This year on prom night, say goodbye to those cringey backyard snapshots and hello to trendsetting, Instagram-worthy silk flower walls.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “PAULA,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
A Night to Remember
For many students, attending prom is one of the last major events of their high school career before graduation. Often seen as a rite of passage, high school proms serve as a culminating celebration of students’ childhood years and signify the transition into adulthood. It is a time for students to dress up, socialize with their peers, celebrate their accomplishments, and make memories that can last a lifetime.
It should come as no surprise that this can be an emotional time for parents. Your children are embarking on their own journeys into adulthood, often less than a year away from leaving for college. So, say farewell to those cringey, dated backyard snapshots and instead, create an experience that your kids will look back on for years to come and recall with admiration.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CHEYENNE,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
If you’re wondering how to make a prom evening as fun and memorable as can be, renting an Instagram-worthy backdrop may be the best way to go! Investing in a silk flower wall for your child's prom night will add a fresh and elegant finish to the occasion and provide a uniquely vibrant backdrop for students to take photos with their childhood friends and prom dates. Flower walls can be customized to match any prom’s color scheme and theme, which can make the event feel all the more polished and cohesive.
Your children only get one childhood, and Nicol Floral Design is here to make it unforgettable. From corsages and clutches to bouquets and boutonnieres, prom-expert Nicol W. Segel discusses everything you need to know and look forward to during your prom night preparations!
Balloons by PEONIES EVENTS, Nicol Floral Design flower wall “JUNE,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “JUNE,” Photography by ANGELINA M. PHOTOGRAPHY
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CHEYENNE,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
An Insightful Interview with Nicol W. Segel
Nicol, whose children graduated from The Agnes Irwin School and The Haverford School, knows all about what prom planning entails, as she participated in many of them.
What does prom mean to you?
To Nicol, prom signifies “the end of childhood and the beginning of a well-deserved future,” one that all prom-goers have been looking forward to for a long time. Nicol describes prom as “an event where students come together to celebrate their future plans and most cherished memories among childhood friends, some of which have shared a classroom with them for over a decade.” Through her experience organizing and hosting prom-related events, Nicol has found that prom is just as anticipated by the adults as it is by the students.
Though it may not be the end of an era yet—that would be graduation, as we all know—prom night is certainly “a wake up call to students and their families to enjoy every moment in the busy months leading up to their graduation.” High school isn’t easy, especially in the day and age we’re living in. And with all the stress caused by exams and college applications and decision making, prom is something that Nicol believes is “a much-needed and hard-earned break for all students.”
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “BELLA,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
How did you help your children prepare for the event?
Let’s be honest. The real focal point of prom night is and always will be… the dress.
“Helping my daughters decide on their favorite dresses made me realize just how fast my little girls were slipping away,” says Nicol, “and that I had to enjoy every moment with them while I still had them at home.”
“What is so special about this part of the process is that it’s entirely their decision—their taste—and even though every parent offers their opinions, it’s likely one of the final times [in your child’s adolescent life] that you will have the opportunity to accompany them as they pick out an outfit for a formal occasion.”
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “PAULA,” Sign by EVER LASER, Photography by RACHEL McGINN
“My daughter and most of her friends had their hair and makeup done professionally,” explains Nicol. “It was a special treat for a special day, and these exciting, little details meant so much to them.”
“Fresh flowers are a must,” Nicol says of the floral bouquets that the girls held in their prom photos. “Every girl in my daughter’s friend group had a gorgeous bouquet, handcrafted by local florists, that coordinated with their individual dresses. My daughter’s bouquet was made by Valley Forge Flowers,” she recalls.
The Agnes Irwin School, Photography by RACHEL McGINN
Where was the pregame held and how was it organized?
Nicol discusses one of her daughters’ prom nights that she remembers best, an evening that began with a buoyant gathering at the Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne, PA.
“Everyone got ready separately at their homes, then we headed to a local country club that one of the girls’ parents were members of. There were hors d’oeuvres and mocktails served. We even hired a photographer to take professional pictures. From there, parents drove their kids to the school where a bus was waiting to take the girls to the location where prom was held.”
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CHEYENNE,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
What accessories are traditionally worn by high schoolers at prom?
“High school students can wear a range of accessories that add a touch of glamor to their formal attire,” says Nicol. “Some popular accessories for girls are jewelry and small handbags or clutches to hold essentials. Most of the girls at my daughters’ proms borrowed designer clutches from their moms. For boys, common accessories include ties, bow ties, and cufflinks. Some of the boys at my son’s school wore tuxedos, and a few wore Casablanca-style, white dinner jackets that were very elegant.” Prom dress codes vary depending on the school, so it’s always a good idea to check the guidelines before attending.
Corsages traditionally symbolize good luck, and “can be displayed in many different forms, the most common being a small bouquet of flowers on a woman’s wrist.” Though “it is tradition for men to supply the corsages for their dates and for women to bring the boutonnieres,” Nicol has seen different versions of this. “This is a great opportunity for prom couples to coordinate,” she adds.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “JUNE,” Photography by ANGELINA M. PHOTOGRAPHY
What was the impression of the guests towards the flower wall backdrop?
“Cheyenne,” the flower wall that Nicol Floral Design supplied to The Agnes Irwin School on one occasion, was a remarkable success among guests, not only because it was a novel trend at the time, but also because “it contributed to the prom’s glamorous atmosphere in a way that was mature and refined.” Standing tall at an impressive 16 feet, the flower wall was an instant crowd-pleaser. Ever since, Nicol Floral Design has become a go-to choice for prom night decorations in many schools on the Main Line. Nicol herself cherishes this time of year, both for the sentimental value it holds and the opportunity to be a part of it.
Founder NICOL W. SEGEL in front of Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CHEYENNE,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
Any advice for parents of high schoolers attending prom?
“Make this day very special for your children,” Nicol suggests. “I still remember those days like they were yesterday. Get together with other parents and gather the funds and make it a day to remember. Your kids will be forever grateful.”
What advice do you have for young prom-goers?
“Cherish every moment,” says Nicol, “…enjoy this time with your friends and family and say thank you to those around you for their support. Be grateful to teachers, parents, classmates, and everyone else who played an important role during this special time in your life.”
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “JUNE,” Photography by ANGELINA M. PHOTOGRAPHY
Our 5 Favorite Flower Walls for Prom
Choosing the right flower wall for proms is a decision that heavily relies on the event’s theme and color scheme. To help narrow down the choices, here are our top five picks for prom flower walls, including some of our bestsellers:
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “PAULA,” Sign by EVER LASER, Photography by RACHEL McGINN
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CAROLINA,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
5. Carolina — Consider selecting a wall that complements your school's color scheme. If your school's prominent color is blue, you could opt for “Carolina,” a serene and youthful wall that's perfect for spring. If you're looking for a pop of color beyond blue, consider “Naomi,” which boasts a gorgeous fuchsia hue that's ideal for amplifying the festive atmosphere of the night. This wall is particularly well-suited for events that embrace a pink-themed aesthetic, adding a touch of vibrant energy to the celebration.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CAROLINA,” Balloons by PEONIES EVENTS, Photography by RACHEL McGINN
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “NAOMI,” Photography by FRANCESCA MICHETTI
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “GABRIELLA,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
4. Gabriella — Green walls such as “Gabriella” and “Skyla” provide a classy and more natural backdrop for proms. “Gabriella” features a wide variety of attractive succulents and other lush greenery. The color green, evocative of renewal, growth, and vitality, imbues the occasion with a lively burst of color and freshness that also translates beautifully in photographs. “Gabriella” offers an ideal way to incorporate nature into the prom decor, creating a refreshing and inviting atmosphere for all attendees to enjoy.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “JUNE,” Photography by ANGELINA M. PHOTOGRAPHY
3. June — No matter the event, “June” from Nicol Floral Design’s flower wall collection has always been a popular choice. This light-colored wall, featuring a cream and ivory color palette, enhances the ambiance of any occasion with a sophisticated and dreamy touch that harmonizes beautifully with any outfit. If you're an event planner looking to incorporate metallic shades or earthy tones into your color scheme, “June” may be the perfect choice to complement your palette seamlessly.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “JUNE,” Sign by EVER LASER, Photography by RACHEL McGINN
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CHEYENNE,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
2. Cheyenne — “Cheyenne” is another bestselling flower wall, and like “June,” features a neutral color palette that helps party-goers’ attire stand out in photos. “Cheyenne’s” floral arrangement is characterized by a majority of white blooms and highlighted by delicate notes of pale green and yellow. This natural color scheme is ideal for a springtime prom and creates a soft, elegant backdrop for photos.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “CHEYENNE,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “PAULA,” Sign by EVER LASER, Photography by RACHEL McGINN
1. Paula — If you're looking for a fun and colorful way to jumpstart your prom night, look no further than “Paula” — one of our most popular flower walls for high school proms. This spring-inspired wall is composed of delicate purples, blues, greens, and occasional pops of pink, making it a magnetic choice for proms held during the spring season. With a vibrant and varied floral composition, “Paula” will add some energy and excitement to any prom celebration.
Nicol Floral Design flower wall “PAULA,” Photography by RACHEL McGINN
Keep in mind that many proms incorporate themes, which can influence the choice of decorations and accessories. In addition to the flower wall trend, some popular prom backdrops in recent years have included photo booths, neon signs, and balloon arches. Nicol Floral Design’s lead designer recommends hanging a neon sign on the silk flower wall with the heading, “Prom” or “Prom Night,” along with the year.
With these creative tips in mind and so many exquisite backdrops to choose from, you’re ready to plan a prom night that your children and their classmates will never forget. So embrace the moment and get ready to make some magical memories!
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