Celia Colucci of Meadowscent models a bracelet in front of a display of prom jewelry to which flowers can be affixed in anticipation of Meadowscent’s first prom flower preview party to be held on Tuesday, April 8 in New Paltz and Monday, April 14 in Gardiner. (photo by Lauren Thomas)
Every generation likes to put their own stamp on what they do, and proms are no exception. “When it comes to the flower corsages, it’s all about the ‘bling’ now,” says floral designer Theresa Colucci. She holds an example of a contemporary design created with a bracelet as the base rather than the plain elastic band of days past. The corsage is embellished with tiny rhinestones and jeweled accents incorporated in with the flowers along with ribbons and a small pearl spray. Even the boutonnieres for the guys have changed, Colucci demonstrates, showing a lapel design that is a little more substantial in size than the old type and incorporating a little bling, too.
Colucci is in the midst of planning “prom flower preview parties” at both of her Meadowscent floral shop locations. The store in New Paltz at 10 Church Street will host an event on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. and the Gardiner location on Route 44/55 in the Gardiner Gables plaza will host its prom flower party on Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m.
The parties will feature a “corsage bar” where the girls can choose for themselves all of the different components they want to put into their prom accessory. The girls will start with their bracelet of choice — the options include beaded elastic wristlets, a metal cuff base or a ribbon that clasps. Then it’s on to the flower selection followed by all the little shiny things and extras to complete the look. There’s even an option to illuminate the corsage by adding in tiny lights.
Those attending the flower preview parties will have the option of gathering up the exact “ingredients” that will go into their corsage or they can make a “wish list” to leave with Meadowscent. Staff at both locations are all trained and up-to-date on the latest prom trends, so some girls like to leave the design up to them, says Colucci. The staff knows, for example, that prom corsages today aren’t meant to literally match the color of the dress as they used to, but rather complement it. And corsages aren’t limited to the wrist, anymore, either, but can be made on combs for a girl to wear in their hair or function as “body flowers,” wrapping higher up on the arm than the wrist.
Stylists from Radiance Day Spa on Main Street in New Paltz will be on hand at both events to do hair and makeup demonstrations. They’ll also bring some girls with them who have had their hair done to show some of the available options and will have information on special package discounts for prom night with the opportunity to make appointments on the spot.
Meadowscent locations are closed to regular business in the evening, so the entire premises will be devoted to the occasion. Colucci will bring in some pizza and light snacks. Donations will be made back to Highland, Wallkill and New Paltz junior classes for every order placed; $1.50 for every corsage and .50 for every boutonniere. The corsage bars will be left up in the stores after the parties, too, until proms in New Paltz, Highland and Wallkill are over, but early ordering is recommended, as the flowers need to be ordered with enough advance time.
For more information, call (845) 255-3866 or visit www.meadowscent.com.