Don't Panic! Plan Ahead for Your Prom!

Your "Prom Night" is one of the evenings you will remember for the rest of your life! So, how do you prepare for your prom? First, you need to look ahead to your prom-when is it? Is it too early to find your prom dress? Probably not! Wow, it seems so far into the future... Well, let's look at it this way-if your prom is in the middle of May, that is only 4 months from now! Have you noticed that the magazines are advertising prom gowns and tuxedos already? Yes, it is time to start planning; what do you need to prepare or do and when. If you have a plan you will not only enjoy the evening, but keep you from being 'Promzilla'. So what do you do and when? Here are a few "Prom Night" tips.

3-4 Months Before Prom Night

• Start looking for the right prom dress! (Okay, you didn't expect me to say to find the guy first, did you? The Silhouette sells prom gowns, not dates!) And, speaking of selling prom dresses and prom sales in general, The Silhouette, in Easton, MN is conducting their annual Prom Sale on February 4, 2009 from 3:00 PM-10:00 PM . Prom gowns will be 15% off both special order and in stock prom dresses during that time. There are also sale prom gowns available at greatly reduced prices. Back to the 'date' part-the guys will receive $15.00 off the prom tuxedo during this 7 hour sale. Don't miss it!


• Start looking for the right date! Don't procrastinate too long-you don't want to wait until the last minute to know who you will be going with.


• Determine your budget! Prom is a very special night, but it can be very expensive. Use these next 3-4 months to save money and set up your budget. Prom dress, hair, make-up, shoes, health, nails all are involved and carry an expense the day of the prom, so make sure you have enough money set aside. What items are you going to spend the money on? The Silhouette has all your prom needs!

3 Months Before Prom Night

• Order your dress if you have not done so already! If you have found a dress that you are in love with, purchase it. You will be very disappointed if you don't purchase it and you come back later and the dress is gone! Ouch!


• Pay attention to your health! I am the first to admit that in January it is very difficult to think about 75-80 degrees returning--especially when it has been as cold in "Minnesota Prom Country" as it has been this year--but you want your prom outfit to look the best it can on you when that big day arrives. Put exercise and healthy eating into a fitness program.


• Maintain healthy nails and hair! Try different looks with both before prom arrives. Plan your hair around your dress style and plan a dry run or two before he big day.


• Practice etiquette! What is all of this silverware for and where do I put it once I pick it up? If you and your prom date are planning a formal dinner before the dance, brush up on etiquette before that evening. Take a class, find a book or check it out online for a few basic pointers.

2 Months Before Prom Night

• Start planning the pre-prom and post-prom activities.


• Make appointments: hair, nails, tanning sessions. Nothing puts a damper on prom night like hating your hairdo and having to go through a "do over" right before your date arrives! A manicure and pedicure can be so relaxing so allow plenty of time. Are you going to have your make-up professionally done? Something to think about!


• Accessorize! Okay, you have the gown, you know what you are doing with your hair, nails, skin and yes, you have the date. Now, it's the shoes, jewelry, purse to complete the ensemble! Where are you going to put your phone? (You know you are going to bring it so you can send pics to friends!)


• Help your date select his tuxedo! What is the style you are going to portray as a couple? There are nearly as many options for the guys as there is the gals. If you are attempting to coordinate colors, he will be able to find something to blend with your gown.


• Discuss your plans with your parents! Let your parents know what the pre and post prom plans are--yeah, yeah, they turn into shutterbugs! What the heck-it will be great to have a few pictures that are a little better quality than the phone-photos you will have taken.

1 Month Before Prom Night

• Complete alterations on your prom dress! Make sure you also have your shoes by now, especially if your gown is floor length.


• Break in your new shoes! Nothing else will ruin a perfect evening like sore feet--we all are used to flip flops and tennies! Practice walking in your shoes, especially if they are heels.


• Order the boutonniere! Why not bring him along...to remind him to get you a corsage...hint, hint!


• Pick up your gown!


• Make a checklist of what you need to do! List any appointment or activity you have planned to help you prepare yourself for your prom evening! Either on this list or a separate one list the things you will need that evening such as make-up for touch up, camera, extra pantyhose, perhaps a wrap--cape, shawl, jacket. Some prom evenings get quite chilly. It is Minnesota after all-and yes, there has been s__w in April and May! It could also be 80 degrees!


• Confirm your appointments with the hair dresser, manicurist, florist, etc.


• Share details with your date! If he has not met your parents I suggest having them meet watch other before the big event! You will both have more fun if you and your parents are comfortable! Don't like surprises! Give your parents a little time, but not too much, to investigate your date. (You know they are going to check him out; you will get your chance to embarrass your children some day, too!)


• Finalize plans with your friends! Where are you meeting for the pre-prom party? Who is driving? What are the plans for the post-prom party?


• Continue exercising and eating healthy! Put in extra effort!

2 Days Before Prom Night

• Don't panic!


• Prepare your purse kit!


• Attend appointments!


• Pick up the boutonniere! Remind him to pick up your corsage..hint, hint.


• Remind your prom date to pick up his tuxedo--trying it on at the store is a great idea-especially if there is time to change anything that may not be correct.


• Ready!


• Set!


• Go!

Enjoy a safe and memorable "Prom Night"!