How to Buy a Corsage for the Spring Formal

One of the most common dance traditions is the corsage. Your date will likely expect one for the spring formal, so be sure the one you buy her is perfect and something she will want to wear.

Instructions

1. Ask your date what colors she is wearing. A corsage shouldn't clash with her dress, so knowing what color her dress is can help you figure out what color flowers to get. Either your date or your mother can recommend a good color for a corsage based on the dress color.

2. Decide what kind of corsage you want to buy your spring formal date. The easiest corsage for most girls to wear is a wristlet, although some girls would prefer a pin-on corsage if they are wearing bracelets. Again, be sure to ask your date's preference.

3. Set a budget for your corsage. Most carnation corsages cost about $5 to $10, but a corsage with a rose or a more unusual flower will cost more. Keep this in mind when honoring your date's requests.

4. Call or visit a florist to place your order. Make sure not to order the largest corsage they have, since girls who have to wear these large corsages often find them itchy and take them off. Ask for an estimate for the corsage as well so you know how much money to bring.

5. Pick up your corsage a day ahead of the dance if possible and store it in the refrigerator. Usually corsages come in small plastic containers for easy refrigeration. Picking up the corsage any earlier than a day ahead might mean the flowers will brown on the edges.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice pinning ribbons or scarves on someone before pinning a flower on your date. If you've got nervous hands, you might poke your date! Practicing with a friend or family member first will help ease your nerves.

• Talk to your date about what kind of boutonnière would look good with the corsage. Typically your date will buy a boutonnière for you, and you might want to them match.

• Make sure to call the florist far in advance of the dance. Florists put together a lot of corsages and boutonnières before a spring formal, and if you wait too long, the florist won't be able to honor your order. If you becomes desperate, visit a supermarket florist's department to see if someone there can throw something together for you.