An event many teenagers dream about throughout their childhoods, prom is a rite of passage and a night of celebration filled with fun traditions like the prom march, good food, fancy clothes, and of course dancing. One of prom’s oldest traditions involves the exchange of corsages and boutonnieres between dates. The custom is thought to date back to a period of time in France when women pinned flowers to their bodices for good luck and protection.

The tradition later evolved when it became customary for young men to offer bouquets to the parents of the young women whom they were courting. Before giving the flowers to the parents, the gentleman would select one bloom for his date to wear or carry the rest of their evening together.

An often photographed moment, young couples today exchange boutonnieres and corsages before leaving for the prom. At Stadium Flowers, our professional florists look forward to honoring this age-old tradition by helping you select the perfect corsage or boutonniere for your prom date.

Before ordering your date’s corsage, try to find out what color she plans to wear and whether she prefers a pin-on or wrist corsage. This will ensure you select a color of corsage that will complement her gown and a type of corsage she will feel comfortable wearing and dancing with all evening. Usually more ornate and slightly larger than boutonnieres, corsages often include fun embellishments like rhinestones, gems, ribbons, and feathers and typically feature flowers like roses, calla lilies, orchids, daisies, and carnations in virtually any color.

Dendrobium Orchid Wristlet

Like corsages, styles of boutonnieres vary from simple and elegant to embellished and fun. Unlike corsages, boutonnieres usually feature a simple spray of one to three blooms and are always arranged in a pin-on style to be worn on the lapel of a tuxedo jacket or suit coat. Boutonnieres incorporate flowers like calla lilies, roses, carnations, orchids, and more and are also available in a variety of colors to complement any tuxedo’s hue and any date’s personality.

Cala Lily Boutonniere

If you are unsure what color or type of corsage or boutonniere your prom date would prefer, our expert florists can help you select a design and color to complement your date’s personality and style. We hope you have a fun, unforgettable time at the prom!