Corsages are often seen at semi-formal and formal dances, just like homecoming or prom. The corsage is typically meant to bring color to an outfit and allow a couple to match, though the historical traditions of wearing a corsage are less strict in today’s world. Our article tells you more about corsages and whether or not you are expected to wear one at homecoming.
What Is a Corsage?
A corsage is a wrist accessory similar to a bracelet that is crafted from a wrist strap or ribbon and a single flower or multiple flowers. There are a certain set of historically traditional flowers that are used in corsages, such as mums and baby’s breath, and these corsages may be handmade or purchased.
The tradition of wearing corsages dates back at least a hundred years, and corsages were typically given by male partners to their female date upon attending a semi-formal or formal dance together. Today, corsages are less formal, and they tend to feature school colors and fun accessories like ribbons and baubles.
What Is a Boutonniere?
A boutonniere is the male equivalent of the corsage; traditionally, the male gives a wrist corsage to his female partner, and the female partner will ensure their male partner has a matching pin crafted from the same flowers and colors as the corsage. Today, standards and traditions are more relaxed, and you may not see matching boutonnieres, or you may see someone of any gender wearing this and matching the corsage of a friend or date.
Are Corsages Worn at Homecoming?
Corsages may be worn at homecoming, but this typically depends on how formal the dance is and other traditions that your high school may have. In many cases, corsages may be skipped at homecoming and worn at more formal events like prom instead.
However, if you and your date have agreed to trade corsages and boutonnieres, or if your high school has a tradition where corsages are included, you may need to wear one.
Keep in mind that even though it strays from historical tradition, anyone can give a corsage or boutonniere to anyone else. Even though tradition dictates a male date gives a corsage to his female partner and the female partner gives a matching boutonniere, you can bring this tradition into the modern day for your homecoming dance by gifting your female friends or date of any gender a corsage or boutonniere.
When Are Corsages Necessary?
Corsages are only necessary when your school states that they are part of the dress code. Even then, wearing a corsage or boutonniere might not be possible if you do not have a date or friend group accompanying you as you attend homecoming. In most cases, wearing a corsage or boutonniere is optional, and you will not be denied entry into your homecoming dance by not wearing one.
How Do I Choose a Corsage?
If you and your date or friends have decided on trading corsages, you may be wondering how to choose the best corsages and boutonnieres. Fortunately, you can use the following tips to make sure that your corsages match your homecoming outfit:
- Consider the color of your outfit and your date’s or friend’s outfit
- Make sure the corsage is not too large, as this could be uncomfortable to move and dance with
- Consider your date’s or friend’s preference, including flower preferences
- Select a matching boutonniere or discuss with your date or friend the type of matching corsages and boutonnieres you are interested in
If you can’t decide on a corsage, you can always look up pictures of corsages online with your friends or date to get a better sense of the types of corsages available and which might look best for you.
Keeping Corsages in Mind
A corsage is somewhat of a historical tradition and wearing a corsage or trading a corsage and boutonnieres with a date have a much less strict meaning these days. You can wear a corsage to homecoming if this is something you would prefer, and you can choose the best corsage for you and your date or friends by taking into account flower preferences and the color of your outfit.
Make sure to check with school rules and expected traditions to get a better sense of corsages and how they factor into your high school’s homecoming dance.