Make no mistake, the prom is a BIG DEAL. I mean, this is not the sort of party you can just roll up to as an afterthought, without any prep or planning. Well, technically, I suppose you could – but would you really want to?
Problem is, your high school prom always falls smack dab in the middle of finals, when your sweating out exams and worrying about getting into college. So, while your prom should be all about partying and having a great time with your friends, the run up to it can sometimes lead to more than a bit of unwanted stress.
What you need is a simple prom checklist. A short guide to get you ready for prom that will help you avoid any potential melt downs. So here we go, counting down to the big dance….
Six Weeks Out
The key to a stress free prom is planning, and it needs to begin a month or so ahead of the big day. There’s a lot to prepare, and you need time to get all of your ducks in a row. Five or six weeks before the dance, decide who you want to go with. Now, it may be a date or it may be with a group of friends. Either choice is a good choice (and don’t let anyone tell you different). But whichever you decide, you should get your plans in place well ahead of schedule. Once that decision is out of the way, you can start thinking about clothes (rent or buy – this applies to you too fellas), make-up, and accessories.
Four Weeks Out
Once you have the preliminaries out of the way, it’s time to start getting down to details. Four or five weeks prior to prom you want to sort out what your plans are for the night. We’re talking transportation, dinner with friends, after parties….you get the idea. About a month ahead of the big night, run through the following checklist:
- Transportation – If you and your friends are planning to rent a car or limo for prom, you’ll need to book it well in advance. Remember, the rest of your schoolmates will be on the same wavelength, so you shouldn’t leave it too late.
- Dinner – Chances are you and a group of friends will want to meet for dinner before the dance. If so, now is the time to decide where you want to go, and to get your reservations in before the local hot spots fill up to capacity. Another option is to have a party catered and be the talk of your town!
- Dress and Makeup – This is a good time to arrange any fittings for your tuxes and prom dresses to allow time for any alterations. This is also the time to book any hair appointments or spa trips.
Two Weeks Til Prom
With only a couple of weeks left to go, it’s time to settle any important details. If you are going to prom with a group of friends, now’s the time to confirm your plans.
With only a couple of weeks left to go til prom, it’s time to settle any remaining details. Confirm your reservations for dinner, as well as your hired car booking. Pick up your tux or dress, being sure to try it on one more time to make sure everything is perfect.
If you’re going to prom with a group of friends, now’s a good time to touch base with one another to make sure everything is on schedule and to mop up any last details. Gentlemen (and ladies), if you are going with a date now is the time to order your corsages and boutonnieres.
The Day of the Prom
Don’t be surprised if you wake up on the day of your prom feeling overly excited, and even a bit anxious. That’s to be expected. Relax (I know, easier said than done), and try not to stress. Start the day with a healthy breakfast. You’ll need that energy as the day, and night, rolls on.
During the afternoon you’ll want to go to your hair and make-up appointments, and pick up your boutonnieres and corsages from the florists. Lay out your clothes early in the day, and double check that you have everything you need. This will give you plenty of time to run to shops to pick up any last minute necessities. Finally, as prom hour draws near, dress and get ready for a slew of family pictures before you head out on your big night.
Your high school prom is a big deal, but it shouldn’t bring you any stress or anxiety. If you start planning early, and follow this simple prom checklist, you’ll find the run up to the big day is trouble free and easy to manage. Finally, whether you choose to go with a date or with a group of like-minded friends, the most important thing is to have fun.
Enjoy yourself. This is your prom night, and it is all about making memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
