Prom has been a tradition in America since the early 1900’s. Since then, the black-tie event has changed significantly, but one thing has remained constant: flowers. It’s a custom for the boys to bring their prom date flowers, and supporting this tradition since 1953 is Buffalo Floral.
Current owner, Patti Speckel, has been running the show for 34 years. She and her husband bought the flower shop in 1984. When she first started working, the spendy corsages were only five dollars, now they can cost as much as $50. Seeing prom change over the years has a been a trip for the flower shop.
“I started off working here (at the floral) as a student in 1979, and I’ve always loved prom season. Seeing everyone so happy, and knowing it’s such a big event makes it an exciting time in the shop,” said Speckel. “ I’ve been a florist over half my life, and I believe if you love what you do, keep doing it.”
Speckel has attended every Grand March at Buffalo High School since she started working at Buffalo Floral. She says it’s like a fashion show, seeing all the flowers and tuxes that the shop supplies to the students.
“I don’t even go home some nights,” said Speckel. “Other nights I go home, watch a movie, and start to prep corsages with the bows and accessories. You can’t wait until the last minute, or you’ll never get them all done! And you don’t want to let down your customers either.”
It’s hectic behind the scenes during prom time. The floral needs to hire extra help and extend hours to make sure their customers can make it into the shop. Speckel says, it’s worth every minute when the couples come in and pick up their flowers; they bring a positive energy to the shop.
“Prom season is something you look forward to, and you hate when it’s gone,” said flower shop employee, Sue Yates, “It’s like the morning after Christmas You hate not seeing the kids anymore. When you go from seeing 40 kids a day to none, it’s bittersweet.”
Buffalo Floral is known around Buffalo for its fun environment, and happy helpful staff. Most students love the experience of going into the flower shop for the first time.
“I’m very willing to support a local business,” said Senior Trevor Dahlof. “Buffalo Floral has great service, and since they’re in Buffalo they’re close. They made the dude’s job easy.”
The students at Buffalo High School are a vital income source for this local business. Forty percent of their yearly profits come from the purchases of corsages, boutonnieres, and tuxes. They always hope the students choose Buffalo Floral for their prom attire. Some students from other schools in the area choose Buffalo Floral, too.
“Flowers are a huge deal! Not only for the floral, but for the attendees of prom,” said Senior Maddi Yates. Maddi’s mom, Sue, has been working at Buffalo Floral with Patti for 27 years. Maddi has been helping out at the floral since she was six years old, and this past summer took the position of summer delivery driver.
“My date told me she went and picked out the flowers, and I just let her do her thing. I’m just paying for them when we go pick them up,” said Senior Aaron Rouse. “I think flowers are a big deal for the girl, and guys don’t always have a big say.”
Guys might not always have a huge interest in flowers, but most boys seem to understand how flowers are a classic prom accessory, and are willing to buy the flowers. On the contrary, with the national average price spent on prom being a whopping $1,078, it’s no wonder why boys might think flowers are a little ridiculous.
“I think you need the flowers because it’s been a tradition for years,” said Senior Connor Mann. “Plus, Buffalo Floral is very affordable. $30 for both of our flowers is not a bad deal.”
“Prom season always comes to an end,” said Speckel, “But I hope the legacy of prom flowers never ends.” The students at Buffalo High School support the tradition and hope to keep it going.
