High school Proms are always considered the most significant—and ultimately final—dance of the year. School activities directors don’t spare any expenses when it comes to making the night magical for their graduating seniors and their guests.
The Prom is an event that you don’t want to miss, says Tricia Osborne, the activities director for Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo, California. The Prom at Mission Viejo H.S. is so special that the Prom committee doesn’t even reveal the venue location until weeks before the event. Maintaining the surprise adds to the excitement and it keeps the students guessing until the very end.
Tricia says that even if you don’t have a significant other to invite to the dance, it is still no excuse to miss out on this special occasion that’s planned just for you. The tickets are sold in pairs—indicating couples, obviously—but if you don’t have an “official” date, invite a friend or relative as long as they are under 21 years of age and they sign the permission slip that states they will abide by the rules.
Take Notice
Yes, we did say rules, and when it comes to proper etiquette on Prom night, that’s one thing that has not changed for sure. Bryan Kretzmer, the Activities Director at Rancho Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California echoes the same sentiments and emphasizes that chivalry is not dead.
Young men, don’t be shy and procrastinate when it’s time to ask your potential date out for the night. If you snooze, you may lose, especially if she’s a popular student. Give her a minimum of four weeks advance notice. It may take her one week to give you an answer, especially if it’s unexpected, and the next three weeks to shop for her special dress and to make necessary appointments for her hair, nails and makeup.
A Penny Saved
Traditionally the male will ask the female for the date and he is expected to pay for the tickets which cost about $185 per couple, dinner included. Don’t allow financial challenges to prevent you from missing out on a night to remember. Start saving in advance if you think budget challenges could arise. If there are any post party activities once the formal dinner and dance have ended, the additional cost(s) should be split between the two of you sharing the evening together.
Proper communication is a must. It is imperative to discuss the plans ahead of time and determine if there is any additional cost involved and how it will be covered to alleviate any embarrassment. While we are on the subject of embarrassment, what happens if the girl of your dreams does not accept your date offer? Oh no, what should you do now? Once your beet red face returns to its proper pigment, the lump moves out of your throat and your heart slowly returns to the left side of your chest, take a deep breath, swallow and hold your head up high.
If at first you don't succeed...
When a girl says, “No,” it does not mean no forever, and it doesn’t necessarily translate into, “I hate your guts and would never be caught dead with you in public.” No could mean that she has already accepted a date, or that it’s not the right time for the two of you to get together. If the rejection came from someone you really have an affinity towards, keep her on your radar screen and try again in the future. Perhaps an invitation to a movie or sporting event will warrant a “Yes.” Don’t let rejection create fear and prevent you from asking others out. Being rejected, as painful as it is, is a natural part of life and we must all learn to accept and deal with it.
Power Down
There is no question that our society is technologically advanced on so many levels, but Prom night isn’t the proper place to show how tech-savvy you are. Avoid using cellular phones or other electronic gadgets that may distract your attention away from your date. Don’t forget to silence the ringer on your phone before entering a public location. Don’t shortchange your friends by being preoccupied with text messaging. Most schools also provide opportunities for you to purchase DVDs and photographs that capture the essence of the evening so don‘t bother with the excess baggage video equipment and bulky camera cases. If you’d like to take pre- or post-Prom photos it’s appropriate to use your cell phone or a very small digital camera.
Smell the Roses
Young men should be gentlemen by showing leadership and character. Don’t hesitate to greet your date with a beautiful corsage, a smile, good eye contact and a compliment on the way she looks. Praise and positive affirmations go a long way, but if you match the corsage with the correct color of her dress, you will surely score bonus points. Ladies, this is a two-way street, which means we require you to do the same and don’t forget to have a boutonniere ready for him. Flowers are a quintessential symbol of Prom night, and they should be simple, elegant and match your date’s color scheme. Don’t forget to bring an extra pin just in case you need extra support for the flower. If you have a dress with delicate fabric, you may need a wrist corsage instead of one that needs to be pinned onto your dress. Again, this should be discussed in advance so that there are no disappointments.
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You Stay Classy
All students are expected to be respectful and show class. Tricia defines class as holding yourself to a higher standard. When it comes down to dressing for the occasion, sexy is out and elegant is in. This may eliminate a lot of dress styles, but there are still many others to choose from.
As far as behavior is concerned, self-respect is hot and sleaziness is not. Students need not compromise their values in order to gain attention from their peers. Don’t be the poster child for what not to do during your Prom. Make it an enjoyable night for you and your fellow classmates.
Chances are, you will forget your score on the latest math exam, but your Prom night will be engrained in your mind forever. And don’t forget to send a handwritten thank you note to your date and his or her parents while the vibe is still high.
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