One of the most famous prom traditions is the corsage; a single bloom or small collection of fresh flowers that is presented to the girl on prom night by her dashing date. Luckily we’re in the 21st century now, and you can pick your own, buy your own or get it as a gift without any social commentary at all (wearing one without a man to give it would have been on the scandalous side in the bad old days).
Three types of prom corsages
The choices are: wear a wrist corsage, a pinned-on corsage or a having a hand-held one. There’s a reason why the wrist corsage is the most popular: you don’t have to carry it around, worry about losing it or ruin your dress by pinning it on.
If your dress is fairly robust however, a pinned-corsage can be a beautiful detail, just be prepared to live with the holes it will leave. Also, don’t choose flowers that have very sticky pollen – Starburst Lilies have bright orange pollen that they shed at any opportunity for example, and it leaves nasty stains.
Also bear in mind any allergies – if flower pollen and their scent are likely to make you sneeze, don’t pin them under your nose! A wrist corsage or an artificial corsage may be the better option.
Artificial corsages
Silk flowers can be very beautiful and realistic. Having a corsage made of artificial flowers means that you can buy further in advance and not worry about having to take extra special care of it on the day.
How to choose the perfect corsage
If your date is buying a corsage for you, then it’s up to you to tell him what colour your dress will be, what kinds of things you like and also your wrist measurement. The latter will make sure that the florist will make the elastic and ribbon the right size so your hand doesn’t drop off by the end of the night.
If you can, take a photo of you in your dress to the florist so they can design one that will compliment the style and colour. You’ll need to decide if you want something minimalist; a single bloom, or something more fancy; a little cluster of small blooms, or a more dramatic design that runs up your arm. Most florists that specialise in prom corsages will have a portfolio of designs that will give you ideas, and a good florist will have lots of ideas to help make the perfect corsage for your outfit.
Preservation of your corsage
If you want to have a wonderful memento of the evening, the place to start is your corsage. There are many flower preservation specialists that can help you as brides have been preserving their bouquets for years, and the same principles will apply to your corsage. With a specialist’s help to preserve the colour and design, you could have the corsage mounted in a deep frame, pressed and framed or even preserved and displayed in its own little glass dome.
If you plan to preserve your corsage, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the specialist before you buy it as some designs will affect the preservation (the amount of wiring involved for example). They will also advise you on the best way to look after the blooms on the night and also straight afterwards so they are at their best for preservation.
You could always cheat and have a copy made at the time you buy your corsage – then the copy can be protected from a night on the dance floor.
Flowers for the boys too!?
Don’t think that the lads can get away with no flowers; a boutonnière is an absolute must for the best-dressed male. This is the same thing as a wedding button hole: a single flower or cluster of tiny buds that are worn on the lapel. Make an effort to co-ordinate the colour with your outfit accessories and it will look extra special.
