Proms and school dances are some of the biggest & most exciting events of your high school career! Once you’ve picked out your dress or tux, it’s time to start thinking about flowers. Corsages and boutonnieres make the perfect addition to your formal occasion. The designers at Tillie’s Flower Shops in Wichita, KS know how to create the right flowers to impress your date. Girls can pick out the perfect boutonnieres for their dates. Boys can create fancy corsages that will make the night even more special. Come in together and we’ll design a set for you that reflect your personality and sense of style. We can help you choose from the many different flowers and styles available. For a special touch add rhinestones, pearls, or glitter. Choose Tillie’s Flower Shop for all your prom and dance flower needs in Wichita, Ks! Coming soon is preprinted ribbon with your school colors and name for you corsage/boutonnière boxes!

Current Trends

Two popular styles for dances are wrist corsages and small hand-held French nosegays (and they look great with strapless dresses!). Popular flowers are mini (or sweetheart) roses, standard roses, dendrobium orchids, alstroemeria lilies, mini carnations and other small flowers such as freesia. Flowers for your hair or neck or corsages pinned to an evening bag are also great choices. Tillie’s can tell you the options and show photos of these different styles.

Ordering Tips

Tillie’s Flowers know how very important prom & dance flowers are to their young customers and we are happy to work with them to make their corsages and boutonnieres special. If you have your heart set on a certain corsage style or type of flower, then there is nothing wrong with letting your date know what you would like. You might even suggest coming to Tillie’s Flower Shop together to pick out your flowers. We are experts at customization. Show your dress (or a swatch of the fabric) to us and we can select an appropriate ribbon. Or you can ask us to see what ribbons we have on hand and choose one yourself. Let Tillies know what your budget is and ask us for ideas. An inexpensive flower, such as mini carnations or alstoremeria lilies, used in a lovely corsage style can be just as beautiful as a more expensive bloom, such as roses or orchids.

It is important to remember that prom season is also peak wedding season and often falls on Mother's Day weekend. Therefore, popular flowers such as sweetheart roses, white roses and certain orchids used to create decorative body flowers are in high demand. Ordering at least two weeks in advance so that we have time to order the necessary quantities should ensure that you get what you really want.

Don’t forget to get Mom something! Guys, you can score big points, bring a thoughtful bouquet for mom along with your date’s corsage! Girls, flowers for your mom to thank her is a nice touch, too!

Make the memory last! Guys, thank her for being a great date with a gorgeous bouquet from Tillie’s the next day. Remember, Tillies is open and delivering every Sunday after your Saturday school dance!

How to fasten a corsage/boutonnierre?

Corsages and boutonnieres are as essential to any school dance. Although the thought of jabbing a pin into a gorgeous gown or sophisticated tux might seem terrifying, the procedure is actually quick and painless--unless you poke yourself with that pin. Also remember that a wrist corsage is most popular with school dances, while pin-on corsages are more popular for Mother’s day and weddings. Make sure you let Tillie’s know which you prefer.

How to pin on a corsage or boutonniere:

1. Hold your corsage or boutonniere by its stem. With the flower facing away from your date, slightly angle the floral bouquet on his lapel.

2. Before you actually attach it, make sure the flower is evenly placed and centered on the lapel.

3. Gripping a sturdy stickpin in the hand that is not holding the flower, stick the pin into the fabric at the bottom left corner of the stem.

4. Weave the pin back out from under the fabric. Push it through an inch, laying it at an angle over the top of the stem.

5. Stick the tip of the pin back into the fabric on the other side of the stem. Insure that the stem is tightly in place with the length of the pin pushing it down.

6. Weave the pin back out of the fabric again, making sure the tip of the pin does not stick out - or worse, poke your skin under the fabric!

Tips:

To keep your flowers looking fresh, store it in your fridge.

Corsages and boutonnieres are pinned on opposite sides so that when you dance the flowers don't touch.

Traditionally, corsages are pinned on your right side, while boutonnieres go on the left.

Frequetly Asked Questions

What is a corsage?

A corsage is a small arrangement of flowers tied with a ribbon to match your date's dress. And it's a prom and dance necessity -- don't even think about showing up at her home without it.

What is a boutonniere?

To be pinned on to the male’s jacket. Prom boutonnieres are usually created with 1 focal flower, green foliage, and some accent flower. If using smaller flowers such as sweetheart or spray roses or mini carnations, more flowers can be used. It can be made to match the corsage, but it is not necessary.

How far in advance should I order my flowers for the prom?

It is important to remember that prom season is also peak wedding season and many times also falls on Mother's Day weekend. Therefore, popular flowers such as sweetheart roses, white roses and certain orchids used to create decorative body flowers are in high demand. Ordering at least two weeks in advance so that Tillie’s time to order the necessary quantities should ensure that you get what you really want.

Should my date's boutonniere match my corsage?

This is certainly becoming a popular trend but is not necessary.

Will my florist make something special just for me? Can I choose a ribbon?

Yes, Tillie’s knows how important prom flowers are to their young customers and will be happy to work with you to make a special corsage. Our designers are experts at customization. Show your dress or a swatch of the fabric from your dress to our sales staff and we can select an appropriate ribbon. Or you can ask us to see what ribbons we have on hand and choose one yourself.

What is the hottest corsage for proms?

Two popular styles are wrist corsages and small hand-held nosegays. Popular flowers are mini (or sweetheart) roses, standard roses, dendrobium orchids, alstroemeria lilies and other small flowers such as freesia.

How do I let my date know what type of flowers I really want?

If you have your heart set on a certain corsage style or type of flower, then there is nothing wrong with letting your date know what you would like. You might suggest coming to Tillie’s Flower Shop together so you can order his boutonniere to match your corsage. You could also show him a few photos of flowers and ask what he would like for his boutonniere. Be sure you also have a photo of what you want.

What type of corsage goes best with a strapless dress?

Either a wrist corsage or a hand-held nosegay. Flowers for your hair or neck or corsages pinned to an evening bag are also great choices. Tillies can talk to you about the options and be sure to ask for photos of these different styles.

My budget is limited. Are there less expensive flowers that won't make me look "cheap"?

Let Tillie’s know what your budget is and us for ideas. An inexpensive flower, such as alstroemeria lilies or mini carnations, used in a lovely corsage style can be just as beautiful as a more expensive bloom, such as roses or orchids.

How can I dry a corsage?

This depends on the flower as there are a number of drying methods. Some establishments can freeze-dry your corsage, but this can be an expensive process. Simple methods include silica pellets, powder, gel, or a thick coat of hairspray. There are some local companies, such as Granny Square, that offer flower preservation.

How to fasten a corsage/boutonnierre?

Corsages and boutonnieres are as essential to any school dance. Although the thought of jabbing a pin into a gorgeous gown or sophisticated tux might seem terrifying, the procedure is actually quick and painless--unless you poke yourself with that pin. Also remember that a wrist corsage is most popular with school dances, while pin-on corsages are more popular for Mother’s day and weddings. Make sure you let Tillie’s know which you prefer.

How to pin on a corsage or boutonniere:

1. Hold your corsage or boutonniere by its stem. With the flower facing away from your date, slightly angle the floral bouquet on his lapel.

2. Before you actually attach it, make sure the flower is evenly placed and centered on the lapel.

3. Gripping a sturdy stickpin in the hand that is not holding the flower, stick the pin into the fabric at the bottom left corner of the stem.

4. Weave the pin back out from under the fabric. Push it through an inch, laying it at an angle over the top of the stem.

5. Stick the tip of the pin back into the fabric on the other side of the stem. Insure that the stem is tightly in place with the length of the pin pushing it down.

6. Weave the pin back out of the fabric again, making sure the tip of the pin does not stick out - or worse, poke your skin under the fabric!

Tips:

To keep your flowers looking fresh, store it in your fridge.

Corsages and boutonnieres are pinned on opposite sides so that when you dance the flowers don't touch.

Traditionally, corsages are pinned on your right side, while boutonnieres go on the left.