Prom (school farewell party) is one of the unforgettable moments in high school, therefore the perfect prom night is always everyone's dream. So, are you ready to start planning for this long-awaited night? Trust me, all the effort you put in to make tonight a great moment will not be in vain. If you start planning a few months in advance, there will be plenty of time to look for beautiful dresses, secure your prom group and make great plans for before and after prom. Your to-do list is long, but try to do it while having fun. Remember that the time and effort you put into all the preparations will pay off when the prom finally takes place.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Your Appearance
Step 1. Start with the dress
Looking for a prom dress is the most fun part of planning your prom, but it can also be a very stressful part. There are countless options available, so it's best to start hunting for dresses a few months in advance so you have plenty of time to find a dress that really suits you. Check out some magazines for inspiration and buy a dress that fits your style, whether it's a classic sleek style, romantic vintage, or modern and cool. The most important thing is to find a dress that makes you feel great.
- Visit prom sites on the internet to find a variety of options at discounted prices. Make sure you order them in advance so you have a chance to remodel them if needed.
- If you like the vintage look, shop at consignment stores and vintage stores. You can find great deals there.
- If you're craving designer dresses but don't want to spend too much money, visit sites that offer designer dress rentals or sites that sell used designer dresses at affordable prices.
- Ask if your date would like to wear a suit that matches your dress (for example, the color of your dress matches his vest/tie).
Step 2. Buy underwear that will make your dress look even more perfect
Don't distract from your stunning dress by revealing views of bra straps or clearly printed panty lines! Head to a lingerie store to choose the underwear that will best complement your look.
- Choose a bra that can support perfectly but not visible from the outside. If your dress is backless or strapless, there are plenty of bra options to match your dress.
- Choose unstitched underwear in a color you won't see on the outside.
- If your dress is thin, you may need to wear a skirt/underwear.
Step 3. Look for jewelry and other accessories
Once you've found a dress that fits, it's time to add details that will make your dress look perfect. Choose accessories that will accentuate the style of your dress without looking too much.
- Vintage and costume jewelry stores offer intricately detailed jewelry at low prices.
- If you can't find the right piece of jewelry and you're feeling ambitious, why not make your own?
- Don't forget to buy a bag or clutch that matches your dress! The bag should be large enough to accommodate essential items such as cosmetics, cell phones and keys.
- If the prom is held during the rainy season, the weather may be a little chilly. Choose a scarf or scarf to wear over your shoulders if you suddenly feel cold.
Step 4. Choose the right shoes
Shoes should match your dress, but don't worry if you can't find shoes that match your dress exactly. Buy shoes in white and you can dip them in dye, or you can go for a neutral color; Leather or black shoes look stunning with almost any dress color. Take your dress to a shoe store so you can try it on with your shoes to make sure the color and style match.
- Try on your shoes before the D day. Wear shoes indoors and outdoors and on concrete so the soles of the shoes can be slightly worn. This will make your shoes more comfortable and less likely to slip when you wear them on prom night.
- Consider bringing flat-heeled shoes in reserve. If you're not used to wearing high heels, your feet may start to hurt. Bring a neutral pair of flat-heeled shoes such as ballet shoes that you can wear if the need arises.
Step 5. Consider your hair
Many girls choose to have their hair done at the salon on prom morning, but doing it yourself is also a popular option. There are hundreds of tutorials on the internet that offer advice on how to create beautiful hairstyles for all hair types. Here are some pretty styles you can apply to prom:
- Romantic loose curls
- Braid hairdo
- Classic chignons
Step 6. Practice creating the makeup of your choice
Watch beauty videos on how to create makeup that fits your overall style. Some girls see prom as an opportunity to apply sparkly and colorful make-up, while others prefer a classic look with less flashy colors. Experiment with different ideas until you actually find a makeup that makes you feel great and matches your dress.
- Smoky eye makeup looks sexy and classic.
- The fiery red lipstick will attract attention.
- You may want to consider applying contouring makeup to your face.
- Consider the color of your nail polish too.
Step 7. Make arrangements with make-up if necessary
If you plan to do your hair, do your makeup and do your nails at the salon, make an appointment at least a month in advance. That way you don't have to frantically look for make-up with an empty schedule at the last minute. Salons tend to be full in the prom season.
- An appointment to decorate your nails should be made a day or two before the day of the prom.
- Appointments for hair and makeup should be made on the morning of the prom.
Part 2 of 3: Managing Logistics
Step 1. Decide who you will go to the prom with
Some people choose to go with a date, and some prefer to go alone. Whichever you choose, it's sure to be fun going with a large group of friends after you've had dinner together and then the after-prom party. A good group of six to ten people: more than that it can be difficult for you to make dinner reservations (although if friends join in later, it might not be a problem to tuck them in). Once your group is formed, you can start planning together.
- Create a Facebook group that includes every member of your prom group. Your group can talk about meeting locations, restaurants for dinner, etc.
- Also decide how your group will handle the prom photos. Who will be in the photo? Will the photo be taken at one of the members' homes, or will you have the photo taken professionally at the prom? Discuss with the group.
Step 2. Purchase your ticket
Prom tickets usually go on sale a month or two before the event date. It's better to buy tickets earlier than later so that your worries are reduced one more time. If you're going on a date with your partner, make sure you buy them a ticket too.
Step 3. Decide on your transportation options
Will you be renting a car for the prom, driving yourself, or getting a pick-up? Think about what you're going to decide a few weeks in advance so you don't have to worry about it as the D-day draws near. Discuss with your date or friends to decide the best course of action.
If you want to rent a car, calculate how much each member of the group has to pay (including tips). Make reservations with car rentals, and make sure everyone knows where the car will be waiting and when to get there before the prom starts
Step 4. Make a dinner reservation
Having a nice dinner with a group of friends before prom is common. You can order the best restaurant in town or go somewhere inconspicuous so you don't have to worry about paying big bills. Just make sure you call the restaurant a few weeks in advance to make a reservation.
- If several people decide to join your group later, don't forget to call the restaurant back to renew your reservation.
- Actually dinner is not a must. Some groups prefer to have a pre-prom party at someone's house instead.
Step 5. Decide what you will do after prom
The after-prom party is almost as much fun as the prom itself. There are many options here, depending on how big your group is and what budget you have. Talk to your group to decide where to go when you're tired of dancing and ready to start the real party.
- You can raise money and rent a hotel room near the prom.
- If the hotel is too expensive, there is another option that is no less popular, namely staying with your friends.
- If you want something simpler, you can invite your closest friends to spend the night together so you can discuss all the things that happened at the prom.
Step 6. Discuss your plans with your parents
It would be nice if your parents knew what you had planned a few weeks in advance. Your parents will welcome the prom as excitedly as you are, and letting them know the details of your plans will help things run more smoothly. Also, if you want to come home late or need permission to stay with friends, you may need time to get them to understand your point of view.
- If your parents don't agree with your plans, you might be able to implement a better strategy by trying to involve them a little further. Ask them to take pictures beforehand, or ask their opinion in choosing a restaurant. The more involved they are, the more likely they are to help you live this fantastic evening on your own terms.
- If your parents haven't met your date or the friends you'll be spending the night with, introduce them first so they feel included.
Step 7. Order a boutonniere (flower decoration pinned to the lapel of a man's coat) or a corsage for your date
If you're taking a guy friend to prom, it's customary to give him a boutonniere to pin to his tuxedo. For girls, order a corsage to wear on her wrist. Contact a florist and choose the flowers you want to include in the arrangement. Say you'll be picking them up on prom morning, so the flowers will be in the freshest possible condition.
Part 3 of 3: Counting Days Before Prom
Step 1. Try on your dress with all the accessories a few weeks in advance
Now's the perfect time if you want to swap it out, or remodel it, or change your decision about which shoes to wear. Don't wait until prom week to make big changes to your wardrobe. You've had enough worries that week!
Step 2. Confirm all your agreements
It sounds like a hassle, but it won't hurt you to confirm. About a week before prom, contact all places where you made an appointment or reservation to double check that your name is still registered as a booker on the correct day and time.
Step 3. Pack the things you will carry in the bag
It's better to have everything you need a few days in advance than to rush to cram everything right before heading off to prom. Pack your bag with the essentials you'll need at dinner and after. If you are staying somewhere, you may need to pack a second bag with the things you need for your stay.
- Pack the following items in your handbag: invitation ticket, lipstick, small perfume bottle, small bottle of moisturizer, travel-sized hairspray, extra biting clips, cell phone charger, keys and wallet.
- Pack the following items in your wardrobe: nightgown, toiletries, hangers and pockets for your prom dress, a change of clothes for the next day.
Step 4. Start your beauty routine the day before prom
Of course, you want to look and feel your best on prom, so it's important to stay healthy the day before. To avoid bloating, nausea or fatigue, do the following:
- Drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated.
- Eat fruits and vegetables.
- Try to get an adequate night's sleep.
- Do exercise for at least half an hour.
- Go to your appointment to get your nails done or ask for a manicure service.
Step 5. Get up early and take a shower or go for a bath on prom morning
You need to spend a lot of time exfoliating, shaving, and moisturizing your skin. Get up a few hours before your first appointment so you don't have to rush.
- Exfoliate your skin until it's soft and shiny using a body scrub or shower gel (loofah). Don't forget to rub your shoulders, back and arms.
- Shave your legs, bikini area, underarms and so on.
- Moisturize your skin with a moisturizer rich in active ingredients so your skin will stay soft all day long.
- Rub your feet with a pumice stone to make them smooth.
- Do a quick facial yourself to brighten your face.
- You may need to apply an extra coat of paint to your nails so they don't peel off easily.
Step 6. Go to your appointment
If you're asking someone else to do your hair and make-up, go to your appointment before putting on the prom dress and accessories. Wear clothes that are comfortable and can be easily removed through the head without damaging the hairdo. Don't forget to bring a picture to show you the look you want so the stylist will have no trouble getting the hairstyle right. If you order a boutonniere or corsage, don't forget to take it.
Step 7. Complete your preparations
Some people prefer to get ready with friends, while others prefer to do it alone at home. Whichever way you prefer, it's time to put on a dress that's been hanging in your closet for a long time! Put it all on and look at yourself one more time in the mirror before you step outside.
- Ask a friend to check your appearance from behind to make sure there are no loose threads or hair that is out of place and needs fixing.
- Double-check your bag to make sure you've packed everything you'll need that night.
- Make sure your cell phone battery is full.
Step 8. Enjoy your prom
All your hard work is now at your disposal, so just relax and enjoy the evening. Even if there are slight obstacles in your plans, try to deal with them without getting angry. So what's the problem if the rental car is late, your hair is a little messy or the corsage your date gave you doesn't match your dress? What's important right now is that you're enjoying the most beautiful moments of your life, so don't be tense and enjoy.
Tips
- If you don't have a date, don't be afraid to go! You don't need a date to have fun and you won't be the only one out there alone. While they're playing a slow dance, find someone else who's also coming alone and invite him or her to dance, even if just as friends. Don't let anything ruin the night, you will remember it forever.
- If you are traveling with a group of friends, renting a bus may be a better solution than a car, as buses can accommodate three times as many people as cars, depending on the size of the car.
- Plan a spa day with friends the week before prom. Doing preparations with friends ahead of time will be an exciting activity. You can do facials, pluck hair, and so on.
- If you want to have a tan look, use a special oil to tan your skin instead of going to the salon. Research shows that salons that offer tanning services can cause cancer.
- The essence of prom is not just being a queen or wearing the coolest clothes, but prom is an opportunity to have fun and make memories that will last forever.
