Spring is the season of prom, and with it comes the need for wearable prom flowers. As you are preparing for the season and your big date, here’s what you need to know about the flowers connected to this rite of passage.
The Tradition
Why do we give flowers to our prom date? Where did this tradition stem from? Wearing flowers is a tradition that goes back for centuries, as flowers and herbs not only warded off smells from poorly bathed individuals, but also the bad spirits people believed they faced on a daily basis.
In the early 1900s, when the tradition of school dances was in its infancy, men who took a woman to a dance would often show respect to her parents by gifting them with a bouquet of flowers. He would then pull one stem from the bouquet and pin it to her dress. As the role of parents in courting began to diminish, the tradition became for the man to present flowers to his date, and pull a bloom to pin to his lapel. Thus, the tradition of flowers given to a prom date began.
The Corsage
Cymbidium Orchid Corsage
Ladies will typically wear a corsage to the prom. The corsage can be a wrist version or one that is pinned to the bodice of the gown. However, because most prom gowns are strapless or have tiny straps, it may be more practical and comfortable to choose a wrist corsage.
The flower you choose for the corsage really simply depends on your tastes. Roses are a common choice, but you can go with something different. Our Cymbidium Orchid Corsage is a particularly elegant option to consider if your date enjoys something more exotic.
The key is to match the flower to the dress for a coordinated look, or to use a neutral color, like white, if the dress color is not known. If you cannot match the dress, consider a contrasting or complementary color instead.
The Boutonniere
Dendrobium WHhite Orchid
Tradition also dictates that the man wear a boutonniere that coordinates with the corsage given to his date. Traditionally, the boutonniere was plucked from the flowers given to the female date. While this is no longer the case, it is still traditional to have the flowers match. Often, once a couple has solidified their date and outfit plans, they will shop for these flowers together. Boutonnieres are one or two smaller flowers and are worn on the lapel of the tuxedo or near the breast pocket of the dress shirt.
As you are making your selections, be sure to consider the options available from Gordon Boswell. Make your prom the best possible night with beautiful flowers from Fort Worth’s top florist.