It’s prom season! Time to shop for the perfect dress or tux and plan for one of the biggest high school milestones. Whether you’re going with a dream date or your best friends, it’s an event to remember. Along with shopping and fittings, hair and makeup, pre and post prom plans, and lots of photos, flowers are part of the tradition. Shopping for prom flowers can be daunting, but with a few tips, your choices will take your prom ‘fit to the next level.
Along with the traditional corsages and boutonnieres, contemporary prom flowers offer a range of on-trend adornments worth checking out. We’re in an era like no other, in which unique personal style is celebrated, so the modern prom is a 21st century showcase for a diverse collection of aesthetics. Flower shops are paying attention and offering unique options to complement any style and highlight your individuality. In addition, it’s easy to shop for prom flowers online and still get the freshest flowers available!
For those who are on the planning committee for prom, we’ve got you covered too! You have a theme and a color scheme. We’re here to help you with the freshest, longest lasting blooms in styles and colors to complement your prom decor. Shopping online for events is an easy way to check this chore off your to-do list!
To make sure you have all the information you need to choose the best prom flowers, we’ll take you through a complete overview of the history and traditions, and the adventurous 21st century takes on prom flower accessories. Who knows, you might be inspired to create a one-of-a-kind prom look with flowers!
History of Corsages and Boutonnieres
Wearing flowers is a practice that dates back to ancient Greece. The fragrance was believed to ward off disease and evil spirits. The practice evolved, and about 100 years ago, it was customary for suitors to bring a bouquet to a woman’s family to thank them for the date, breaking off one bloom to pin to their date’s dress. Over time, it became the tradition we know today, with flowers worn by both suitors and companions, and now with flowers worn in unique ways according to individual or agreed upon choices.
Corsages
A corsage is a small bouquet of flowers meant to be worn on the waist or bodice of a dress, or on the wrist. It’s one of the oldest prom traditions, and typically the corsage is designed to complement the dress or outfit, whether it’s in a matching color, a darker or lighter shade, or a different color that is complementary.
When choosing a corsage for your date, here are some things to consider:
- How do they prefer to wear it? Depending on the dress style and the wearer’s comfort, the customary options are pinned to the dress at the waist or chest, or on a band around the wrist.
- What color is the dress? If possible, it helps to have a fabric swatch or photograph to help choose a matching or accent color.
- What flowers do they prefer? Your date may want to be surprised, but it may help to know if they have a favorite flower, or an ideal in mind to coordinate with the rest of the ensemble.
Expect to spend $18-50 on a prom corsage. Premade corsages will tend to be less costly than custom designed ones.
Boutonnieres
A boutonniere is typically a single bloom or very simple arrangement to be pinned on a jacket lapel. It can be in a color that’s coordinated with a date’s corsage, the color of the jacket, or neutral, like a simple white flower. Traditionally a boutonniere, like a corsage, is chosen by the suitor’s date, but these days, there are many ways to attend prom, so choosing flowers may be a group decision or a personal choice. Since a boutonniere is much simpler and is worn on the lapel, choosing one is less complicated, and primarily involves flower and color preferences.
Boutonnieres cost less than corsages at $10-20.
Nosegays
A nosegay is a small bouquet, and not as common as corsages. If you want to make the night more special or extravagant, a nosegay might be worth considering. To choose a nosegay or bouquet, follow the same guidelines as for a corsage, and plan to spend a little more.
Non-traditional Prom Flowers
Prom traditions have evolved, and just like there are lots of ways to attend prom, there are more ways to add flowers to your look. It’s not unusual for friend groups to attend prom together. As for couples, some may both wear tuxedos, some both dresses, and some mix it up with a combination. The definition of formalwear has expanded, so creating a totally unique prom look for a couple, group, or individual is common.
With more options for attire come new ideas for wearing flowers. A corsage can be worn on a jacket lapel if you and your date are both wearing jackets, but want a little more floral flair. Corsage or boutonniere arrangements can be worn in the hair or incorporated into a jewelry piece. A group of friends attending prom together may want to match their flowers by color, style or flower choice. The choices for flowers are as varied as the options for attire – nearly endless!
Choosing the Flowers
Here is where you can get really creative. The type of flower and arrangement you choose can help make your outfit stand out from the crowd. Here’s a guide to get you inspired:
- Roses – a traditional romantic flower, roses are always appreciated for their beauty and fragrance. Miniature roses are popular in prom corsages and boutonnieres, and are available in a large range of colors
- Orchids – Dendrobian orchids and mini Cymbidium Orchids are especially popular for their fragrance and exotic look.
- Peruvian Lilies – colorful, fragrant and long-lasting, Peruvian Lilies make a brilliant prom accent.
- Carnations – Carnations are inexpensive, fragrant, and can come in any color, as they can be dyed.
- Freesia – these funnel shaped flowers have a lovely fragrance and are available in a variety of colors, from white to yellow to purple.
- Cornflowers – also called bachelor buttons, cornflowers are small and vividly colored, usually blue, with narrow, spiky petals.
- Chrysanthemums – another inexpensive choice, chrysanthemums are colorful with larger blooms.
- Herbs – a nontraditional choice, herbs like sage, lavender, and mint add fragrance and an organic look.
- Foliage – for an impactful look without blooms, choose from a variety of bold foliage options.
Embellishments
Once you’ve chosen your prom flowers, think about how to embellish them to make them truly unique. Ribbons and lace are easy to find in premade corsages and boutonnieres. It’s relatively easy to add these if you have a talent for crafting. If you’re feeling adventurous, look for beads, accents attached to wires for ease of adding to your corsage. Stringing flowers and jewelry together for a necklace, earrings, or anklet can be an unexpected touch of flower power.
Prom Table and Decoration Flowers
Prom planning committee, we haven’t forgotten you! We offer a range of options for event flowers, so you can streamline your planning. Shop our website for centerpieces, arches, and accent flowers, or contact us for advice from our special events team. You can shop and order online, and we’ll deliver the freshest, longest lasting blooms for your prom.
Prom Flowers from The Bouqs Co.
As you can see, there are so many options. Check out The Bouqs Co. for premade corsages, boutonnieres, and bouquets, or design your own, with the freshest, longest lasting flowers available, thanks to our commitment to sustainability from the farm to your door. Our full service website makes it easy to shop and order sustainably at your convenience. If you’re in Los Angeles or Chicago, stop in to our retail stores and experience The Bouqs Co. for yourself. We’re here to enhance your prom experience!
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