Prom Corsages

The most exciting time for a junior or senior in high school is attending their prom. After picking out the perfect dress and shoes to wear, ordering a tux, choosing a limo or carriage, and making before prom dinner plans, attention now turns to selecting just the right corsage for the occasion. A boutonierre and corsage is an important part of prom traditions and a special way to show consideration and respect for your date.

It is a custom for the man to buy the corsage and the girl pays for his boutonierre.  A corsage is a small bouquet of the flower you choose and is worn on the girl’s dress or on her wrist, some girls like to carry a small nosegay instead. A boutonierre is usually a pin-on rose or carnation with a little baby’s breath added. Before ordering prom flowers ask your date if she would prefer a nosegay, wrist corsage or a pin-on type. You will also need to know the color of her dress that she will be wearing. Taking a picture of the dress would be handy to help remember the color when ordering. Sometimes a couple go together to select the flowers and should be done at least three days in advance of the big day. The cost of a boutonierre generally will be between $10 and $20 and a corsage will be anywhere from $30 to $60 but by ordering them together, you can get a package deal which makes it less expensive. The cost of your prom flowers will depend on the the type chosen, most popular selections are carnations, roses, or rare Cymbidium orchids. If you are looking for a special color, carnations are probably the best choice, florists can spray them to match almost any color you want. The flowers should be picked up the day of the prom and refrigerated until ready to be worn. When pinning a corsage on the girl’s dress don’t place it down too low, let it lay gently on the collar bone. When she turns her head a little she will smell the fragrance of the flowers.

To help decide on the kind of prom flowers for your special day, check with different reputable florists in your area on cost and what is available at the time. If you are creative and on a budget maybe you would like to make your own corsage and boutonierre, instructions can be found on the internet. Flowers can be purchased at the supermarket or from your own garden and floral tape and wire can be bought at a local craft store. You can find many free tips and  ideas by going online and also tips on how to make keepsake memories of your special night. Your prom night experience will be unforgettable if you learn about everything in advance , such as dinner etiquette, tipping the servers, and a commitment to not drive and drink. In twenty years or more you will probably wish to reminisce and relive the memory of your very special prom night.