Prom night is only once a year. With the proper planning and perspective, it can be a special night that a young girl will never forget.
Prom has become a huge part of high school for young women. Many girls begin looking forward to prom when they are just little girls, imagining the dress they will wear, how they will do their hair, and what handsome young man will be their escort. By the time their freshman year in high school rolls around, teenaged girls watch the older girls with interest, talking with their friends about who is invited to prom and who isn't.
When the time for the junior or senior prom finally arrives, girls are often beside themselves with concern about having a date, looking perfect and planning a magical evening. While prom can be an evening of good fun for boys and girls, a time to dress up, have an elegant dinner and dance the night away, parents ought to guide their young girls as they look forward to prom; prom is just a one-night event but so many girls plan for it as if it were their wedding day. Not only are they setting themselves up for disappointment, they also may feel a great let-down when the night is over, as there is no follow-up.
Parents, teachers and others in authority will find the following tips useful in helping the young women in their lives prepare for and look forward to the prom.
1. Start shopping early. If your daughter has been invited to the prom, plans to invite someone else, or is simply hoping to go, she should start shopping for her dress early. She will probably have to try on many dresses and visit multiple stores before finding the right one. Encourage her to look in thrift shops which often have beautiful dresses at only a fraction of the cost. If she finds a dress that is well above the established price range, she may be able to hire someone to make a similar dress for her at a much lower cost.
2. Consider the cost. Aside from the dress, there are other cost considerations. Unless the girl has a date who has expressed an interest in paying for everything, she should plan on helping with the cost of the evening. This will include dinner, tickets to the prom, photographs, a limousine if she wants one, and a boutonniere for her date. In addition to this, many girls like to go to a professional salon to have their hair, make-up, and nails done, which can add to the cost considerably.
3. Plan for the unexpected. While most prom nights are relatively uneventful, there are the occasional concerns of alcohol, drugs or inappropriate behavior. Make sure your daughter or young friend has a cell phone or access to a phone, and a number to call in the event of an emergency.
4. Play it down. The best thing to do is talk to your daughter or young female friend about your own prom and the reality of prom. Let her know that it is no more than a dance with dinner and a date. Help her to keep the proper perspective and avoid putting too much emphasis on prom night. This doesn't mean you should rain on her parade. Get excited with her about her special night, but don't let her lose perspective.
Prom night is only once a year, and for some, once in a life time. With the proper planning and perspective, it can be a special night that a young girl will never forget.
