What Is a Corsage and Boutonniere? A Simple Guide for Proms, Weddings, and Special Events

At A Ray of Sunshine Floral in Hilliard, Ohio, we regularly help customers choose corsages and boutonnieres for prom, weddings, homecoming, and other meaningful events. This guide explains the basics, traditions, styles, and tips for choosing the right floral pieces for your occasion.

A corsage is a small floral arrangement traditionally worn by women for formal occasions. The word “corsage” comes from the French term bouquet de corsage, which originally referred to flowers worn on the bodice of a dress. Over time, corsages evolved into the floral accessories commonly worn today for prom, weddings, dances, and celebrations.

Modern corsages are most often worn on the wrist, though some are still pinned to dresses for formal events. They are typically designed using fresh flowers, ribbon, greenery, and decorative accents that coordinate with the colors and style of the event.

Corsages are especially popular for prom, homecoming, weddings, quinceañeras, mother-of-the-bride flowers, and other meaningful celebrations.

A boutonniere is a small floral piece traditionally worn by men on the lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket. The name comes from the French word boutonnière, meaning “buttonhole.” Historically, flowers were worn on jackets as a symbol of celebration, honor, and even protection from bad luck.

Today, boutonnieres are commonly worn for prom, weddings, graduations, galas, ceremonies, and formal events. Most boutonnieres feature a focal flower accented with greenery, ribbon, or small textural details. They are typically pinned to the left lapel near the heart.

Corsages and boutonnieres have remained popular because they add a thoughtful, personal detail to important occasions. For prom, exchanging flowers has become a long-standing tradition that symbolizes celebration and connection. For weddings and formal events, wearable flowers help tie together colors, themes, and overall style.

They also become part of the memories and photographs from these milestone moments.

Some of the most popular flowers used in corsages and boutonnieres include roses, spray roses, orchids, carnations, ranunculus, and mini calla lilies. Designs can range from classic and elegant to modern, romantic, colorful, or minimal depending on the event and personal style.

At A Ray of Sunshine Floral each corsage and boutonniere is thoughtfully designed in our boutique floral studio using fresh flowers and seasonal accents.

Wrist corsages are the most popular option for prom and dances today. These are worn on an elastic, pearl, or decorative wristband and offer a comfortable, modern look.

Pin corsages are traditionally attached directly to a dress or gown and are more commonly seen at weddings, formal ceremonies, and traditional events.

When ordering prom flowers or formal event flowers, it helps to know the dress or suit color, preferred flower tones, gold or silver accents, ribbon preferences, and whether you prefer a modern or traditional design style. Many customers also share outfit photos to help coordinate colors and textures more naturally.

Prom flowers should ideally be ordered at least one to two weeks in advance, especially during busy spring weekends. Ordering early allows for better flower selection, custom color coordination, and availability during peak prom season.

A Ray of Sunshine Floral creates custom prom corsages, boutonnieres, matching sets, and prom bouquets for students throughout Hilliard, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, and the Columbus, Ohio area.

Our designs are created in a clean, elevated boutique style using fresh flowers, thoughtful details, and seasonal blooms to help make your special event feel even more memorable.