I had my Prom this saturday, April 26th! It was actually my second prom because I went last year as a sophomore with a bunch of my Junior friends. This year's theme was The Great Gatsby and let me tell you, it was gorgeous! There were little table toppers that had dangling jewels and flowers on top! And there were scenes of the movie playing above the dance floor. There was even a cute photo booth where we could use props (pictures below)! It-was-so-much-fun. I literally -yes, I used "literally"- danced the whole time. I went with a few of my closest friends and we had a blast! We met for pictures at my friend's house, ate dinner at Chili's, got gelato and after prom went to my friend's house again to play board games until 3:00am. Oh, and it is so much walking into the restaurants all dressed up while the people at the next table are wearing jean shorts. My friends and I got so many compliments walking around before prom!
Anyways, since I had such a great time I decided to share a check list/ to-do for Prom. If your prom has already passed or you haven't had your prom yet this is still great to look at and use for your next prom!
Here we go!
NUMBER 1: PLAN AHEAD
I cannot stress this enough: Plan Ahead. I am a MAJOR procrastinator and I am telling you from personal experience that this is not a good time to procrastinate. Both last year and this year I waited until the weekend before to buy my dress... Smart huh?
In my defense this year I began searching for dresses I liked in January. I just never found the time to go and try them on. BUT I ended up going to David's Bridal and the third time I went I found a dress that I loved the second I put it on.
AND you have to get your dress first so you can decide on your shoes, jewelry, hair accessories, clutch, and your hairstyle! So one more time: remember to plan ahead.
This also includes appointments!!! Make sure to set your hair, nails, tanning and makeup appointments at least a month or two in advance! A lot of other girls form your school and others will need to get their hair, nails, tan, and makeup done on the same day!
NUMBER 2: Be Prepared for Change and or Failure (dun..dun.. DUN!)
Along with planning ahead, you need to decide on your plans:
Where are you going to take pictures?
Who are you going to take pictures with?
Who are you going to prom with?
Where are you eating before prom?
How are you getting to prom- Do you have a ride?
Where are you going after prom? Party? Sleepover? Bonfire?
Do you have a ride home/ where you are going to stay?
Do you like your makeup/hair/nails/tan?- I threw that one in. If you hate the way your stylist did your makeup or hair either speak up and tell her (if you have time) OR make sure you or a friend is able to have time to fix it beforehand. I have heard a couple horror stories about how people hated their makeup, so plan ahead and bring a few pictures for reference. This is your day- you should look the way you want.
See there are many important things you need to plan and have multiple back-ups in case: your restaurant is booked, your friend can't drive you or it is raining and you can't take your pictures where you planned. Just be ready because prom is a super unpredictable day.
NUMBER 3: The Date
Now last year and this year I just went with friends and I do not regret it one bit I do admit it's a bit awkward when the slow songs come on and you're just standing along the side with your friends but mostly that's all a date is good for. A lot of people would ditch their date for a few minutes to go dance with their friends while their date danced with theirs. But either way you will have a blast, you are just able to let go and enjoy it a little more when just with friends.
But if you do have a date you need to consider a few things too like:
-Buying a corsage/ boutonnière.
-Matching with your date. You need to find your dress quickly so you can telly our date what color suit, vest, and tie to buy. But most guys wait until the last minute, so don't fret.
NUMBER 4: Enjoy!
Most importantly, have a great time! It sounds cheesy but it's true! You only have two proms (unless you're lucky like me and can go to three, or even four)! In the end it doesn't really matter what you look like- as long as you dance all night and are able to enjoy yourself! And don't worry if you don't have a date! Like I said before, it's a little more fun not to have one because you can be care-free and dance how you want! Just grab a group of friends and party!
Checklist:
Now that I've said some things to remember now here's the checklist!
1. The Dress (girls, your dress does
not need to be 14quadrillion dollars. It's one night but make sure to find a dress that you love!)
2. The Shoes- if wearing heels- practice, practice, PRACTICE before prom!
3. Jewelry- earrings, necklace, braceletes, rings. etc.
4. Hair
5. Hair accessories- headband, hair clip, pins
6. Makeup
7. Nails
8. Tan- I personally did not get a spray tan. Some advice: do
not get your first spray tan right before prom or you risk turning orange. Make sure to go a few months in advance and test it out.
9. Clutch/purse- to hold you phone! Also include some makeup for touch-ups!
10. Boutonnière- for you date
11. Your TICKET! -Do NOT forget it! our tickets were raised to $100 if you bought them at the door!
12. Money- for dinner and dessert and other activities!
The End:
So there is my prom checklist! I hope this either helped you or inspired you for next year! Have a great time and remember to be safe!!
Lots of Love,
Megan