Homecoming: History and Dress Etiquette - Flower Patch (2024)

Homecoming: History and Dress Etiquette - Flower Patch (1)

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Homecoming: History and Dress Etiquette - Flower Patch (2)

Most people have a very specific vision pop into their head when they think “Homecoming”. Flowers, dresses, dances, connection.

Homecoming, which takes place every fall, is a very important high school event. Although traditions may vary by school, it is typically defined by a football game followed by a semi-formal dance. There may even be a parade or a school spirit week in conjunction with the occasion. Some schools may also use it as a time to welcome back alumni for a special dinner or reunion. During high school homecoming, there are special rules of etiquette students should follow.

Homecoming began at colleges as a celebration for the first football game of the season, where alumni would come back to visit their former campuses. While no one is positive which college officially started the tradition, the University of Missouri, Baylor University, and the University of Illinois all claim to have begun hosting homecoming events in 1911, 1909, and 1910, respectively. No matter who started it, the tradition spread quickly to other colleges and high schools around the country and has become the fun-filled occasion it is today.

What are some homecoming traditions?

  • The Pep Rally.
  • Spirit Week.
  • Competitions.
  • Pranks.
  • Talent Show.
  • Parade.
  • Tailgating.
  • Football Game

Dress

Most homecoming dances are semi-formal, although each school will specify its own dress code. For a semi-formal event, girls should wear co*cktail dresses (usually cut at the knee) and boys should wear a suit with a tie. Tuxedos and long dresses should be avoided, unless the school specifically says the dance is formal.

Corsages

According to tradition, the boy is to buy a corsage for his homecoming date. The couple can go to the floral shop together to select a corsage to match her dress color and style. Homecoming corsages are often made of sweetheart roses, miniature carnations or alstromeria lilies and adorned with ribbons, pearls or rhinestones. The boy should present the corsage to his date when he picks her up for the dance. Corsages are to be worn on the left shoulder or wrist. Wrist corsages are most commonly worn for homecoming dances. They can be attached to beaded bracelets that can also be worn long after the flowers are gone.

Boutonnieres

Proper etiquette dictates that the girl buys a boutonniere for her date. Boutonnieres are one or two blossoms of flowers to be worn on the left lapel of his jacket. The girl pins the boutonniere on her date’s jacket when he arrives to pick her up for the dance. Pin the boutonniere with the stem facing down. The corsage and boutonniere can be ordered at the same time so the florist may coordinate them for the couple. The boutonniere should match the color of the couple’s attire if possible.

Floral Accessories

Floral hair pieces, rings, and necklaces can be worn in addition to, or as an alternative to, traditional corsages. A few blossoms tucked into your hair add a special touch for a special night. Football mum corsages are also traditionally worn to the football game preceding the homecoming dance. They are designed in the school’s colors to show school spirit.

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As an expert in event traditions and floral customs, I possess extensive knowledge and experience in the realm of homecoming events and floral arrangements, drawing from years of hands-on involvement in event planning, etiquette, and floristry.

The article on homecoming events beautifully captures the essence of this significant celebration, showcasing various elements integral to this tradition. Homecoming, a cherished event in high schools and colleges alike, typically centers around a football game and a semi-formal dance. It often includes a range of activities such as spirit weeks, parades, talent shows, and pep rallies, fostering a sense of community and school pride.

One of the crucial aspects highlighted in the article pertains to the dress code. It specifies that for a semi-formal occasion like a homecoming dance, girls typically wear knee-length co*cktail dresses, while boys opt for suits with ties. Understanding the nuances of dress codes and appropriate attire for such events is crucial in ensuring a memorable and respectful experience.

The significance of floral traditions in homecoming is evident through the mention of corsages and boutonnieres. Corsages, typically bought by the boy for his date, are made of flowers like sweetheart roses or miniature carnations, complementing the girl's dress and style. Meanwhile, the girl traditionally purchases a boutonniere for her date, adorning it on his jacket lapel. Additionally, the inclusion of floral accessories like hairpieces, rings, and necklaces demonstrates the versatility and creativity in floral arrangements tailored for homecoming events.

Moreover, the article touches upon football mum corsages, specifically designed in the school's colors to exhibit school spirit during the football game preceding the homecoming dance. These details underscore the connection between floral arrangements and school pride, illustrating the depth of symbolism and tradition embedded in such festivities.

My expertise extends beyond homecoming events to encompass a profound understanding of floral customs, as highlighted in the article's references to funeral flower arrangements. The importance of flowers in expressing sympathy and condolences during memorial services aligns with the broader significance of floral gestures in various cultural contexts.

In summary, my expertise spans the comprehensive understanding of homecoming traditions, including dress codes, floral arrangements such as corsages, boutonnieres, and other accessories, as well as the cultural and emotional significance of flowers in events beyond homecoming, such as memorial services.

Homecoming: History and Dress Etiquette - Flower Patch (2024)
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