Do I need a corsage for my date?

I see this question a lot lately..
this question ranks right up there with:

Do we have to go somewhere nice for dinner?
Do I have to get dressed up? 
Do I really need to use good manners? 
(Do I have to go on?..) 

I can tell you the history behind the traditional exchange
of corsages and boutonnieres, and although interesting,
some of the reasons behind the tradition aren't relevant
to today's prom.. 
For instance, this fun fact from 
the Etiquette School of Ohio (Read the entire article here) 

 

"This tradition comes from a time period, long ago, when flowers were worn to make one smell heavenly while dancing with a partner. Frequent showers, expensive perfumes, and air conditioning were rare if available at all."
 

Well, I'm pretty sure we all take frequent showers now,

so why should you still continue the tradition? 

Let me ask YOU a couple questions.

 

Do you want to have a good time with your date at prom?

nothing worse than a disappointed pouting date giving you the silent treatment- or the 'everyone else has one except my date' awkwardness.

Do you want your date to feel valued and special?

You've executed the perfect promposal, planned the entire evening from the pre-prom photo party to the after party,.. Don't leave out that special little gift just for your date. 

That small cluster of fragrant flowers that says..

 "I'm glad you're going to prom with me"