Flower Factor: A Lifestyle Blog From Aboutflowers.com

Photo courtesy Blumz by...JRDesigns in metro Detroit, www.blumz.com

The Prom! OMG! What do I wear? To go or not to go? Who’s my date?

Really? How did it all get started? Prom is short for promenade. The term was first officially used during the Victorian period by those crazy Victorians. (What a bunch of steampunkish party-monkeys!) A promenade was a public area, usually along a river or body of water, where people would go walk in order to “be seen” and to be considered a part of proper “society.”

Modern day proms are also a place to be seen and considered a part of high school society. The whole idea was to stand out and be seen. No shrinking violets or wallflowers need attend. Prom fashions of 2012 are no different and would certainly give those Victorians a case of the vapors. Today’s plunging necklines, jacked up hemlines and cut outs leave little to the imagination.

An especially fun trend this year for those wishing to be noticed is those totally fab floral fascinators. The word fascinate is derived from Latin fascinare, “to bewitch or enchant.” A fascinator, for those of you who were living in a cave during William and Kate’s big event, are those fun, funky and totally enchanting headpieces worn by many of the Royal wedding’s guests. They are made of tulle, net, beads, flowers and feathers — lots of feathers. They are usually perched jauntily on the side of the head either through the use of hair combs, barrettes, headbands or clips. Read More

There’s a spirit in the air come September that is somewhat infectious. It can be felt by kindergarteners as well as longtime graduates. Some call it “Homecoming,” others know it as “Back to School,” and all feel that familiar “School Spirit,” which ushers in the fall season.

First Day Back to School Flower Head Wreaths

At my children’s school, which spans pre-school to 8^th grade, there is a welcoming custom on the first day of school that is absolutely precious. The cheerleaders line up at the main gate dressed in their uniforms and wearing floral head wreaths with school color ribbons dangling down their back. They shout cheers and perform routines as the kids enter, welcoming them back to school in a super fun way. Read More

"Shy Shelley" chooses prom flowers in a “monochromatic” scheme — tints, tones and shades of one color.

Prom is all about enjoying a fabulous party, looking drop dead gorgeous and dancing the night away. Let your personality shine through in all your choices for such a special evening.

Once you have your dress, the little details will fall into place. When it comes to selecting the flowers for your corsage and your date’s boutonnière, start with your dress color and check out the color wheel from art class. By observing the color rules, you can take your dress color, mix in your unique personality and choose the perfect color for your flowers.

Here, I’ll show you how three girls, each wearing a red dress to prom, will end up with totally different flowers uniquely perfect for them based on their personalities and the expertise of the color wheel. Read More

The discomfort is obvious when the girls and guys come in to order their prom flowers. They really don’t quite know what to do with the word “boutonnière.” Most times, they don’t even know what it is. It sounds like something that happens at a rave party, a boot ‘n da’ ear. Many times, they simply mumble, “the flower that the guy wears”!

The boutonnière (say it after me, “boo ton ear”) has been with us since the 16th century. Initially, it was worn as a way of warding off evil spirits, bad luck and the occasional malicious demon! Sounds TOTALLY PERFECT for a high school prom! Read More

My kids aren’t quite at the prom age yet but I know plenty who are and have noticed the pomp and circumstance around prom is getting more elaborate with each year. I have even heard some astonishing stories of the way girls are being asked to prom.  So it was so refreshing the other day as I walked outside to let my dog out and witnessed the aftermath of my 17-year-old neighbor having just been asked to prom in a very sweet and simple, yet special, way. The boy had written in large can’t-miss letters on her driveway: “Jessie, PROM?” And the best part? He had presented her with flowers as he made “the ask.”

Two of her friends had also gathered there and they were taking pictures on the driveway with her flowers. I could see her smile and excitement even from across the street. She felt special. I wanted to run over and join in on the fun, but I could hear the voice of my 14-year-old daughter (not home at the time) inside my head saying “Mom, don’t you dare – you  will embarrass her (and me),” so I just smiled and waved. Read More