Homecoming corsages are an important part of a fall homecoming dance. A homecoming dance is usually the main event after a high school's homecoming game, which is normally the first football game of the season. If the high school does not have a football field, then homecoming is centered around the school's most popular sport, such as basketball or ice hockey, depending on where the school is located.
Corsage Etiquette
The corsage is an important part of what you'll wear to homecoming. It is a small flower arrangement that is either pinned on a girl's dress, attached to her wrist or a small bouquet that is held in her hand. Normally the girl's date, if she has one, purchases the corsage and presents it to her when he picks her up. However, in recent years girls have begun buying their own corsages. If she is going to the dance with a group of friends, or just wants to be sure she gets the perfect corsage, she can purchase her own. The corsage, no matter the style, is created to match the color of the girl's dress. If you are a teen guy buying his date a corsage, be sure you pick a color that won't clash with her dress.
Types of Homecoming Corsages
There are several different types of corsages; each has its benefits and its shortcomings. Also, boutonnieres are important for guys, though they are not as intricate as a corsage.
Wrist Corsages
A wrist corsage is a small arrangement of flowers, usually three or four, which attaches to the girl's wrist. This type of corsage is one of the most popular types of corsages because it is comfortable to wear, and if the girl's dress is strapless, then it is almost a necessity. Since pin on corsages are attached to the strap of the dress, a strapless dress would not allow for the use of one.
Pin on Corsages
A pin on corsage is the traditional type of corsage and is a nice choice if your dress is a classic style. However, if your dress does not have straps, then a pin on corsage is not for you. A pin on corsage attaches to the strap of the dress, so if you have no straps then you might want to look for a different type of corsage.
Nosegay Corsages
A nosegay corsage is a small bouquet of flowers that is held in hand throughout the night. This type of corsage is not very popular but can give a dress a unique appearance. The reason nosegay corsages are not popular is mainly because they have to be held, as opposed to being attached to a dress or wrist. It makes it easier to lose the corsage, as well as leaving you with only one free hand. A nosegay corsage allows for a few more flowers to be added since it won't weigh down the girl's dress or wrist.
Ring Corsages
Girls looking for a modern, simplistic take on the wrist corsage might try a ring corsage. This style features one or two small flowers attached to a ring she can wear on her finger. Because these are smaller, they won't feel heavy or get ruined easily. Ring corsages may be cheaper because they use fewer flowers. If you're wearing a long-sleeve or heavily embellished dress this might be the best way to keep from covering up any dress details.
Wrapping Armband Corsages
This type of corsage features a strand of flowers wrapped from the wrist up to the elbow or from the elbow to the shoulder. Armband corsages use a ribbon or flexible green stem to hold sparse flowers cascading on a girl's arm. Those wearing a simple strapless gown can use an armband corsage to add to their overall look. Because this corsage is longer than others, it may cost more for the additional flowers and could feel constricting for dancing.
Modern Corsage Styles
Style and design trends for homecoming dresses and corsages change on an annual basis. Get a classic look when you use timeless flowers in modern designs. If you like being on trend, look for a corsage that incorporates current style trends.
Rose Corsages
Roses are the most classic flower you can use in a corsage. With colors ranging from white to red, yellow, pink and even custom dyed colors you can use roses to achieve any fashion style. Tight rosebuds are great for pin on and ring corsages while open roses look beautiful as a single flower on a wrist corsage. Let your florist know if you'd like the roses open or closed and choose a color that compliments your outfit.
Flower Designs
The traditional corsage featured one kind of flower with ribbon and maybe some baby's breath. Modern flower designs feature a mixture of textures and colors from different flower species, greens, and other natural elements. Get the monochromatic look or ombre effect when you choose several shades of one color and different flowers on one corsage. For a more natural look, pair one main flower with different types of greens and fillers like baby's breath. Think of this style as more of a small arranged bouquet that's meant to be highly designed.
Fall Flower Corsages
If you want a corsage that captures the spirit of Autumn, include fall flowers like Ranunculaceae or sunflowers. Pick fall colors like deep yellows, oranges, reds, and browns to mimic the changing colors of leaves. Make sure the colors match or compliment your dress and be prepared to include fewer flowers on the corsage since fall blooms can be big.
White Orchids
White orchids are a classic flower with a unique, simple look. When using orchids in your corsage, make them the focal point. Skip the extra ribbon or embellishments and set the flower against a simple leaf background or cluster a few flowers together. The resulting corsage will be timeless and relatively light since you'll only use a few flowers.
Peacock Feathers
Use peacock feathers in place of leaves, ferns or other greens on your corsage. The greens in the feather will mimic this natural look, making the entire corsage unique without being flashy or too trendy. For a bolder look add a brightly colored ribbon like the teal found in the feather's natural design.
Tropical Flowers
Flowers like the hibiscus that typically feature bright, bold colors and grow in tropical regions make any corsage into a statement piece. Since the color of these flowers stands out, keep the rest of the corsage simple with flat green leaves and white accents. Arrange the flowers in a cascading pattern to accentuate the beautiful colors or cluster them to mimic their natural look when growing in the wild. No matter how you style them, tropical flowers are the focal point of the corsage.
Dark Designs
If your dress has more of a gothic feel, look for a dark corsage to match. Deep red or purple flowers and black ribbon look elegant and correspond with a darker fashion style. Black ribbon with white flowers resembles the feel of an old, black-and-white photo while red flowers are reminiscent of blood and vampires.
Crystal Designs
Take your corsage from accessory to piece of jewelry when you incorporate crystal elements. Start with a sparkly bracelet and see if the florist can attach your chosen flowers to that base instead of the typical elastic band. A single large bloom with a jewel accent brings the whole look together. Or, if you've got a vintage style in mind, have a corsage made from crystal flowers. You'll be able to save this keepsake forever since the crystals won't die and dry up like real flowers.
What About the Boutonniere?
Girls aren't the only ones who get to wear flowers on homecoming night. Guys normally wear a boutonniere, which is a small flower arrangement, usually one or two small flowers, which is pinned onto his left lapel. A boutonniere is crafted to match the girl's corsage, so if she is wearing a corsage with a few red roses on it, then the boutonniere would probably be a single red rose. Boutonnieres are sometimes included in the price of a corsage.
Prices and Where to Buy Corsages and Boutonnieres for Homecoming
Price ranges for a corsage can run anywhere from $10 to $100, depending on how elaborate it is, the type and amount of flowers and the florist's skill level. When buying a corsage, order it a couple of weeks in advance in case there are problems with the florist and to be sure that your order will have time to be filled. If you are buying your corsage at a local flower shop then you will probably be able to get a matching boutonniere easily. If you buy your corsage online then be sure that if the corsage doesn't come with a boutonniere that you find one of a similar type. U.S.A Flowers.com is a good website to purchase a corsage from, or your local florist might even have their own website that you can go on to look at corsage styles.
Don't Skip the Tradition
Receiving a corsage for homecoming is an important rite of passage. Even if the recipient isn't part of the homecoming court, everyone deserves to wear one.
