- It sounds like a no-brainer, but imagine your surprise if you thought of everything but the pantyhose and your ride is on the way. Well before prom night, try on every little piece of your prom ensemble, from undergarments to shoes and accessories. Practice sitting, walking and dancing in the attire to make sure you have the best fit. Try to do this dress rehearsal at least six weeks before the big day so that you'll have time to fix any fitting issues. Even then, you may be hard-pressed to find a seamstress who can work on such short notice, so make sure everything fits before you even bring it home. It's a good idea wear your shoes around the house in the days and weeks leading up to prom so that you can break them in and get used to walking in them. During your dress rehearsal, also style your hair and makeup to resemble what you want to replicate on prom night. Even if you will have a hair and/or makeup artist for prom, it is still a good idea to see for yourself how it all comes together. You might decide that a certain makeup shade or hairstyle worked better in theory than in real life.
- Be sure your prom tickets have been purchased well in advance of the event. Make sure that you, your date and your friends all meet the school's requirements to attend prom. In addition, all reservations for restaurants and limo rides should be made weeks or months in advance and double checked at least two weeks before the event. This also goes for any hair, nail and makeup appointments. When calling to verify the appointment, find out how long before the appointment you should arrive, what supplies you may need to bring and what condition your hair, nails or skin should be in before the stylist goes to work. This also is a good time to make sure you and your friends have made arrangements for after-prom festivities. A gathering among friends at someone's house is a safe and fun idea; however, be sure that the parents are aware of the plans and approve. Try to avoid being without plans after prom, as it is dangerous to drive around aimlessly on prom night, and late-night diners tend to fill up quickly.
- Make a checklist that includes your camera, extra batteries, bobby pins, prom tickets and the necessary toiletries, makeup and accessories. Gather everything you need days in advance, and place them all in a safe place so that they are ready to go on prom night. Take special care in picking out a handbag that is petite and stylish enough to match your outfit but functional enough to hold everything you need on prom night. If you are staying at somebody's house, pack an overnight bag well in advance so that you aren't distracted while preparing for prom the night of the event. Your extra bag also can include a comfortable change of clothes and shoes for after the dance, and even comfortable slippers you might choose to change into during the dance.
