The 'Jelly Bean' turquoise corsage bracelet

Here at the Prom Organiser we like to keep an eye out for things we think you'll love, and we've come across something wonderfully sparkly to do with prom corsages. (Everyone likes sparkly things, right?)

Corsage Creations has mixed the traditional fresh flower prom corsage with a huge dollop of 21st century bling, and we've gone crazy for them. They sell bracelets that are specially designed to have fresh flowers attached to them, and with lots of glam designs, you can pick the one that goes best with your outfit, and then keep the bracelet afterwards.

I've interviewed James Douthwaite, the man behind Corsage Creations, to make sure we're all up to speed on the latest in the prom corsage world.

Prom Organiser: What is a corsage and how/where is it worn?

James: A corsage is a flower arrangement that can be worn on the lapel of the jacket or more commonly now on the wrist and in some cases in the hair or even on the ankle.

Prom Organiser: Any general advice on choosing a corsage?

James: Start with your outfit, and then choose a bracelet that will match. Your florist will be able to recommend the best flowers to use when you take your bracelet to them with a description of your dress. Many florists are now stocking the bracelets too, so you may be able to buy one there.

Prom Organiser tip: take a swatch of the fabric or the dress itself, if you can, so the florist can see the colour.

Prom Organiser: You offer bracelets – could you tell us some more about them and explain how they are made into a corsage?

James: Our bracelets have a unique patented rubber base, which allows flowers to be glued or wired on to it. We have many colours and styles of bracelets to match any outfit.

Prom Organiser: What's the best way to keep a fresh flower corsage at its best for the evening?

James: Your florist will spray the flowers with a finishing spray that will ensure the flower looks fresh, and of course the florist would use fresh flowers anyway.

Silver Corsage Bracelet

Prom Organiser: When is the best time to buy one? I'd be worried about leaving it to the last minute, but they need to be fresh.

James: It’s best to order two or three weeks in advance and arrange to collect it on the day of your prom.

Prom Organiser: In America, tradition dictates that the boys buy the corsage for the girls. Is that the case in the UK in your experience?

James: It is not so much a traditional thing over here; girls are buying corsages as an accessory to add something to their outfit. However some boyfriends do buy them for their girlfriends as a lovely present.

Prom Organiser: Is there anything a girl can buy their date; are buttonholes popular as gifts for example?

James: Buttonholes are a useful way for couples to match, for example if the girl has a rose in her corsage, the boyfriend could have a rose in his buttonhole to match.

Prom Organiser: Are some flowers more suitable than others?

James: Roses and carnations are great but really any flowers would work, even orchids. The florist will know best so ask them to recommend the flower that is best for your outfit.

Prom Organiser: What are the hallmarks of a well made corsage?

James: A well made corsage looks beautiful, delicate and adds that perfect finishing touch to any outfit. But at the same time it has to be sturdy enough to withstand the full rigours of the prom, no matter how much you want to dance.

Prom Organiser: Is there a way to preserve a corsage afterwards?

James: Yes, by using silica gel, flowers can be dried out and kept for years, although most people are just keeping the bracelet as a keepsake.
—

Many thanks to James for his knowledge and advice. You can order a corsage creation bracelet direct from Corsage Creations or you can ask your local florist if they stock the bracelets. Then once you have it, simply take it to your local florist when you place your order. Sorted!

Prom dresses and endless choices

The wonderful thing about school prom dresses is that you have so much choice; you aren’t restricted to only wearing full length gowns, or only cocktail dresses. When it comes to prom gowns, as long as it’s glamorous, anything goes. I’ll be writing all kinds of posts about prom dresses over the next few months, so I want to start at the absolute beginning of your selection process: knowing what style of prom dress suits your shape.

No matter what shape you are, you can find a prom dress that looks fabulous.

If there is anything the wonderful Gok Wan has taught us, it’s that you don’t have to be an underweight supermodel to look fantastic in a frock. Whatever shape you are, there is an ideal style to suit you, you just need to identify three things about your figure:

1. Your overall body shape
2. One feature you like to show off
3. The feature you most want to hide

I’ll take you through each one step-by-step, the rest is up to you and your shopping stamina!

The Prom Organiser’s guide to prom dresses for every body shape

Curvy hourglass

Lucky you! With your bust and hips perfectly balanced and a slim waist to boot, you can carry off most styles of dress. Some A-line styles won’t make the best of your figure, though most formal gowns will suit your shape, especially those that have a defined waist.

Boyish figure

If you’re slender but there isn’t much definition between your waist and hips, an Empire line gown is a good choice. The style is designed to take attention from the waist and skim down over the hips. Decoration at the bust can also keep the eye away from the waist too.

Pear shaped

Wide necklines that balance out your top with your lower half helps, along with dresses that are fitted at the waist and then flare out into a full lower half. This style shows off a slim waist, leaving anything below to the imagination.

Apple shaped

If you are fairly tall, an Empire-line gown can detract from the stomach and waist areas and lengthen your body too. Some carefully designed A-line dresses that have a bit of boning under the bust can also be very flattering. A lower neckline with really striking, eye-catching jewellery is also a good idea.

Tall and thin

Softer lines, rather than tight bodices are more flattering for your shape, and wide and scooped necklines help to widen you out at the top. Sleeves that are cropped and sit wide on the shoulder can also do the same.

Petite

A dress with Princess seams or an A-line shape is the best bet – never wear a dress that has a waist feature, as that will make you look shorter.

Prom dress details to emphasise your best feature

Most of us have one feature that we are proud of, perhaps it’s shapely legs, a trim waist or smooth skin across the back. Decide which one is your best feature, and then choose a design that draws attention to it.

Long legs

For example, a long sheath dress with a slit cut at the side can tastefully reveal wonderful legs, or if you want to be less subtle, you could go for an asymmetrical hemline.

Shapely back

A backless dress can show off that skin, but be sure to find a cleverly designed bra to keep everything in place around the front.

A bust to die for?If you have a good bust, you can have a bit of cleavage, but go for gowns with wider shoulder straps – thin straps don’t work for those with a larger bust, and you’re likely to need a good bra with thicker straps to hide anyway.

Tiny waist?

Get a big belt or dress with a spectacular sash waist to show it off!

Distracting away from a feature with a savvy prom dress choice

Even the most beautiful women in the world have something they don’t like about their figure, and for you to feel fabulous on prom night, you need to be confident that attention will be where you want it. Here are a few common worries, and what prom dress designs can do to help.

Chunky upper arms

You could wear a bolero style jacket, or add a spectacular wrap to the outfit which will also frame your bust and neck, drawing attention away from your arms.

Chunky legs

Avoid styles that are long and straight that have a slit cut into them for walking. Depending on your overall shape, consider a full gown that will emphasis and sweep out from the waist, disguising your leg shape.

Large bust

Not everyone wants to show them off! Choose a princess line gown with a fuller skirt to make the lines flow over and balance the bust, and choose a dress that has beading or other decoration around the hem to distract the eye from the top. Avoid thin straps and halter necks.

Small bust

If your bust is too small for you to carry off some designs, consider an Empire style gown with pleated or ruched fabric across the bust to make it look like there is more there.

Figure it out, then the choice of prom dress style is easy

Once you have identified these three characteristics of your figure, start with the base shape that suits, then choose style details that maximise what your proud of, and hide what zaps your confidence. It may take time, but it will be worth it!

Do you have any questions or worries about your prom dress? Drop us a line or ask in the comments below, we’re here to help!