Everyone knows about prom — whether it’s because of the saturated commercial version we’re spoon-fed by movies or by the stories heard from upperclassmen, prom can sometimes seem like an equally stressful time, as it is fun. That being said, prom preparations don’t have to be overwhelming; when planned correctly, prom can be an enjoyable time for any kind of student. To make prom a slightly more digestible task for those attending, students can follow a few tips to use as a checklist for anybody worried about how to make their ideal prom achievable.
Section 1: How to Freshen Up
Haircare: When it comes to doing your hair for prom, it’s the prime time to show off what makes your hair so unique and elegant. Whether that’s your normal daily hair or a specific choice made for the dance is completely up to you. To suggest a few styles for feminine hair, popular looks include braid crowns, half-up, half-down looks, and loose curls. For a more masculine look, slick backs, a tapered fade, and a modern pompadour are all viable options. Any facial hair should be clipped or tidied to fit the formal setting.
Skincare: In the words of West High anatomy teachers, skin is the largest organ in your body; thus, it’s only natural that prom attendees should look after it, especially in preparation for such an important night. Moisturizer, exfoliant, and sunscreen are considered to be essentials for good skin preparation. Makeup is also an option — matching the colors of one’s outfit to their eyes and lips would make for an even more cohesive look. For more detailed care, those with acne may look into an over-the-counter serum with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoid to help ease the redness. Investing in a face or eye mask for the night before may also be popular, as many students mention a glowing effect on their skin after just one simple use.
Section 2: How to Dress and Impress
Accessories: Everyone knows that accessories make the outfit; whether it’s simple jewelry like rings or something more formal like a tie, one should always be conscious of how accessories will complement their outfit. Depending on skin undertones, some look better in silver jewelry while others in gold; however, t mixing the two metals in one outfit is generally looked down upon. But it’s not just jewelry that matters when it comes to accessories: For a more masculine look, one should get a tie that complements the suit. If wearing a black suit, most people would wear a plain black tie. This, while acceptable, can be elevated with the simple use of a pattern like paisley or florals. On the feminine side, purses are a definite must. While some may opt out of bringing a purse, those who do bring one should have one that matches the outfit and is portable (like a clutch or strap bag). If attending as a couple, the formal and traditional accessories of prom are corsages (for ladies) and boutonnieres (for men), which should match to make the pairing clear.
Clothing: When covering what to wear to prom, the guidelines are simple — all outfits should be formal but functional. The simple suit will be perfect for the masculine look, and a dress that promotes comfort and confidence is ideal for the feminine aesthetic. For an elevated outfit, we suggest planning your colors based on the theme of the prom. It’s a known fact that most of the suits at prom end up being black, so if looking to stand out, all one would have to do is pick a color that coordinates with the theme. This, of course, is also possible with the dresses at prom, though those have been historically more diverse in color and style. If at all possible, couples should wear similar colors or plan matching accessories (like a tie) to match their partner if the outfit itself does not.
Shoes: At an event such as prom, one should feel comfortable from head to toe. However, the notorious toe pain is something that many at prom don’t plan for. Many simply pick the closest dress shoe or heel that would match their color scheme and give little thought to functionality. Knowing this, it is suggested that while the shoe should match stylistically, it should also be comfortable for strenuous movement on the dance floor or on any difficult terrain guests may encounter that day. Or, if fashion truly takes precedence, then preparing a change of shoes for anyone who may get uncomfortable during the night is a good plan. There is absolutely no shame in needing to change your shoes when planning to have more fun on the dance floor.
Section 3: How to Plan to Perfection
Promposals: It’s obvious that a memorable and impactful promposal takes ample planning. To highlight the most important note: Guests should never ask someone to prom with an elaborate proposal if they are not already guaranteed to attend as your date. Doing this may “put them on the spot” and may lead to an insincere answer or a general air of awkwardness. Thus, many people ask their date to prom vocally and then will ask officially with an elaborate proposal later on. Assuming that you know the answer will most likely be a yes, the perfect proposals are just a few steps away with crafting. The most popular style is to make a poster related to an interest the person has, like their favorite brands or music artists. This can be done by incorporating a clever pun or joke based on the kind of relationship one has. A hilarious example of friend promposal from @westhigh.proposals goes like this: “Don’t get tangled up with men. Go to prom with your best friend.” This example is not only clearly inspired by the Disney movie Tangled, but also shows that any kind of relationship can be deserving of a promposal.
Rides: The real fun of prom begins once guests reach the venue, but one should still always be conscious of how they will be arriving at the event. Prom itself is an expensive outing, so for those who may not want to spend extra on a ride, carpooling with either friends or your date to save gas and have some fun conversations is a cost-friendly option. But for those who are looking to splurge, some popular prom vehicles have historically been either a limousine or a party bus. Both of these options are expensive, and it is suggested that they should be paid for by multiple members within the vehicle to ensure a fair distribution of costs. As with any service, it is advised for those using a party bus or limousine to be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Regardless of aesthetics, safety takes first priority in any situation.
Photos: When not living in the moment, prom is all about being able to capture it. At prom, one may find the occasional photo booth or photo opportunity, but West High students rarely have professional photos taken. Because of this, many students take photos elsewhere before prom. For this, planning to travel somewhere with friends before prom starts or setting up a simple photo opportunity at someone’s house are great options. This way, everyone can look their best and have a keepsake for the ages. For photos at prom, the simple smartphone camera is great for capturing memories. For those looking to elevate their game, digital cameras are a very trendy, aesthetic, and surprisingly cost-effective way to bring out everyone’s smiles.
Before and After: Just because the official dance has ended doesn’t always mean that the fun has to. This is where the before and after parties come into effect. It is notable that before parties are usually the less extravagant of the two and are therefore much less work. A before party should have some finger foods for anyone who may be hungry, though the main purpose is usually to get ready together and take some photos. On the other hand, after-parties almost always take much more planning. Finding a comfortable host is a must-have; then, one must make sure that there will be enough food for the attendees. Finally, it is essential to prepare activities and music that can be either entertaining or relaxing, depending on how the group feels once the day is through.
As one prom season comes to an end, hopefully, these recommendations can help students as the next beast of a school dance comes rearing it’s head.
