Quick Tips for the Prom
By: Rashida Hiba & Teronce Styyles
rashidahiba@excapethematrix.com & mrstyyles@excapethematrix.com
- Be comfortable. Wear something you can
rock confidently and something you won’t be fidgeting with all
night. So if the socks are itchy, the shirt makes you feel like
you’re choking, you’re pulling up the strapless dress all night or
your shoes make your feet sore, don’t wear it!
- Pay attention to details. Little things
can set off your entire look. Accessories like hats (for gentlemen),
watches, jewelry,
cufflinks, shoes, etc. can take your look to the
top! Small details like stitching, small lace detailing, or texture
can make your look unique and special. Likewise, the smallest detail
can make your whole look fall apart. A hanging thread on a dress or
tuxedo can look ultra tacky. Take care of details that can’t be seen
as well, such as wearing new underwear. I know it sounds crazy, but
my mommy always told me “if you want to feel ‘brand new’ go all the
way!”
“It’s for ONE NIGHT ONLY, so make the best of it and thank GOD that He gave you the opportunity to reach this chapter of your life.”
- Take a friend. Whoever escorts you to
the prom should be your friend. This advice can guarantee a great
night no matter what. This doesn’t mean you can’t take your
significant other, but it does mean your significant other should
fall into the category of “friend” as well. Who needs drama at their
prom? Not you. Make sure whoever accompanies you to the prom has all
the qualities you value in a true friend.
- Plan ahead. The earlier you prepare for
the prom, the better. Look through magazines, or whatever points of
inspiration needed, to dream up your best prom look. Create a
“things to do list” as well as a mini timeline. Set aside time to
have friends do your hair and make up or try scheduling hair
appointments for a week or two prior to the prom. If you’re going to
a barber, schedule an appointment at an odd hour when there’s less
traffic in the shop. For nails, avoid walk-in appointments and try
to schedule a nail appointment a few days before the prom. The day
of the prom you want to schedule time for someone to style
your hair and to take care of your make up. Try having this done at
least two hours prior to your departure time for the prom so you can
take as many pictures as you can (and so you can snack before you
leave). Shop for prom attire early (try right after the winter
holiday season when holiday dresses are on sale). Don’t wait till
the last minute to take care of any details.
“Be comfortable. Wear something you can rock confidently and something you won’t be fidgeting with all night.”
- Budget! Make sure you establish a
budget early! You want to establish a set amount to spend on the
prom and plan accordingly. Respect your budget and address shared
financial commitments for the prom with whomever you will be sharing
this experience (e.g., a date, friends sharing a limo, siblings,
etc.). Make sure to plan for those often forgotten expenses such as
the following:
- Tips (for dinner before the prom, limousine drivers, and hair/ nail/ skin care professionals),
- Prom photos,
- After party expenses and other related costs.
Discuss finances with your parents early and save for this momentous occasion. Remember, an early start on planning means potential extra savings.
- Stay focused. Don’t let anyone or
anything get in the way of your special night. Go with your
heart about what it is that you want and need for your prom.
It’s for
ONE NIGHT ONLY, so make
the best of it and thank GOD that He gave you the opportunity to
reach this chapter of your life.
- Take pictures. Make sure you take
plenty of pictures by yourself, with your date and even your friends
so you can reflect back on that night and have them for your memory
book.
8. Have fun. This is your time to shine so enjoy the moment; it will go so fast you won’t know what hit you.
- Don’t be pressured. When the prom
is over and your date or group of friends want to do something that
you aren't
comfortable with, don't let your date or friends pressure
you into doing something you don't want to do.
SPEAK YOUR MIND.
“Don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of
your special night.”
- Just be safe. If you don’t understand anything from these tips understand that
YOU NEED TO BE SAFE.
Have a fabulous time at your prom. Remember, no pressure, no drinking and enjoy the ride! It’s going to be a night to remember!