Corsage

What is Corsage?

A corsage is a decorative cluster of flowers, sometimes with added ribbons or trinkets, worn by women for special occasions. It can be pinned to the shoulder of a dress or fastened around the wrist with an elastic band. The flowers are chosen to complement the outfit and may be fresh or artificial. Corsages can be simple, with a single bloom, or more elaborate, featuring several flowers and decorative accents.

Where does Corsage come from?

The custom of wearing flowers dates back to Ancient Greece, where small bunches were worn at weddings. Over centuries, the practice shifted from daily wear to special events. The word 'corsage' comes from French, originally meaning a bouquet worn on the upper body. In the 19th century, corsages became associated with courtship and formal dances, evolving in style as fashion changed. Wrist corsages became popular as dress styles made pinning less practical.

How Corsage is made

Corsages are made by selecting fresh or artificial flowers and arranging them with greenery or decorative items. For wrist corsages, flowers are attached to an elastic band using floral wire and tape or glue. Pin-on corsages use wire for support and are fastened to clothing with a pin. Ribbons and small ornaments may be added for extra flair. The design and size are often tailored to the event and the wearer’s preference.

When and where Corsage is used

Corsages are most often worn at proms, homecomings, weddings, and other formal gatherings. They are usually given as a gift by a date, family member, or friend. In the United States, mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom may wear corsages at weddings. At school events, couples often coordinate their corsage and boutonnière to show they are attending together. Some people keep their corsages as mementos.

Forms of Corsage

Corsages come in several forms, including wrist corsages, pin-on versions, and hand-held nosegays. In Texas and nearby states, homecoming mums are a unique, elaborate style featuring large artificial flowers, ribbons, and trinkets. These can be custom-made or bought ready-to-wear, with designs growing more ornate over time. Male students may wear a smaller version called a homecoming garter.

What Corsage means

Corsages symbolize honor, affection, and celebration. In the U.S., they are a traditional part of school dances and weddings. The homecoming mum, especially in Texas, has become a rite of passage and a display of school spirit. Corsages are often dried and saved as keepsakes. Their colors and styles are chosen to match the event and the wearer’s attire, highlighting their role in marking special occasions.

The flowers of Corsage

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursOrchidA vast family of colourful, often fragrant flowers found almost everywhere on earthLilyTall bulb flowers with large, colourful blooms in many gardens and culturesChrysanthemumAutumn-blooming flower with thousands of varieties, cherished in East Asia and beyondDianthusA group of frilled, often pink, flowers grown in gardens and bouquets worldwideCarnationA fragrant flower with ruffled petals, grown worldwide for decoration and meaningChrysanthemum japonenseA white-flowered perennial daisy native to coastal Shikoku, JapanIndian chrysanthemumA yellow or white-flowered chrysanthemum native to China

Traditions that use it

Questions people ask about Corsage

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Corsage on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data