A corsage is a single flower, or several small flowers, worn pinned onto clothing or on an elastic band around the wrist. Corsages are usually worn to indicate a special person on a special day. If you've ever been to a prom or a wedding, you've probably seen with a corsage.

A corsage is generally worn on the left side, just under the shoulder. It should be pinned with the stem down, the same way it would be planted in the ground. It should also be pinned at an angle away from the face so it doesn't rub against the cheek or the chin. If you're wearing a strapless dress or don't wish to wear a corsage up that high, you can always pin your flower to the left side of your waist.

With a wrist corsage, the wearer doesn't have to worry about damaging the fabric of her dress with a heavy pin. By keeping the corsage on the wrist, it also ensures that the flowers won't be the evening's focal point. A corsage worn too close to the face can be distracting for both the wearer and anyone who strikes up a conversation with her. A wrist corsage should be worn on the left wrist. The woman who will be wearing a wrist corsage might limit the use of jewelry on the left wrist.

So who wears a corsage? Traditionally, a prom-going female wears a corsage. In most cases, the corsage is purchased by her date, who is informed of her dress color ahead of time. It's important to know what she is wearing in order to get a corsage that matches. Most prom-goers today prefer to wear a flower or two around the wrist, though there are still some who wear an attractive corsage pinned just underneath the left shoulder.

At a wedding, women who have a special relationship to the bride and groom also wear a corsage. In most cases, the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom wear a corsage, though sometimes a special aunt, sibling or cousin can also receive one. Guests of honor at parties or showers can also wear a corsage, as can those who are making their First Holy Communion or Bat Mitzvah.

A corsage at a special occasion is a time-honored tradition. The next time you're helping an extraordinary woman mark a special occasion, why not get her a corsage? Guaranteed, it will make the occasion even more significant.