PROM CORSAGE
What’s up with the prom corsage? Where did that tradition come from?
The tradition of prom is believed to have originated somewhere around the year 1895. It was originally meant to be a formal dance for upperclassmen in college but became popular with high school seniors around 1930. The word “prom” is short for promenade and there is a whole lot of tradition behind it, including the origins of the prom corsage, a development that didn’t come until the 1950’s. How did it begin? Here is a short lesson on formal etiquette for those who may not be familiar with the custom of courting:
In ancient times (pre-internet), when a man was interested in a woman he would court her. This custom involved him asking her parent’s permission to call upon the young lady and perhaps attend an event with her under the strict supervision of a parent or appointed chaperone. This may sound a little mature for high school but remember in the old days guys and girls got married a lot younger and the process began when they were high school age.
These courting sessions required that the guy bring flowers and usually a gift of some kind for the parents. These flowers were actually the origin of the prom corsage, although of course they didn’t know that then. When a formal event came along the guy would pull a single flower out of the bouquet and attach it to the dress of his companion. This was the first prom corsage.
In the 1950’s, prom dresses became more of a fashion market and the prom corsage became an item that florists began to carry in their regular stock. High school proms became more and more popular and in the 1980’s a series of movies came out that glorified the prom scene. Prom dresses, prom shoes, prom tuxedos, prom limos, and prom corsages became big business. Today, it is not uncommon for a florist to sell hundreds of prom corsages in a single prom season. With the steady development of internet marketing, the numbers are growing every day. And all of this came about because a guy wanted to give his girl some flowers to show his admiration for her and impress her parents.
It was really interesting reading this article and learning the history behind prom. Great article.
Fresh flowers as corsages are more preferable that plastic-made ones.
Thanks for sharing the history!
I love that you dove into the history of prom! Now even more reason to cherish my high school days 🙂
It’s really cool to know a bit more of the history behind this prom corsage tradition. Thank you for sharing this interesting this tradition
i think this post about prom corsages is so great and i am learn something new with this article
thanks for providing the history of corsage and flowers on prom.
This is a lovely sharing, I love beautiful dreasses, Love your sharing, photos & am enjoy my reading here 😀 Cheers, siennylovesdrawing
I never had a corsage for my prom because I was single and went with friends.
It’s really cool to know a bit more of the history behind this tradition. Prom seems so much more of a thing in the US than in the UK. I wish we did it like you guys over the pond!
Very interesting post on the prom corsage topic. I wasn’t aware of those facts so thanks for sharing such information here.
It’s great to know the history behind a beautiful corsage. I know from the movies that when prom dresses became more of a fashion market, the prom corsage became the next most sought after item. It’s like an accessory to a very beautiful dress. Thanks for sharing!
Very interesting! I always used to think where is the origin of prom corsage tradition.
Thanks for making me to learn something new today. Its such a great post.
Very interesting post. Thank you for sharing the history of prom.
Thank you for the history lesson, I know about corsages because of American movies, cause sadly in Croatia corsages aren’t that big of a thing, but pre internet courting is the way to go xD there is nothing more fulfilling than the way her eyes lit up when you surprise her with a bouquet,
I remember getting my first corsage. My prom date’s hands were shaking like crazy as he pinned it on. P.S. My Dad still gives my Mom one every year. That may explain why they’ve been married for over 50 years.
I never knew that about the corsage in general. Thank you for explaining it to me, now I won’t forget!
It is really nice to know that tradition are still up today. Keep it going, that is so pretty.
Such an interesting read, sometimes people do things coz it’s tradition but it’s nice to know the reason behind why we do this
Such a great tradition. In Ireland it’s not really the same. We call it a debutant ball aka DEBS. Quite similar but a few traditions differ
Great post. My corsage was so unique and beautiful.
At my first prom in high school we were handed out corsages before going inside the hall. I never knew it was meant to be given by your partner.
Yes, he should get you a corsage, usually a carnation.
I wore one for my prom. I loved it but then again I’m obsessed with flowers so it was perfect for me
Great now I know how the prom corsage came from. Thank you for this informative post.
I never knew the history behind a corsage but it makes sense. My husband courted me (pre-internet)! Lol I also still have my first prom corsage dried and preserved!
That’s great to preserve your prom corsage! It’s a great momento!
Nice background on prom corsages. I wasn’t aware of that info.
Very interesting! I always wondered where the prom corsage tradition came from.
Oh wow that’s interesting and adorable! I am now trying to remember if I wore a corsage to my prom? haha I feel like i did but it’s been so long ago I am not sure!
Interesting. I had no idea about the history of the prom. Thanks for sharing!
Aww I love this tradition, it’s not really a thing in the UK but I think it’s such a lovely idea and some of them are so pretty too!