Have you ever wondered where the idea of corsages came from?
Believe it or not, they weren’t always worn on the wrist like they usually are today. Here’s a brief history of these mini bouquets, as well as a few tips and tricks for choosing the perfect one for your prom.
History
According to GardenGuides.com, the bodice of a woman’s dress used to be called a corsage. Some of the first corsages as we know them today were worn on this part of a women’s clothing, and the French referred to the blossoms as a “bouquet de corsage.” That’s where the modern term for these small bouquets of flowers came from.
People have been wearing flowers for many centuries. In fact, the source reports that the ancient Greeks used to wear flowers at wedding ceremonies because they believed that the scent would ward off evil spirits. The bride and the other women at the event would all carry bouquets or attach flowers to their clothing.
PollenFloralDesign.com notes that by the 1900s, corsages moved up from the bodice of a woman’s dress toward the shoulder. They were usually pinned on upside down, with the bow at the top, and were much larger than most corsages we see today.
The tradition of giving a girl a corsage at prom originated in the 20th century, according to RoanokeValleyWoman.com. Escorts would pick up their dates and present her parents with a gift, like flowers. Then he would take a blossom from the arrangement and pin it on her dress. Now that dress styles are changing and strapless and spaghetti straps are more prominent, corsages are now usually worn on the wrist.
Significance
In weddings, the corsage identifies members or family of the wedding party. The mothers' and grandmothers' corsages are usually different from corsages in the wedding party. The magnolia is a popular corsage for the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom. At graduations, faculty members wear corsages to identify themselves. The corsages are usually symbolic of the class theme or motto. The Mother's Day corsage is usually an orchid, which represents love, beauty and strength given to the mother to express respect.
Function
Corsages are worn to honor people, such as recipients of awards, or for other special occasions. At a baby shower, the mother- to-be is honored with a corsage that is usually pink or blue for the baby's gender or both if the gender is not known. Groups often wear corsages to symbolize patriotism, a memorial, awareness or their convictions to a cause. The flowers chosen are often symbolic to the cause as well as the ribbons used to decorate the corsage.
Considerations
The corsage is a remembrance of the occasion. Some are made of silk, which keeps easily. Even fresh flower corsages are dried. The corsage is designed not only to match attire, but also to match the personality of the wearer. Giving a corsage tells the recipient she is important. Take the time to find out what a person's favorite flower is, what she is wearing, and how you want to honor her.
XOXO
Amy McLaughlin
Newburyport Floral Designer and owner of Amy McLaughlin FLowers.
We design one-of-a-kind corsages and other floral jewelry. Available for ordering online, by phone (978-358-8036) or at our shop: 23 Middle Street, Newburyport, MA
As an enthusiast and expert in the world of flowers, corsages, and floral design, my passion and expertise extend beyond the casual observer. With a deep understanding of the historical evolution of floral accessories and the cultural significance they hold, I can shed light on the fascinating journey of corsages and their diverse applications in various occasions.
The term "corsage" itself has an intriguing origin. Originally referring to the bodice of a woman's dress, corsages were first worn in this area, and the French aptly named the blossoms "bouquet de corsage." This historical tidbit showcases the rich heritage behind the modern term for these mini bouquets.
Wearing flowers has been a practice for centuries, dating back to ancient Greece. In those times, flowers were believed to possess protective qualities, and wearing them at weddings was thought to ward off evil spirits. This tradition has persisted through the ages, evolving into the corsages we know today.
Corsages have undergone stylistic transformations over time. In the 1900s, they transitioned from the bodice to the shoulder, pinned upside down with the bow at the top. These earlier versions were larger than contemporary corsages, as reported by FloralDesign.com.
The tradition of presenting a corsage at prom emerged in the 20th century. Escorts would offer flowers to their dates, and the corsage would be pinned on the dress. With changing dress styles, corsages have now found a place on the wrist, especially with the prevalence of strapless and spaghetti strap dresses.
Beyond proms, corsages serve essential roles in various events. In weddings, they identify members of the wedding party, with different designs for mothers and grandmothers. Graduations see faculty members don corsages representing the class theme or motto. Corsages also play a role in baby showers, symbolizing the gender of the baby or expressing support for a cause.
Functionally, corsages are worn to honor individuals, such as award recipients, and for special occasions. They carry significance in memorial events, awareness campaigns, and patriotic gatherings. The choice of flowers and ribbons is often symbolic, aligning with the cause or theme.
Corsages aren't just accessories; they are remembrances of special occasions. Whether made of silk or dried fresh flowers, corsages are designed to complement attire and reflect the wearer's personality. The act of giving a corsage communicates importance and signifies honor.
In conclusion, the artistry and symbolism of corsages have endured through the ages, adapting to changing styles and cultural contexts. As a floral designer like Amy McLaughlin, crafting unique corsages and floral jewelry, I appreciate the intricate details that go into creating these meaningful accessories, ensuring they align perfectly with the wearer's style and the occasion's significance. If you're in search of one-of-a-kind corsages, consider reaching out to Amy McLaughlin Flowers, where expertise meets creativity.
