Prom is a momentous event in your life, and it isn’t complete without the floral arrangement of a corsage on your wrist. To help understand the significance and symbolism of corsages, you should learn about their evolution throughout the years. Below is a brief guide to the background of these prom flowers, along with tips to choose the perfect one.

Background & History

The term ‘corsage’ originates from France, when they pinned an elegant floral arrangement to the bodice of a woman’s dress – called a corsage – at events and dinners. The flowers gained the name ‘bouquet de corsage’ because of this, which was shortened to just ‘corsage’ over the years. Initially, these arrangements were worn to protect against harmful spirits and energies, as well as to ward off sickness. As religion and knowledge about medicine evolved, corsages became large, refined arrangements that were a sign of the social prowess and wealth of the couple, pinned to the chest of the woman’s dress. In more modern times, they became more straightforward arrangements worn exclusively for formal events. The male partner would bring a bouquet to present to his date’s parents, and then one blossom was cut from the bouquet and pinned to his date’s dress before they left. In this way, corsages evolved to become a sign of respect for the woman’s family and open affection for the woman – symbolism they still bear today. They’re also worn as elegant accessories on formal occasions and go on the wrist due to changing dress styles.

Choosing the Perfect One

Choosing your ideal corsage for prom should be exciting and stress-free. You should know the color of your dress in advance, so you can select similar or complimenting tones. Avoid choosing flowers in the exact shade of your dress, or the corsage might blend in with it instead of being a noticeable complement to it. If you don’t know your color scheme yet, a few colors that go well with almost any color are deep reds, whites, and soft oranges. For a minimalist dress, you can get a subdued corsage, with one or two blooms and a few leaves, to go along with it. Flashy or extravagant dresses pair with more ornate corsages composed of one or two large blooms surrounded by baby’s breath. You can also choose whatever type of bloom you wish – roses are classic and timeless, but choosing your favorite flower, like lilies or dahlias, puts a personal touch on it.

Let the kind staff at Ivywood Florist help ready you for prom with gorgeous, fresh corsages. Located in Enterprise, AL, this locally owned and operated florist offers a lavish assortment of blooms, including tulips, roses, and modern creations that they cultivate for any occasion. Their prices are competitive, their quality breathtaking, and their convenience unmatched, as they offer delivery for special events. Get inspired by browsing their gallery online, and call (334) 347-7343 to order your corsage today.