So this year will mark my third and final prom. It's my boyfriend's senior year, and my school does a junior-senior prom. I've gone for the last two and had a blast. A few months before my first prom, things were super crazy; plans went askew, my dress was a little too long and I didn't hem it and it was basically a disaster on the day, which left me mpre than a little stressed when I finally got to the dance. Last year, however, was AMAZING. I was super prepared and worry-free all day long. This is how I did it:
4-5 Months before:
Reserve your limo- Seriously, you do not want to put this off. Most places around where I live start taking reservations around January and they go fast. *TIP* Look for limo companies in a nearby town, those companies will usually take reservations for the next town over and prom for that school probably won't be on the same date so you will have better luck.
3 Months before:
Buy a dress- Get a head-start. Some places have prom dresses from last year on sale, if you can't find anything there you like some antique stores have clothing sections with beautiful dresses. Too much money? Thrift stores can have better prices for like-new dresses that have only been worn once or twice. It can be a great way to save money and find a gorgeous dress for less than half what you might have paid if it were brand new. *TIP* Look around for free prom dress giveaways if you don't have enough money to buy a dress. Some places allow girls in a particular district or surrounding districts to get a free gently used prom dress, usually you have to qualify but not always. Last year I helped plan a similar giveaway with a local facility that gives away clothing and household items to families that qualify. A lot of towns around where I live did the same thing.
Start refining complexion, hair, and/or teeth imperfections- If you are worried about things like stained teeth, acne, or split ends, start working on them now.
-For split ends, depending on how fast your hair grows you can do a couple of things. You could cut off the split ends now and have it back to about the length it was by prom and take care of them a little more in the mean time. OR you could start using a serum to repair split ends. I also like to use a tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner to keep my hair healthy.
-For stained teeth, start a whitening routine now to gently remove stains without being too harsh on your teeth. Check out my pampering post here for my favorite whitening products.
-For minor breakouts and even skin tone, start a facial care regimen now to make sure your skin stays clear and minimize any acne scarring. Check my pampering post in the link above for my favorite products.
Buy shoes-The sooner you buy your shoes the longer you will have to break them in. You should walk around in them for 5-10 minutes at a time as often as possible to avoid blisters and be comfortable wearing them for pictures *TIP* If you wear a large or small shoe size that can be hard to find in stores, you should consider shopping online to find a better selection of heels.
2 Months before:
Figure out any pre and post-prom plans with friends- Is there an after party you plan on attending? If so, you may want to bring clothes to wear so you aren't stuck in a giant dress all night. What about before prom? Are you getting ready with friends or by yourself? *TIP* If you plan on getting ready with friends, and if you want to eat together or rent a limo, you should see if everyone is willing to pitch in some money. It's a fair and cost effective way to go.
Make sure your date has rented a tux- Try to get him to beat the rush so he can get something that will coordinate with your dress. *TIP* If you know your date well (been dating for a while or are close friends) see if he is okay with you tagging along with him to make sure you both look spiffy. If he's not comfortable with that or you don't want to ask make sure he has a swatch or knows what color your dress and accessories are so you can still match.
Order Corsage and Boutonniere-*TIP* Most florists will work with budget to make sure whatever you can still get beautiful flowers for your date. They should also be willing to suggest alternatives to more expensive flowers if you like something you can't afford.
Buy accessories- Give yourself some time to shop around and pick accessories to match your dress, you don't have to buy everything at once. It can be fun to mix and match. *TIP* Check antique stores and flea markets for more unique jewelry and clutches.
Book appointments for hair, nails, and makeup-Obviously this isn't necessary if you are comfortable doing these things yourself. This year my friends are all helping each other with things like this. However if you wish to book appointments you should do so around this time. *TIP* When you book appointments you should consider booking two so you have a chance to make sure you like who is doing your makeup/hair/nails or what style you like.
Get alterations made to your dress- If you haven't done this already now is the time to get this done
4 Weeks:
Double check and pay off limo reservation- You can get away with doing this a couple weeks from now too, but it'll ease your mind to get it done ASAP. Just make sure it's done before any deadlines.
Try out makeup, hair, and nail looks- This is important whether or not you are getting it done in a salon. You want to make sure you are capable of what you have planned ahead of time and that you like what you have planned out. If you are going to a salon to get this done professionally, don't be afraid to ask questions or tell them if you don't like the way something looks. You are in control of the appointment and their goal is to make you feel beautiful in your own skin! *TIP* If you are going to a salon for your appointments try to have an idea of what look you are going for. If you already know what you want it makes it easier on the people who are doing your makeup, hair, or nails. It can be really difficult for them to make sure you get what you want if you just say "do whatever you think looks best".
Pick up your dress- You may have done this last week but you should try to have it back before next week in case any additional alterations need to be made.
Buy correct undergarments- make sure you have underwear that doesn't show under your dress and that feels comfortable. If you need shaping undergarments get those and the proper bra for your neckline. *TIP* If you have a strapless and backless dress don't skip a bra, the best ones tend to be the little cups that stick to your dress NOT your skin. Once you start sweating silicone stick ons that adhere to your skin fall right off. Go for ones like this one from kmart.
Try everything on together- If you're anything like me, you have already done this like 5 times. However if you aren't, you should make sure everything works together
2 Weeks:
Finalize any pre or post-prom plans with your friends or date- Just make sure you run them by your parent or guardian so they don't worry about you.
Buy your tickets for prom- It's usually cheaper to buy them early but even if they are the same price you should you get them early so you don't have to wait in line and miss anything.
1 Week:
RELAX- Seriously, you don't need to cause acne with any stress, you've got everything covered.
Call and confirm appointments-Make sure you write down the times and where you are going for any appointments that way you don't show up too early or miss your appointments.
Day Before:
Get your nails done- You don't have to wait until the day of prom to get your nails done, even if you are going to a salon or if you are doing it yourself.
Shave- Do your legs, armpits, ect. Don't forget to sooth your skin and moisturize your body. Pamper yourself, you deserve it.
Pack anything you need to get ready- If your going to someones house to get ready, make sure you have everything you need packed up the night before. You will be glad you don't have to worry about it in the morning.
Pack what you need in your clutch- (except your lip products or concealer to touch up with, you should pack that tomorrow) You might want: Band aids, camera, bobby pins, mini hairspray, cotton swabs, clear nail polish(for chipping nails or stocking runs, or adhesive for basically anything on your wardrobe).
Day of:
- Eat a good breakfast, you will need your energy.
- If you shower, don't wash your hair. If it's oily use a dry shampoo, but slightly dirty hair holds styles better.
- Wear comfy clothes you can easily get out of without ruing your hair or makeup. You may want someone to help you ease into your dress.
- Go to appointments or your friends house. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE! You don't want to ruin your makeup before the dance and all of your pretty pictures. *TIP* If you are doing your makeup yourself make sure it's one of the last things you do before getting into your dress so it has less time to wear off of your face. For extra staying power use primers.
Remember to enjoy your prom. It's going to create memories that will last a lifetime. Try to be there on time but don't sweat it if you aren't. Don't worry about skipping out early if things get lame. My favorite prom memory is all of us riding around town in a limo after we left eating gelato and listening to music. The important thing to remember is your supposed to be having fun. Have a blast!
xoxo
Courtney
