What’s the different between a hand tied bouquet and a cascading bouquet? Does it mater if the bouquet is in a holder or tied? What about wristlet? How early should I order the flowers? Those are all good questions for teenagers who are preparing for their school prom.

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Belows are a few popular types. They may have different bouquet names but let’s use the easy names.

Hand-tied bouquet = stems are wrapped with ribbons. More and more people like it because of its casual and natural look.
Cascade Bouquet = arranged on a holder. It has a cascade and more formal look.
Fan Bouquet = arranged on a holder that shape like a fan.
Wand Bouquet = bouquet on a stick with ribbon tail like a magic wand.
Arm Bouquet = presentation bouquet wrapped in cellophane. Similar to what ice skater or pageant winners receive.

Don’t let peer pressure get the best of you. Be yourself and exchange your flowers with confidence. Flowers and lei are exchanged as a gesture of affection at prom night or formal school dance. It is not necessary important what you give your date, but how have you considered your date when you choose your flowers. Is it important to have the bouquet be hand-tied, wand, cascade or arm bouquet? in holder or tied? roses or mix bouquet? Like Wedding bouquet, we suggest to teenage girls to choose something that they like and that will compliment their dresses in color and style. Never color match the flower with the dress, since it would blend right in with your dress and you’ll never see the flowers when you take the prom photos. Use flowers that will contrast your dress instead. For example a White calla lilies hand-tied bouquet would go well with a dark red summer dress; a lavender color roses cascade bouquet will go well with a white long dress. Do use ribbons that will match or compliment the dress. If you are making alteration to the dress, use a piece of the dress to shop for flowers. The florist will have a better chance choosing flowers to compliment your dress.

You should shop around for good prices, but more importantly for good service and product. Most florists have a book of arrangements for you to choose from. And if you want something extra special, bring pictures so your florist know what you’re looking for and price it accordingly. Work with your overall budget rather than picking the cheapest flower shop. Flower may not be the biggest items on the expense list which may include prom dress, shoes, tuxedo rental, limo rental, after prom activities. Imagine a saving in limo rental or shoe accessories budget can increase your flower budget. It’s okay to let your florist know your budget. They are flexible on picking the flower and the arrangement to meet it. They also will let you know if your budget can archive an effective bouquet or wristlet. Unlike a Wedding bouquet, which is used almost the whole day from church ceremony all the way to reception, a prom bouquet is used only for a few hours. So make sure you take a lot of photos, with you date, with your friends and tilt that bouquet forward so it show on the pictures. Don’t just lay it on the table all night. With an open end boquet, you can place it in a vase and enjoy it for a few more days. You can also hang dry the bouquet. Just tie it upside down in a cool and shaded place.

Since multiple prom and dance happen on the same day, order your bouquet early, most florists will turn away customers if they max out on their orders. It may not be okay to buy a bunch of flowers from the supermarket because you have not consider your date.