Corsage

Prom wrist corsages

Consideration is often given to selecting similar colors for the corsage as in the outfit.

A corsage /kɔːrˈsɑːʒ/ is a small bouquet of flowers worn on a woman's dress or worn around her wrist to a formal occasion, traditionally purchased by the woman's date. Corsages are now most commonly seen at prom or similar events.

Originally named after the French word for the bodice of a dress to which it was attached, they were originally thought to be lucky or ward off evil spirits ^[1] It has become a customary practice and a demonstration of affection from a date. It is thought that originally the gentleman would bring a gift of flowers for the parents of his date, and would select one flower to give to his date which would then be carried or attached to her clothing.^[1]

• In some countries, corsages are worn by the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom at a wedding ceremony.^[2]
• The flower(s) is(are) worn on a young woman's clothing or wrist for the homecoming celebration or other formal occasions such as prom in some schools around the world.

Sometimes incorrectly called corsages, flowers worn by men are traditionally known as buttonholes or boutonnieres.

Prom

When attending a school formal or prom, providing a corsage for a prom date signifies consideration and generosity. Corsages are usually worn around a prom date's wrist; alternatively, it may be pinned on her dress, or a modified nosegay can be carried in her hand. The colors of the flowers are usually designed to complement the dress. Prom couples may wish to go together to choose the flowers for a custom-made corsage or boutonniere.^[3]

There is some regional variation in the size and design of corsages, for example with large Texas homecoming "mums" with trailing ribbons.^[4]

See also

Look up corsage in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• Boutonnière
• Nosegay

References