarter. If not, and you just happened to already be familiar with these flowers, then you passed our test.

Congratulations. You're awesome.