Pick out a Corsage

Picking out the right corsage for your date is a crucial part of prom. For many, the idea of selecting flowers for their dates can be a bit intimidating, but even a someone who's absolutely clueless about flowers can easily make a nice selection. Simply determine the colors and type of corsage that works best for your date and, if all else fails, do not be afraid to ask for help.

Steps

When to Buy

You may either purchase a pre-made corsage or custom order one.

  1. Call or visit a local flower shop a week in advance if you plan on purchasing a pre-made corsage. Not all flower shops sell pre-made corsages, however, so set aside plenty of time to locate one that does.
  2. Order a custom corsage at least two weeks before prom, if not earlier. Prom season also lands around Mother's Day and the start of wedding season, so florists have a greater workload than usual. Ordering well in advance ensures that the florist will be able to complete your request in time.
  3. Do not go to the florist a day before prom. Doing so will severely decrease your odds of finding a decent corsage.

Find Out About Your Date’s Preferences

Ask your date about his/her preferences. This will allow you to select a corsage that perfectly matches his/her likes and dislikes.

  1. Find out if he/she has any favorite flowers. Try to get a corsage that uses a flower he/she likes.
  2. Find out if there are any flowers he/she has an allergy to. The last thing either of you want is for your date to have an allergic reaction during the evening.
  3. Ask about his/her favorite colors. Look for flowers that naturally blossom in those hues, or consider flowers that can be dyed, like carnations.
  4. Discover whether or not he/she wants a certain type of corsage. Traditional corsages are tied around the wrist, but other popular options include pinned-on corsages and hand-held nosegays, a type of small bouquet. Find out if she has a preference amongst the three.

Find Out What Your Date will Wear

Even if you want his/her corsage to be a surprise, you should at least find out some basic information about what your date is planning on wearing.

  1. Find out whether or not her dress is strapless. A wrist corsage or hand-held nosegay works best for strapless dresses.
  2. Ask about the color of her dress or his suit. You should choose a color scheme that matches those colors.
  3. Go with safe options if, for whatever reason, you are unable to find out anything about her dress. Wrist corsages are the safest and most traditional style, and a neutral white flower looks elegant and matches nearly any color of dress or lapel.

Budget

A corsage can cost a lot of money. Know how much you can spend and let that guide your decision.

  1. Set a price. Most corsages cost between $25 and $50, but prices vary even more than that. Determine how much you can afford to spend without getting carried away.
  2. Let the florist know your limit. This may limit your selection, but there are many inexpensive flowers, such as alstroemeria lilies or mini carnations, that look lovely in corsages.

Go with Your Date

Consider picking out a corsage with your date. Some people like the idea of having an active part in the process.

  1. If your date is not opposed to the idea, ask him/her to come with you to the florist. This way, you know your date will end up with a corsage he/she loves.
  2. Ask your date to bring along the dress or a swatch of fabric in the same color and material he/she will be wearing. Show this to the florist, and he/she may be able to better match flowers and ribbon to the outfit as a result.

Ask for Help

If all else fails, ask for help from others who might be more knowledgeable than you.

  1. Request assistance from a mother, sister, or other female family member. Women tend to have a better eye for flowers than most men, and they may feel more confident in their selections as a result.
  2. Ask the florist for his/her professional opinion. Knowing how to coordinate colors and flowers into a pretty arrangement is part of a florist’s job, after all.

Tips

  • Pick up the corsage on the day of the event and store it in the refrigerator until the time comes for you to take it to your date.
  • If you have the time, shop around at various flower shops for the best deal.
  • Look up some ideas online and ask your date which one she likes, or have her find some online that she likes so you can show them to the florist.

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Sources and Citations

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