The night that you’ve been waiting for since the beginning of your high school year is finally here! You've survived the exams, the drama, and the endless homework assignments. We’re so proud of you!
Now, if you’re here today, that can only mean one thing - you’ve finally started planning for the big day. Great! But amidst all the excitement, one stressful question remains - Where do I start?
There are so many things that need to be done, from choosing prom dresses to making appointments and without proper planning, it always seems like there is so little time to cover everything.
So, how can you overcome this planning dilemma?
Well, the answer is simple - you can sit back and wait for others to guide you (do you really wanna rely on that?), or you can keep reading as in this prom survival guide; we have covered everything you would need during this special night.
Are you ready to survive this prom season without a hitch? Let’s get started.
Preparing for Prom Night
Warning: Prom is not a one-night affair!
Well, technically, the main event is only a one-night affair. However, you must start preparing for the big day months in advance. Why? Well, because you don't want to be caught in a last-minute frenzy or, worse - you don't want to find yourself in tears because you don't have everything you need.
Now, you might be wondering - how do I prepare for the big day? Have patience and keep scrolling as we answer all your questions in this prom checklist.
- Have a Budget
First things first - set a budget! Why? Have you seen how sometimes, when we visit a mall without setting any budget, we end up overspending and buying unwanted things? That’s the same as what happens when you don’t have a budget for your prom.
Prom expenses can add up quickly, from tickets to attire to transportation, and without having a budget, you and your parents will be under financial burden in no time.
So, sit down with your parents and make a list of items that you might need on D-day. Some items that you’ll need to add to your budget checklist include:
- Outfit
- Transportation
- Hair
- Makeup
- Accessories
- Professional Photos
- After Prom
After your list is ready, allocate a specific amount to each one of the items. This way, you will have the budget for every necessary item, and the stress of overspending won’t loom over you during the preparation.
- Buy Your Dream Dress
One of the most exciting parts of prom planning is buying your dream dress. However, if you’re confused about the first thing you should do when searching for your dream dress, then start by gathering inspiration.
Understanding what you like and want in your dress will help you narrow down among the myriad of options available in the market.
For inspiration, you can scroll through social media, or you can go through all the latest prom trends of 2024, and you’ll indeed find something that matches your vibe.
Once you have an idea of what you want in a dress, start surfing through online dress stores and explore their prom dress collections. Pro Tip? Don’t limit yourself to only the prom section of the website; you may discover something more of your style in the pageant or evening dress section.
A suggestion? Don’t leave dress shopping to the last moment. You may end up with a dress that just isn’t YOU. Now, you don’t want that, do you?
- Organize Appointments in Advance
Prom is one of the busiest times of the year. So, you’ll want to book all your appointments in advance. Planning to get your hair and makeup done by professional stylists?
Well, then, what are you waiting for? Book them ASAP! You don’t want your favorite artist’s spots to fill up because that’s what will happen if you don’t do it early on.
Not only hair and makeup but if you’re planning on getting a professional photographer or planning to ride by a party bus or limo, then you need to secure your spots for those things as well.
Also, think about making dinner reservations, especially if your school isn't providing any.
- Break in Your Shoes
We know that you’ll want to wear those sky-high heels tucked away in your cupboard for this special night, and we are not telling you not to wear them. However, for many of you, it may be the first time you're wearing those stunning heels for an extended period.
So, to avoid painful blisters and sore feet, break them in gradually in the weeks leading up to the big day. Wear them around the house for short periods or during errands to help them mold to your feet and ensure you're comfortable dancing the night away.
Pro Tip: Keep a spare pair of flats in your bag in case your feet just can’t take it.
Get Rest
With all the excitement buzzing around the big night, catching some sleep might not be at the top of your priority list, but it should be. Trust us, you don't want to wake up on D-day with puffy eyes (that would be such a disaster).
So, resist the urge to stay up late binge-watching your favorite show or scrolling through social media. Instead, cozy up in bed, snuggle into your blankets, and drift off into dreamland, dreaming about the epic night that you’re gonna have.
Surviving Prom Night
It’s time! Prom is here!We can sense the excitement and nervousness you’re feeling from a mile away. But don’t worry; below are some essential tips that will make sure you’re prepared for anything that may come your way.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit
There will be many things that you’ll need during the big night, so make sure the first thing that you do after waking up on D-day or, better, on the night before, is to pack a kit with all the essential items.
Items that you would probably need:
- Bobby Pins
- Safety Pins
- Breath Mints
- Mini Hairspray
- Oil Blotting Paper
- Tampons
- Stain Remover
- Emergency Cash
- Comfy Shoes
- Portable Phone Charger
- ID Card
- Medications (If any)
Having these essentials can help you handle any unexpected mishaps and keep you feeling confident all night long.
- Try to Avoid the Stress and Drama
On prom, emotions are running high, expectations are soaring, and, let's face it, a whole lot can happen. From last-minute wardrobe malfunctions to unexpected date drama, nothing is out of the question.
However, you can’t let these things ruin your special night. Easier said than done, right? But think about it – do you really want to look back on your special night and remember it as a blur of anxiety and tension?
We know you don’t. So, focus on what truly matters: having fun and making memories. Sure, things might not go exactly as planned, but think of all that part of the adventure.
If a conflict still arises, take a deep breath and try to resolve it calmly and maturely. Don’t let petty issues overshadow the fun.
- Think Before You Drink
Now, we know it sounds like a buzzkill, but hear us out.
You want the memories of your prom to last, right? Alcohol can mess with that, leaving you with blurry recollections instead of cherished moments.
Plus, it’s not just about you – think about the vibe. You don’t want to go from life of the party to sobbing mess in the bathroom, do you? And let’s not forget about the morning after. Who wants to deal with pounding headaches and nausea when you should be reliving the best night ever?
If you’re still thinking, what’s the deal in this, and what’s the worst that could happen? Well, if you get caught drinking, you could get suspended or, worse, expelled! And there goes your big-time college plans.
So, do yourself a favor and stay sober, or if curiosity gets the best of you, just don’t go overboard. Your future self will thank you.
Make the Most of Your Prom Night!
Prom night is your time to shine and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, make the most of every moment! Dance like nobody's watching, laugh until your sides ache, and cherish the time spent with friends and loved ones.
Don’t be afraid of the unexpected, roll with the punches, and above all, stay true to yourself. Whether it's a night of elegance or a whirlwind of excitement, savor every second of your prom experience.
So go ahead, follow this prom checklist, and make this night one for the books!
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect prom dress, then check out our exquisite and stunning collection of trending prom dresses. We promise you - once you see them, you won’t leave empty-handed!