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Pssst! If you haven’t already read Part 1 of How to Plan the Perfect Prom Night, check it out and return for Part 2…
Prom planning is important to get right. You want a stress-free night when it finally rolls around. One where you have already thought every aspect through, so it goes off without a hitch, and you’re not panicking at the last moment.
You’re all squared away with your budget and to-do list. Now, it’s time to talk about planning your actual prom experience. Prom will be made memorable by the people you spend it with.
Regardless of what clique you hung out with in high school, prom night is for everyone. You have to surround yourself with your tribe.
Finding Your Prom Tribe
Your tribe includes those nearest and dearest to you. The people you have spent the last four years laughing with and crying with—those who you call your closest friends.
Sometimes, teens focus so much on finding the perfect date to bring to prom. They forget the most important people around them – their BFFs. Making sure you include them is essential.
You may have a boyfriend. Your crush could ask you to prom, – or you could gather up the courage to ask out that cute, shy guy from Chemistry; that’s awesome. You are living the typical prom dream.
But do not stress out if you find yourself without a date as prom looms closer! Don’t force yourself to ask someone you don’t want to go with. Prom is the night you will make many fun memories with those around you.
Make sure you surround yourself with your absolute favorite people. You will ensure you have the best prom night ever. You can surround yourself with all your girls or get a co-ed group of friends!
Plan a fun family-style meal, spring for a limo bus with loud music to get amped for the night, and ring in your senior prom in style. No date, no problem!
Alternative Prom
A new trend with modern high school teens is taking effect – alternative prom. This is also sometimes called anti-prom. Anti-prom has become a haven for those attending schools where kids are less inclusive and friendly.
It has been created for self-professed outsiders—those who have no desire to pay so much money to attend the school dance. Alternative anti-proms can be a viable option.
Alternative proms have gained much momentum as they have grown into larger events. They had humble beginnings. Many students who didn’t fit the old-school prom-going stereotype opted out.
They instead planned a fun, fancy night with their best friends at their home! This movement has since burgeoned into a larger affair. At its core, it’s about making people feel included and happy.
Finding your prom tribe is the best way to ensure you feel comfortable and included on prom night. If you feel that your school’s prom won’t be a great environment for you and your friends, plan your anti-prom. Get all dressed up and rock out with your besties -even if it’s in the comfort of your home.
How to Plan Your Prom Day
The typical prom night program goes as follows. Get ready (show off that prom dress!), take pictures, eat dinner, attend prom, and go to the after-prom party. It may seem a little expected.
However, there are a million fun ways you can inject your personality into the process. You can have a blast while doing so. Here’s one take on how you can kick things up a notch in the prom fun department:
- Start Super Early – Kick off prom morning with a big breakfast or brunch with the girls at your favorite spot. Or, host a brunch with sparkling apple cider, orange juice mocktail mimosas, and a big spread of delicious breakfast foods. Turn on some fun dance music and get each other amped for the fun night ahead. You only get one (or two) chances at prom. Make it memorable and stretch out your enjoyment of the day!
- Getting Ready – Pitch in with your girlfriends to hire a hair and make-up artist for the day. Take turns getting glammed up while you sip on mocktails. Watch an all-day marathon of your favorite shows. Or, get your DVR cued with an all-day marathon of classic prom-themed movies. Pretty in Pink and Mean Girls, anyone? You can take selfies in your prom dress and capture the fun ahead of time. That’s before the big event even starts.
- Professional Photographer – Mom and Dad will undoubtedly wield their cameras come prom night. Dad’s blurry pics are not exactly professional grade. Why not have everyone in your group pitch in $50 to pay for a professional photographer for one hour? You’ve spent all this time, money, and effort creating your perfect prom night look. Commemorate it with beautiful, high-quality photos you can cherish and hold onto forever.
- Pimp My Ride – Spending a fortune on your transportation? If you’re booking a limousine, it’s likely you are already dropping a few hundred dollars for your ride. Go big by renting a classic car for you and your date (a parent will likely have to drive it). Alternatively, rent a big yellow school bus that fits you and 30 of your closest friends. Or try a luxury shuttle with a disco ball, blaring speakers and lounge seats. When you think outside the old-school prom box, you can personalize your prom experience and have so much more fun.
- Go Rogue For Prom Dinner – Who made up the rule that fancy restaurants should be the prom night dining destination? Go rogue and make alternative prom dinner plans. Keep more dollars in your pocket by hitting your favorite local food truck. Bring some comfy large blankets to set up nearby and chow down on your favorite grub. If food trucks are too low-key, host a potluck or grab dinner. This can be held at a family-style restaurant where large dishes are shared. It’s a fun, convivial way to share anything but boring food.
- Host the Best Afterparty Ever – Is the lack of prom party options getting you down for post-prom? Don’t despair – plan your own best night ever. Pool your funds with your best friends and rent a bounce house. Set up fun games on the lawn (croquet, life-size Jenga, lawn bowling, and horseshoes). Put a table together with card games and board games. Set your favorite music station up to play via Pandora and a speaker system. Host late-night food (did anyone order ten pepperoni pizzas?) and beverages for your nearest and dearest. If you have a pool in your yard, ask everyone to bring their bathing suits and a towel so you can have a midnight pool party. Spring for a few larger-than-life floaties in the form of pineapples, donuts, and swans to add pizzaz. It’ll be a night no one will soon forget.
Whatever You Do, Be YOU-unique
Regardless of your prom night plans, remember to make it your own. Do it if you prefer a quiet night watching movies and eating popcorn with your besties. But before you give up on prom completely, don’t forget to think outside the box and break the mold.
You can craft the most unforgettably amazing high school prom night. Simply by including your favorite people, customizing your prom experience, and planning well ahead of time.
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