Prom do’s and don’ts

A night of gorgeous gowns, many photos and unforgettable memories, prom is a day idealized by many as a picture-perfect experience. Given that it is easy to begin fretting about prom long before the date arrives, I, having had a flawless Junior Prom (see Prom-O-Drama), have come up with a list of do’s and don’ts to save you from your pre-prom angst.

What to do:

DO plan in advance how you will get ready for the big night. It is important not to ignore the specifics: when, where and how.  Doing so might result in getting scalded by a curling iron the day of, or arriving for pictures two hours after they begin.

Girls, DO learn how to pin a boutonniere. Given that the pins used are sharp enough to pierce ears, learning to correctly keep the flower in place will ensure that your date won’t be bleeding the entire night because you accidently stabbed him.

Guys, DO try your best to color match as closely as possible with your date. Although teal and turquoise might be “close enough” in other circumstances, it’s better to go the extra step for prom than have people ask you if you’re color blind.

DO pretend to smile candidly. Although a majority of the pictures taken before prom are posed, pretending a photographer captured a moment that you were “unprepared” for can give you the most Instagram-worthy photos.

What not to do:

DON’T expect your date to be ready to go when you are. In situations where there is a serious case of miscommunication, you may find that your date is still finishing math homework when you show up at his or her house.

Girls, DON’T assume that you’ll be able to wear heels the entire night. Rather than give your feet a death sentence, bring flip-flops or Vans — no one will notice, especially if you’re wearing a long dress.

DON’T be embarrassed by your lack of dancing abilities: Most people don’t know what they’re doing either.  And if you really can’t bring yourself to “hit the Quan,”  there are always other things to do!

DON’T feel obligated to stay with your date the entire night (or even go with one, for that matter). Prom is one of the few occasions in which you’ll be with the majority of your class in an off-campus setting. Cherish it.