As prom night quickly approaches, we have laid out a prom-night guide to minimize the stress that every girl will feel as the "big night" approaches.
This is your big night to express who you are and we want the night to be just as perfect as you do. There are many preparation tips to follow as you prepare for prom and everyone has different in mind, so we have tackled a few aspects that most people will come across as they prepare for the "big night."
Cost of Prom
Purchasing a Dress
This Seasons Styles
Accessories to Have
Transportation
Top Ten Do's and Don'ts
Cost of Prom
While every prom varies, you should expect that the night not be cheap.
However, that doesn't mean that it is going to cost you a fortune. Remember
that it is very possible to have the time of your life on a budget. So when
money stresses you out, remind yourself that this is your night and you make
it what it is - so make it special. If you end up spending more than
expected, that is okay, because it will be worth it. The best way to save
money is to plan ahead and investigate all your options before making a
decision. The following is a list of approximate costs you will incur prior
to prom night:
The Dress: $75-$400
Prom dresses today are not cheap, especially when you are looking for a
dress of quality. Don't forget that this night only happens once and you
will have the pictures to remember it by forever, so you want to look your
best. It is important to shop early and look for deals.
Accessories: $100-$200
Accessories can be pretty pricey, especially when you have to purchase new
shoes and a
purse. If you wear the same size shoe as a friend, try to exchange shoes for
the
evening; she just might have the perfect pair of shoes to match your dress.
Don't forget to budget your money for jewelry like earrings, a necklace,
and headpiece.
Tickets: $45-$200
Many people now go stag, which is a good way to save money, but if you are
paying for a date, the tickets can be pricey. Remember that the tickets pay
for an elegant romantic location, DJ's so you can dance through the
evening, and sometimes a dinner. All that added up might be expensive if
you had to pay for it all on your own. If your ticket does not include
dinner, remember to make restaurant reservations.
Transportation: $5-$400
More and more people are driving to prom themselves and only have to pay
for gas. But a lot of people like to take the more elegant and relaxing
route, by limo. The more people you have to rent a limo, the cheaper it
will cost. So, round up a group and make a reservation.
Boutonniere: $10-$20
This is usually an easy task that adds a personal touch to the evening. The
boutonniere is typically a single flower with baby's breath. All you need
to do is go to a local grocery store or flower shop and tell them that you
will need a boutonniere on the day of prom. Try to coordinate with your
date so that your flowers match - or at least match the color of his
tux/tie.
Makeup: $35-$50
The best thing to do is to make an appointment with a department store
cosmetologist. You can usually get someone to apply your make up for FREE.
When choosing who should do your makeup, try to match your personal taste
with their style (see if you like the make up they applied on themselves).
And make sure to communicate with that person what "you" like.
Once the make up is applied, you should consider purchasing some of the make
up so
you can reapply it or do touch ups later on that evening. Getting your make
up done should be one of the last things you do, right before putting on
the dress. And don't forget to wear a button down shirt when getting your
makeup done--you don't want to mess up all of that work.
Hair: $35-$60
The price all depends on the style and time it is going to take. Make sure
you know what you want and that the stylist can do the style. Just in case
you don't like your hair, you should have a back up plan in mind.
Nails: $15-$25
This is a really nice way to pamper yourself and relieve some of that prom
stress. Get your nails done the evening before, as this will save you time
the day of, and they will still look fresh. If you are wearing open-toed
shoes, don't forget to get a matching pedicure.
Photographs: $45-$150
When preparing for prom, you have to remember to make time to take
professional pictures. Although these pictures are expensive, you will be
so glad you got them. Just about everyone purchases professional picture
packages at prom and they are more than worth it, so have fun posing in
front of the camera. Even thought you pay for pictures you should bring a
disposable camera for those random candid moments - they will be fun to
look back on.
Purchasing a Dress
To figure out your style and what is available, it is a good idea to skim
through magazines. Decide whether you want to go long or short with your
dress, and think about the styles you
know look good on you (i.e.: tub top dresses, pattern...). Get some good
ideas before you go through the effort of trying on dresses. Go shopping
early enough so that you have enough time to look around and not be stressed
out. Consider trying on a couple dresses you don't necessarily think you
will like - you never know - what doesn't look good on the hanger can
sometimes do wonders.
Finding a dress can be a tedious task, so give your self plenty of time. A
popular place to purchase prom dresses is over the Internet. Purchasing
dresses online will save you a lot of time in the mall. It gives you more
opportunity to find a dress that fits your style. It's also a great way to
get a dress that no one else has - one that is unique, and you will have
less chance of someone else having the same dress. If you order a dress
online or from a magazine, make sure you allow enough time to receive the
dress, and to try it on for fit. Allow some time for alterations, as well,
should alterations be required.
When purchasing a dress online make sure you understand the relevant return
policies. Many online companies do not accept returns, so you want to be
especially careful when shopping online.
This Seasons Styles
This season you have thousands of options. When trying on dresses keep in
mind that ball gowns, flowers, hem lines, bright colors, ruffles, and beads
are the styles to go for. Dresses that are black and white are also big
this season, as is any dress that is strapless or asymmetrical. This is your
one night to express your self, so don't go unnoticed.
Lift your hair off your shoulders and expose a sexy neckline. Be even more
daring by trying this style without a necklace. If you are set on wearing a
necklace, go for a retro look. Jewelry that is big and recognizable will be
popular this season.
With her hair pulled up, Halle Berry was glamorous in a full dress with a
sheer top. Her high neckline and featured flower pattern looked great. Her
skirt was gathered at the side waist for a memorable look. While Britney
Spears went for the mermaid princess look in a multi-colored rhinestone gown
that was figure flattering.
Accessories to Have
A matching sheer shawl will serve as a great lightweight accessory that
will be a beautiful accent. Try draping the shawl around your upper arms
for a flirtatious look.
Hand bags this season are handcrafted with bead ornate. A cute little
purse will carry all the essentials and will be a perfect touch to
complete your look.
Transportation
Driving yourself gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. Taking
a limousine is a good idea if you are going in a big group. The bigger the
group, the less expensive the limo is per person. If you plan on going in a
limo, get on the reservation, as they are limited during prom season.
In the last few years a popular transportation idea is to take a "party
bus" to prom. This is like going in a limo except that even more people can
all go together, which means that you can save more money. Organize the
whole class to rent a few party busses (depending on how many people are in
your class) and everyone can have fun together before and after the prom.
Do's and Don'ts
1. Do: Stand out in rhinestones and/or a bright colored gown
2. Don't: Forget your date's boutonniere... you wouldn't like it if he forgot your corsage.
3. Do: Wear a lip-gloss that makes your lips shiny and smells good.
4. Don't: Forget a mini emergency kit. Include gloss, councilor, bobby pins, gel or spray, and extra cash.
5. Do: Wear some sort of hair décor whether babies breath or a tiara. A sparkling rhinestone hair clip is a great additive.
6. Don't: Freak out if you hair doesn't turn out just how you wanted it to...you have a back up "up do" anyways. Right???
7. Do: Bring a camera since professional photos are expensive and posed. You want to have candid moments to remember as well.
8. Don't: Expect the night to be cheap. Saving up for prom and not spending it all is better than not having enough to eat or pay for pictures. Let money be the least of your worries when the night finally arrives.
9. Do: Prepare for prom a week before. Get a good nights' sleep and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Have a few friends over and play beautician. Do makeovers and hair do's while wearing face-masks and giving each other manicures.
10. Do: Have the time of your life after all the night only happens once.
