Published April 27. 2015 04:00PM
Flowers and formal events go hand in hand. Both women and men may wear flowers at weddings, graduations and dances.
A corsage is a small bundle of flowers that is pinned to the lapel area of a woman's clothing or tied around her wrist. Some people get creative and wear corsages in their hair or on their ankles.Corsages get their name from the French bouquet de corsage, meaning a grouping of flowers for the bodice. Initially, corsages were attached to the bodice of a dress and wearers believed the corsages helped to ward off evil spirits.While corsage fashion may have changed, they remain incredibly popular today. Male promgoers typically give their dates corsages before heading off for the festivities, and promgoers or others wearing corsages to formal events may want to consider the following corsage do's and don'ts.DO order corsages at least two weeks to a month in advance so that the florist will have time to order the necessary flowers. Expect certain flowers, such as orchids and pink and white roses, to be in demand. Ordering early ensures you get the flowers you want.DON'T forget to talk to your date about clothing color schemes and style of dress, as corsages often are matched to the gown. Florists can customize the corsage based on the length, style and color of what a date is wearing.DO ask if the gown has straps. This will help you decide whether or not to purchase a corsage that pins near the bodice or one with a wrist strap.DON'T feel the need to match the corsage and boutonniere exactly. While they may feature the same flowers, it is not necessary for them to have the same ribbon or bloom.DO go easy on your date and let him know if you prefer a certain flower or style of corsage. In addition, mention if you have any allergies to certain flowers so your corsage does not trigger an attack.DON'T be embarrassed to discuss budget with a florist. If you have a certain price in mind, mention your budget as you look for the right corsage. Then choose an arrangement that falls in your price range.DO experiment with handmade corsages if you are handy. Amateur florists can try their hand at making corsages for their dates, who may be especially impressed and moved by homemade corsages. Make a corsage from fresh or silk flowers or create a "bloom" from ribbon. There are plenty of tutorials and tips for corsage tricks. Visit a craft center for more inspiration and materials.DON'T be shy about exploring the modern and trendy ideas in corsages. Corsages can be a method of self-expression, and there's no limit to their style, size and placement. Tiny blooms can be grouped together to make a corsage bracelet or a corsage ring.DO keep corsages cool until they are used. Store them in a refrigerator to prevent the flowers from drying out prematurely. Afterward, consider drying the corsage to save as a memento.
METROGRAPHICS Corsages complete a prom look.
FAQs
A: Traditionally, a corsage is worn on the left wrist, but these days it's not uncommon to see it worn on the right wrist. The corsage wearer should feel comfortable and proud to display it in pictures and at their formal event, so it's a personal preference.
Are corsages still a thing in 2024? ›
In 2024, the trend is all about creating custom pieces that reflect the unique style and personality of each individual. Whether you opt for a classic or bold look, corsages and boutonnieres are sure to add a special touch to your Prom experience.
Are corsages supposed to be real or fake? ›
Corsages and boutonnieres can be made from fresh flowers or artificial flowers. When choosing between these two options, it's important to understand the pros and cons of each. It's not just about your personal preferences but also the weather conditions, and how long you need them to last.
Do people wear corsages anymore? ›
The tradition of gifting and wearing corsages still persists at weddings to this day. You'll typically give them to important female guests that you'd like to extend a special honor to.
How many flowers should be in a corsage? ›
How Many Flowers Do I Need for Wedding Floral Arrangements?
| Arrangement | Small Size |
|---|
| Corsage | 1 focal flower, 1-2 filler/secondary flowers, and 1-2 stems of greenery |
| Boutonniere | 1-2 flowers |
| Decoration | 10-15 stalks of focal flowers 5-10 stems of accent flowers 4-8 stalks of filler flowers |
3 more rowsMany formal occasions such as proms, formal dances, graduations and weddings, call for the wearing of a corsage or boutonniere. Like most traditions, there are certain customs that go along with wearing a corsage.
What is the most common style of corsages today? ›
Two popular styles are wrist corsages and small hand-held nosegays (and they look great with strapless dresses!). Popular flowers are mini (or sweetheart) roses, standard roses, dendrobium orchids, alstroemeria, lilies, mini carnations and other small flowers such as cornflowers and freesia.
What flowers last the longest in a corsage? ›
You can also select the exact flowers used on the corsage—roses, carnation, orchids, and lilies are all popular options. Roses and carnations are particularly popular because they are sturdy flowers that will last the entire evening and they come in a wide range of colors, making it easier to match any prom look.
How many days will a corsage last? ›
Boutonnieres and corsages made with fresh flowers typically hold up for one evening of use. Care should be taken to keep them safe since excessive contact will lead to increased bruising. We do have some popular silk flower options which allow them to be re-used for several events.
What's the point of a corsage? ›
Made from fresh flowers, a corsage looks like a petite flower arrangement (typically consisting of just one or several smaller blooms) and usually sits on the wrist like a bracelet, though it can also be pinned on a lapel. Corsages serve as a way to honor people who are very important to the couple getting married.
It is still customary for someone to give their female date a corsage when attending a formal dance, but they are also sometimes given to a daughter attending a formal event by her parents or worn by the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom at a wedding.
Are corsages an American thing? ›
Derived from the French words “bouquet de corsage,” which translates to “bouquet of the bodice,” corsages originally were worn by French women to weddings and funerals, and were most often pinned to the top of their dresses.
What is the etiquette for a prom corsage? ›
Etiquette and tradition state that a corsage should be worn on the left side (either the left wrist or left shoulder strap), but ultimately, placement and how you wear is up to personal preference. Many left-handed people prefer to wear their corsage on their right hand.
Should a corsage match the dress? ›
The color of your corsage should match the color of the dress or contrast the outfit. Rather it should enhance the outfit. That being said, choosing the color is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your corsage.
Who is supposed to wear a corsage? ›
Corsages are often worn by the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom, as well as sisters, bridesmaids and flower girls. However, there's no strict rule about who wedding corsages apply to — some couples even ask all of their female guests to wear one.
What is the tradition of a corsage? ›
A corsage /kɔːrˈsɑːʒ/ is a small bouquet of flowers worn on a woman's dress or around her wrist for a formal occasion. They are typically given to her by her date. Today, corsages are most commonly seen at homecomings, proms, and similar formal events.
Does the wrist or pin go on the corsage? ›
There are two types of corsages: One is worn on the wrist, and the other is pinned onto a lapel or the left side of the chest. The most popular form of a corsage, especially at weddings, is the wrist option, as pinning a corsage to a dress or wedding day outfit could damage delicate fabrics.
Is the corsage supposed to match the dress? ›
The color of your corsage should match the color of the dress or contrast the outfit. Rather it should enhance the outfit. That being said, choosing the color is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your corsage.
