GETTING YOUR DATE a corsage or a boutonnière for prom is a tradition that many people choose to follow. The flowers act as color accents, sprucing up any outfit. Naturally, they make a lot of scents.

Typically, the small flower arrangement is ordered from the florist's at least a few days in advance to be picked up on the day of prom.

Girls usually get their date a boutonnière, or buttonhole. This small flower arrangement is meant to be pinned to the left lapel, where suits used to have a loop of string that could hold the stem or a handkerchief.

Pinning the boutonnière is a nightmare unless you have had practice. This video might help you avoid any potentially awkward — or painful — moments.

Corsages, the flowered bracelets that are worn on the girl's wrist, are typically given to them by their date (and are a lot less troublesome to put on). If the couple is well coordinated, all of the flowers and prom attire are arranged to match.

Finding good florists in Champaign-Urbana is no big deal. There is an abundance of flower shops at varying prices and locations across C-U.

With prom scheduled for Saturday night at the Champaign Country Club, there's no time to lose! Here is a listing of a few popular florists:

• Abbott’s Florist
  The review for this particular shop highly recommended it since Abbott's has been around for a long time and has built a reputation for excellent service.
  Prices: corsage — $15.95-$21.95, boutonnière — $8.95
  1119 Windsor Road, Champaign • (217) 352-9616

• April’s Country Florist
  I have used this florist twice, and they do a good job. The prices are fairly low, and April is friendly and helpful. The selections are very fresh; given sufficient time, April's staff can order specific flowers for you.
  Prices: corsage — $10-$20, boutonnière — $10-$20
  502 E. John St., Champaign • (217) 328-0038

• Blossom Basket
  The available reviews for this florist looked very good for the most part, with one person claiming that his family has shopped there for about 50 years. Some said that it was pricey but well worth the cost.
  Prices start at: corsage — $20, boutonnière — $15
  2522 Village Green Place, Champaign • 1002 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana • (217) 359-7673

• English Hedgerow
  The owners are from England and run a very good flower shop. Junior Anna Gooler purchased from them last year and said they were great at matching the color to the dress and that there was a variety of decals to add into the flower bunch.
  Prices: corsage — $28, boutonnière — $8-$9
  406 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana • (217) 365-0055

• Forget-Me-Not Florals
  Another solid choice with moderate prices and good selections.
  Prices start at: corsage — $18, boutonnière — $7
  2707 Curtis Road, Champaign • (217) 359-5421

• Schnucks Florists
  Schnucks is a popular (and comfortably priced) florist with the convenience of ordering your flowers while you pick up the groceries.
  Prices: corsage — $9.99-$24.99 | boutonnière — $9.99 (one rose) or $14.99 (two roses)
  109 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign • 200 N. Vine St., Urbana • (217) 337-6016

• University Campus Florist
  Located right on Green Street, it is popular among those who want to order during their free periods. Choose your color, and they will try their best to match it.
  Prices: corsage — $9-$15, boutonnière — $5-$15
  609 E. Green St., Champaign • (217) 344-0051

More Selected Local Florists

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