Prom season is arriving with a blast! Prom – a night every high school student looks forward to – is one of the most dazzling and fun events at school. And everyone wants to show up at prom night like a celebrity walking down the red carpet. it is one of the most memorable moments of high school after all. However, getting ready for prom can be quite a hectic task, causing a lot of confusion.
Proper planning is the key to make an impression and for a perfect prom night. You need to figure out your outfit that goes with your prom theme, who you are going with, and how you are gonna get there. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you out. Just follow our perfect prom checklist and go out there and have a ball.
1. Shop According to the Dress Code
The first and foremost rule of any prom party is following the dress code. Usually, men are expected to wear a formal dress which is generally a tuxedo, a dress suit with a tie or bow, a dress shirt, and dress shoes. Women are generally allowed to wear a full-length dress without any above-knee split. However, it can be strapless if it fits properly. Most schools have their own set of prom rules. So, you can check your school prom guidelines for more information.
While buying a dress, decide what is the prom theme and what style you are going for. Since schools usually choose the theme for prom night, make sure to confirm before choosing. Start looking for your dress a few weeks in advance, so that you can make any necessary adjustments or alterations to ensure it fits perfectly. If you are not interested in buying, check out sites like Rent the Runway that rent outfits for a fraction of the cost of buying.
If you need help on deciding on a prom outfit, checkout our blog Best Prom Dresses and Other Styling Tips for dress inspirations and ideas.
2. Buy Accessories
Buying accessories beforehand is one of the biggest blunders people make. Accessories like a belt, tiara, earrings, necklace, and handbag must be according to the texture, color and shape of the dress. If you feel you don’t have the expertise to select jewelry, or accessories according to the dress, take the help of a professional. And if you have enough time, you can research and look for inspirations in magazines and social media for prom essentials.
Be careful though as using improper accessories might backfire against you. There is nothing more embarrassing than wearing a prom dress with mismatched accessories. Instead, take the time to choose the perfect accessories as this can boost your confidence levels for the prom.
3. Make Necessary Appointments Beforehand
After keeping in mind the above rules, it’s time for some self-care. Everyone wants to look fresh and stunning on their prom night. Like it is said, “Nothing feels better than being your best self”. And to feel that way, you need an expert stylist. The stylist knows what hairstyle suits your face shape and what dress compliments your body type. However, don’t expect a well-known stylist to entertain the moment you approach them.
Make appointments for the stylist consultation, share the details of your prom and give them some time to go over their schedule. Do make necessary appointments for everything you need from making alterations to getting your nails done.
You might also have plans to meet up with friends for lunch or a photoshoot before heading to the venue. Make sure to get reservations for these as well. Ensure to book all appointments at least one week before the prom night to avoid clashes and to give you enough time to make ends meet.
4. Pack the Essentials
The day before prom might feel like a dream come true. However, do not get overwhelmed by the situation. Your prom planning is incomplete without packing few essentials.
Prepare a small necessity kit for yourself. The kit shall include a mini makeup, stain removers, face wipes, a phone charger, your wallet and, most important, your IDs and tickets.
Carry an extra dress if you want to go for an after prom party. Take some extra money in case you have to return on your own. Also, carry comfortable sneakers, sandals or slippers to use in case your feet get tired after wearing heels.
5. Fulfill Your Floral Needs
It is traditional for guys to bring corsages for their dates and ladies are expected to give a boutonniere to guys to pin to their tux. You can also buy a floral tiara for your lady love. Go to a flower shop and select what flowers you want to include and order it to be picked up the morning of the date. Secure your flowers beforehand, as many schools, might have prom on the similar dates. So, select the flowers you want and book it well in advance. Lilies, roses, mini carnations and chrysanthemums are some of the popular flowers used for prom corsages and boutonnieres.
6. Book Tickets
Booking tickets is the most underrated pre-task of any prom party. Many people in the past have missed their prom night because they forgot to buy their tickets on time. Most of us get busy preparing for prom and forget about the tickets.
So, buy the tickets first and then execute your pre prom party ideas and post-prom plans. These tickets usually go on sale a month before the prom night and the prices are usually set by the school. Check out the ticket prices at your school and save up the amount and then allocate budget accordingly for everything else. Don’t forget to buy a ticket for your date as well.
7. Arrange Transportation
Arriving at prom night in style is a dream of many. However, it needs proper planning. Decide whether you want to go to the prom with friends or with a date and discuss the transportation options with them.
If you are interested in hiring a limo service, look for the options well in advance. Arrange a well-groomed car or limo service beforehand for a magical start to your prom. While going with friends, split the costs with your friends and plan a prom itinerary. Also, don’t forget to plan how you are going to get to the after prom party venue.
8. Booking a Vacation Rental for After Prom Party
Last but not the least, a proper space full of amenities is very important for an after prom party. Make sure the property you book houses every facility your prom group longs for. To make sure you get everything you need, we would recommend you book HolidayKeeper’s vacation homes. Their vacation rentals offer huge mansions, cabins and villas with amenities like an outdoor pool, BBQ grill, a well-equipped kitchen, game room and hot tubs. They have everything from lakeside cabins to spacious farm villas perfect for after prom parties.
Plan ahead and split the bills amongst everyone in your prom group. Book the venue in advance to participate in the after prom party for sheer enjoyment and to bring a graceful end to the big day.
Conclusion
A prom night comes just once in your lifetime. It is therefore important to create positive memories in your prom night that you can cherish later on in your life. Making it a point to properly plan for your prom night with a prom to do list will let you enjoy this wonderful event to the fullest extent. You can make use of the above prom planning checklist to plan for your prom night thoroughly. Do not forget to have fun on your prom night.
To know more about the HolidayKeepers vacation home rentals for prom night, you can contact us.
FAQs
Q1: What typically happens during a prom night?
Prom typically happens on a Saturday night. It begins with pre-prom couple/group photo session followed by dinner and prom dance. The prom finally ends with some after prom activities.
Q2: Who decides the dress code for the prom night?
The dress code for prom night is usually decided by your school’s Prom Committee, which also decides the theme of the event.
Q3: Where can I get the tickets for prom night?
Each school’s Prom Committee will reveal information about where to get the prom night tickets. If the committee is also organizing after prom party, then you have to hurry up due to limited tickets.
Q4: Is it okay if I do not want to attend the after prom party?
Yes, it is okay to only attend the prom night reception and avoid attending the after prom party.
With a decade of expertise in travel and hospitality, Aman Mehrotra, Senior Editor and Travel Manager at HolidayKeepers, is known for his compelling storytelling and insightful travel content. He skillfully combines strategic marketing wisdom with engaging narratives, covering everything from undiscovered destinations to the latest trends in vacation rentals. Aman’s writings resonate with both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking leisurely retreats. His global perspective and innovative approach make him a valuable asset to the HolidayKeepers team and a favorite among readers seeking inspiration and practical advice for their travels.
