Corsages and boutonnieres can prove to be a profitable in-and-out sale if your stores have the capability to create them. They do take some skill and have some mechanics involved, along with presentation of the final product. The box, bag and flower should all be in line with what the customer perceives as full value. This is not difficult to achieve, but something that really must be kept in mind.

The best thing to do is to make sure you have someone who can take the order, as well as make the order, and remember to keep it simple and to help with the customer’s decision process. Take the time to pre-make some top-selling looks so customers can get an idea about size and style, and the samples can be kept in the cooler throughout the prom season as a selling tool. Make one corsage and one boutonniere in a neutral color and then assist more with a color suggestion to match the dress or tie, as well as a matching ribbon to complete the look.

This prom wrist corsage is really living jewelry and the choices for customization are endless when you add in rhinestones, pearls and baubles. Photo courtesy Fitz DesignAlso, take time to research the newest trends. Most wholesalers know about recent trends, what is new and what has past, and in many cases they will include promotional information, if you inquire. They may even offer a class someone in the floral department could attend. It never hurts to keep the floral team educated and excited about new ways of doing things. For instance, in the 1980s and 1990s all corsages were wired and taped. Then in the late 1990s and trending out of Europe, designers began to glue the corsages over wire and taping. Now it seems to be a combination of both, so it’s wise to learn the mechanics of all the newest trends.

Keep in mind that prom flowers have come a long way since the orchids of the 1950s — these days, it’s all about the bling. We have seen many trends come and go through the years. But today, it’s all about the living jewelry — the choices for wristbands and bracelets are endless and when you add in rhinestones, pearls, pins and baubles, so a florist can create one-of-a-kind prom flowers for each customer.

Another trend we see emerging is toward affordable quality flowers. Several of our grocery stores offer full-service floral departments that are able to fill that niche during prom season.

People also want affordable and fun floral jewelry for both weddings and proms, and grocery store floral shops can fill those orders too. We have found that limiting the selection helps to keep the costs down. The trick is to have several choices of the less expensive bling on hand in order to enhance any corsage or boutonnière. The other thing that customers really appreciate is making sure that their order is truly one-of-a-kind and created especially for them. That’s the formula for satisfied and repeat customers, and also the way to grow your prom business every year.

Vicki Andersen is floral manager at Family Fresh Market in River Falls and Hudson, WI. She can be contacted at 715/381-1413. Dena Telschow is floral manager at Family Fresh Market in New Richmond, WI. She can be contacted at 715/246-2668.