Prom Checklist

Prom can be the most exciting night in the life of a high school student. Preparing for prom, however, is hardly fun and games. There is a long list of things that have to be completed during the months leading up to prom. Since there are so many things to do before the big night, you may be afraid that you are going to forget something. By creating a checklist, you can make sure that you get everything done before prom, making that night the best it can possibly be.

Instructions

1. Find the right prom outfit. Guys can wait longer but even they should know what they're wearing three weeks before the prom. Girls, on the other hand, need to begin searching for the right prom dress as early as three to four months before prom. Look in magazines and online for the dress or gown that you would like to wear. If you plan on purchasing an extravagant gown, you may want to order it before the end of January.

2. Remember to get alterations to the dress or tux as soon as possible. This is the main reason why it's so important to pick the prom outfit first. By giving yourself plenty of time between picking the outfit and prom night, you can make sure that any and all changes to the clothes can be made with time to spare.

3. Speak to your friends about going to prom together. This is especially important if there is a group of you who do not have a date as of two to three months before prom. If you do choose to go to prom as a group, you and your friends will need to decide on a restaurant, what you're doing after prom and whether you want to rent a limo or other vehicle.

4. Pick a restaurant and make reservations two to three months in advance. Many students forget that their prom probably won't be the only local one happening that night. You can never make dinner reservations too early, especially if you have a large group and/or will be dining with a large group of people.

5. Decide how you want your skin to look on prom night. Many high school students, both guys and girls, prefer their skin to look tan when they are going to be photographed. If that is the case, you should begin tanning anywhere between four to six weeks before prom. This will make your tan more natural, which, of course, will look better in pictures.

6. Make a hair appointment early. Some people wait until three to four weeks before prom to make their appointment. At that point, you'll probably be able to get an appointment on the day of the prom, just not at the exact time you want it. To avoid this, make your hair appointment roughly six to eight weeks before prom.

7. Order the flowers for prom three to four weeks ahead of time. This will be more than enough time unless you live in a very small town and there is only one flower shop in the area. By ordering your flower four weeks in advance, you will probably have first choice on a corsage and/or boutonnière.

8. Find a date to prom no less than one month before prom if you already don't have one. If you wait any longer, the person you want to go to prom with may already have a date or other plans for the night. Finding a date this far ahead of time also allows the two of you to coordinate things such as dinner plans and what you're doing after the dance.

9. Remember to get the prom tickets before the cut-off date. Most schools will only allow you to purchase tickets to the prom up to 24 to 48 hours before prom night. Talk to your date about this or, if it's your job, be sure to get the tickets no later than one week ahead of time. Don't forget that you'll need to buy prom pictures when you purchase your tickets. Getting them before the week leading up to prom will allow you to concentrate on the other things you need to take care of.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to notify parents of any after-prom plans you may have. This will include if and where you plan to sleep if you do not intend to go home on prom night. You want to avoid dropping a last-minute bombshell on your parents. Remember that there is no such thing as a "perfect" night. Chances are something is going to go as you didn't envision. Be ready for these small problems and don't let them ruin what should be a great night.