Prom Flowers- Choosing your flowers...Corsages & Boutonnieres

It’s Prom Season! Flowers are a staple in Prom attire. Here we will discuss the different types of flowers and designs for Prom. You will also find helpful tips to assist you with selecting corsages, boutonnieres, and posies.

For the Young Lady-

You can choose Prom flowers to match or compliment her dress. If the color of her dress is difficult to match, your local florist can suggest a complimentary color. If your date has a favorite flower, let your florist know. The ribbon can also be matched to her dress or a neutral color can be used, such as sheer, gold or silver.

Pin-on Corsage- A traditional corsage that can be attached to a dress with pins. Using 2 pins will stabilize the corsage. Pin On corsages are not appropriate for lightweight material or strapless dress designs.

Wrist Corsage- A corsage attached to an elastic band to worn around the wrist. When choosing a wrist corsage, let your florist know if the young lady wearing it is petite. Too large of a corsage (ie; too many flowers) can be uncomfortable on someone with a smaller frame. In this case, your florist might suggest fewer or smaller flowers to be incorporated into the corsage.

Upper Arm Corsage- This new trend in corsages has proved popular for several reasons. It is a floral corsage attached to an elastic band, like the wrist corsage, worn on the upper arm (tricep area). Placement on the upper arm allows for less interference near the hand. It is appropriate for strapless or sleeveless dress designs. Ribbons, greenery or beads can be incorporated into the design to dangle from the corsage as an accessory.

Posies/Nosegays/Bouquets- These are small clutches of flowers to be presented and carried like a small bouquet. They can consist of one type of flower or a variety of flowers. Because they need to be carried, they are not as popular as the wearing corsages. They are lovely in presentation and for photos!

For the Young Man-

Boutonnieres- To be pinned on to the male’s jacket. Boutonnieres are usually created with 1 focal flower, green foliage, and some filler. If using smaller flowers such as sweetheart or spray roses or mini carnations, more flowers can be used. It can be made to match the corsage, but it is not necessary. To attach the Boutonniere to the jacket, use two pins and place the corsage (upright at a slight angle) centered on the left lapel of the jacket.

Some final tips...

Be sure to plan Prom accordingly. Order from your florist one week ahead if possible. Pick up the corsage/boutonniere no sooner than the day before. They must be kept in the refrigerator to stay cool until they are ready to present or wear.

In addition to photographing the couple in attire with their floral accessories, take a few close up snapshots of the floral designs, for their photo books. Years from now, they will appreciate the detailed photos.

Flowers are traditionally worn on the left side for Prom, the same side as your heart.

The most popular flowers for Corsages, Boutonnieres and Posies are Mini/Sweetheart Roses, Standard Roses, Dendrobium Orchids, Alstroemeria, Mini Carnations, Standard Carnations and Freesia.

Make Prom memorable and magical with flowers! Call your local florist for details this Prom Season!

Click here to view our Flower Picture Guide.

To locate a real local florist click here.