Prom Dresses

All About Prom:

Young people have celebrated proms for well over a hundred years, though traditions and trends have changed with every decade. In the past, girls and boy would take up dancing lessons weeks in advance to prepare for their first formal event. Modern-day proms have become less formal, but are still considered to be one of the most important days in a girl's life.

Prom Traditions:

Traditionally, prom dresses have always been floor length, and most dresses still are. Some girls choose elaborate, ballroom style gowns with lots of tulle and glitter, while prom dresses with a modern flair are often short and tight. Bold colors and elaborate prints have been very trendy in this decade and do not seem to be going out of style.

Some things about prom just never change. It is a prom tradition for the girl to wear a corsage on her wrist, while the boy places a matching boutonniere on his suit. The couple will often wear similar colors and coordinate their outfits. A girl who has chosen a pink dress will often ask her date to wear a pink vest and tie.

It is traditional for the guy to ask the girl to prom. High school kids often create complicated set-ups to ask for a date in a romantic way. Not all teens who go to prom together are in a relationship, and some go with their friends. It is becoming more and more popular for girls or boys to go in groups if they cannot find a date.

Renting a limousine is one of the most exciting parts of the night. Hourly rates for limousines are typically about $100/hour, with a three-hour minimum. It might cost about $300 or more to rent it for the night. If the cost is split between a few couples, it will be more affordable. Town cars for individual couples are likely to cost $50-70 per hour. The limo will pick up the students and drop them off at the end of the night.

Photos are an integral part of prom night. There will often be a professional photographer at the night of the dance who takes pictures in the venue. Many families take pictures with their high school students before they leave.

Prom Dresses:

Making a decision on the type of prom dress you want will help make your search more successful. Consider what kind of garments you look good in and how you can enhance your best features.

Expect to pay anywhere from $100-400 for a gown. High-end designers often make prom lines that are affordable for high school students. The best time to get a great deal is in the summer, just after the previous years prom, though these discounted dresses might go out of style.

Most girls end up having to have their dress tailored, and it is worth getting a good fit. Order a size larger if you are not sure, and get professionally measured if possible. Keep in mind that, if you are tall, a short dress can cause wardrobe malfunctions, and busty girls should go for proper coverage. Not only do you need to look good, but you need to be able to dance comfortably as well.

Getting Ready For Prom:

For a girl, preparing for prom can start months before the big day. She will usually start with searching for prom dresses, then shop for shoes and accessories to match. A girl should carefully plan what she will bring in a clutch or small handbag. She will not be able to hold many items throughout the night, and there is a chance of losing an expensive digital camera. Extra lipstick, a camera, and a credit card are usually all that will be needed.

Nail, hair, and makeup appointments should be made early, especially in small towns where all salons are likely to be overbooked. When possible, save time and money by doing your hair and makeup with your friends. If you have a relative or friend who is studying cosmetology, pay them to come over and do your hair for you.

Avoiding Prom Mishaps:

There is a very good chance that all of the girls at the prom will take off their shoes to dance. It will seem unsanitary, and there is a risk of getting stepped on, but most heels will not be comfortable to dance in. Lace sockettes offer some protection on the dance floor and they are minimally visible in heels. They can make shoes more comfortable and prevent chaffing. They can all be rolled up and packed in a clutch. Travel flats are also an excellent idea for prom. These small, cute ballet flats can be folded up into a little pouch when not in use. They keep the feet clean and prevent slipping. A pair of flats that matches the prom dress is essential and can be used for everyday outings after prom.

It is very easy to lose valuable belongings in a dark ballroom or venue during prom. The safest place to keep digital cameras and other small items is in a clutch; either on your chair or table while you are dancing. If you are afraid that your belongings might be stolen, you can ask a teacher or chaperone to keep them safe for you. In most cases, everyone will be having too much fun to try to steal your belongings, but it happens to someone at almost every prom.

After Prom:

Many teens vacation for a few days to a week after prom night. This can be very expensive, especially after the cost of prom dresses, tickets, corsages, and accessories, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The cheapest prom week or weekend is to drive a few hours away to a resort and split the cost of gas, then share hotel rooms.

Your school might have an after-prom event that may have been organized to keep teens from drinking and driving late on prom night. These events are normally cheap, fun, and there will still be time to head to a hotel the next morning if desired.