BWF 
Posted on 03/20/2025 at 11:07 am by Ben White Florist / Prom
Buying matching corsages and boutonnieres is a decades-old custom for prom dates. During this exciting time in your high school journey, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and feel overwhelmed. But choosing the right corsage and boutonniere is more straightforward than you may think when you follow a few key etiquette tips.
Both accessories come from French roots. Corsages were originally flowers that men pinned to women’s dresses on dates. Boutonnieres were placed as single flowers on the man’s suit to match the woman’s corsage.
Over time, this custom became associated with balls and, eventually, high school proms. Prom corsages and boutonnieres typically include ribbons that are the same color as the flowers.
It’s customary for a male date to present the corsage to their female counterpart on the day of prom. With this in mind, you should consider what your date will be wearing.
Some girls like to match their corsage flowers to the color of their dresses. In this case, a pink prom dress would call for a pink corsage.
However, complementary colors can also look elegant, especially when they match the other date’s boutonniere. So if you and your date are both wearing black, you can choose a standout color like blue for both of your floral accessories.
In the modern world, corsages are usually worn on the woman’s wrist, while boutonnieres go on the lapel of the man’s jacket. You can easily pin the boutonniere to keep it in place throughout the whole night.
The corsage wristband can be any color you wish. White is a good go-to band color since it doesn’t clash with any other hues. However, some prom dates like wearing single-color corsages, where the band is the same color as the flowers. Get to know what your date likes before picking out the band.
If your date prefers, you can pin the corsage on her dress directly. This works best for dresses with sleeves, keeping the corsage near the wrist area.
Corsages can be made of different types of flowers. Many dates enjoy a complementary arrangement of smaller white florals mixed with larger flowers like colored roses. Take a closer look at how to choose the right arrangement.
The first step is to ask your date what color her dress will be. She doesn’t have to show you the dress if she wants it to be a surprise, but if she does, pay attention to the textures of the fabric. This will help you and your florist pick the perfect flowers for the corsage and boutonniere.
Consider what color ribbons would work best with your chosen florals. The colors don’t have to match exactly. For example, you can tie red ribbons with pink roses and still achieve a sleek, elegant look.
One option is to buy your date a full bouquet of flowers that matches her dress and corsage. This is a gift that will remind her of your wonderful night together for weeks to come. Ask your florist for an elegant bouquet that completes the look.
If you run out of time to craft your accessories, don’t panic. On the day of prom, you can give her a single flower from the bouquet and pin another to your suit jacket.
You can preserve these mementos of your special night together by drying the flowers and storing them somewhere that holds special significance. Ask your florist for more guidance on this process.
Boutonnieres and corsages are traditional accessories that come from the romance of past times in history. By following the proper etiquette, you can incorporate these time-honored customs into your upcoming prom date to add an extra special touch you’ll both remember for years to come.
Ben White Florist 
BWF 
