Prom Prep for Girls:

6 years out– You begin dreaming about the perfect prom.

3 years out– You start worrying about finding a prom date.

2 years out– You begin searching for the perfect prom dress.

1 year out– You figure out who your prom date options are, realize you have none, and start being extra nice to all your male friends.

6 months out– You buy the dress.

5 months out– You change your mind, and upgrade to a new, better dress.

4 months out– You begin complaining that no one is going to ask you, but you buy jewelry to match your dress regardless.

3 months out– You get the ask.

2 months out– You contact all your friends; it’s time to figure out transportation.

2 months out– You schedule your hair/makeup/ nail appointments. The best places book fast. On that note, where are you taking pictures? And where are you getting ready?

1 month out– You figure out what you’re doing with your hair/nails/makeup, and practice on your friends.

One week out– You force yourself to lay off the ice cream and begin running. Your prom dress must fit. Also, you order the boutonnière.

Six days out– You try to get some sun. You must look like a sun-kissed goddess.

Five days out– Where are you going after Celebration?

Four days out– You keep exercising. You want Michele Obama’s arms and Jessica Alba’s legs.

Three days out– You break in those cute new shoes you bought. This counts as exercise, right?

Two days out– It’s all over your newsfeeds; it’s all over your text messages; it’s all over your mind. Prom is your life.

One day out– You meet up with your friends for breakfast and one last run-through of the details. Everything must be perfect.

The day of–

10a.m. – You sleep in. Beauty sleep is key.

10:30 a.m.- You shower and then rush to get your nails done.

12:00 p.m.– You drive to a different place to get your hair and makeup done.

2 p.m.– You then meet up with your friends again, get your dress, shoes, and jewelry on, and take pictures.

4 p.m.– You pile into a car and drive to the meeting place to find your dates.

7 p.m.- Prom time

Prom Prep for Boys:

4 months out– You remember that there is a thing called prom. You decide you have plenty of time to find a date.

3 months out– You realize that you should probably ask that cute girl in your English class now, so you surprise her with some balloons and flowers, because your mom says that girls like that.

1 month out– You buy the tickets, and rent a tux and cummerbund.

7 days out– Where are you going for pictures? Are they really necessary?

4 days out– Your mother tells you to pick out a corsage. Thank God the man at the flower shop knows what he’s talking about.

The day of–

11 a.m.– You wake up and shower.

12 p.m.– You decide there’s definitely enough time to fit some X-Box in. What time does this thing start again?

2:00 p.m.– You pick up the corsage. It’s a good thing your mom reminded you.

3:00 p.m.– You shower and dress yourself.

4:00 p.m.– You head over to the meeting place.

7 p.m.- Prom time

Tips From Prom Veterans

“Wear lots of deodorant, tuxes get very hot and sweaty, don’t eat a lot at the prom, wait until Celebration because the food there is amazing. Oh, and remember where you placed your jacket! Won’t make that mistake again.” Ben Falacci, sophomore

“Make sure you get enough sleep during the day so you’re able to stay energetic during the festivities of the night.” Sami Carey, senior

“Make sure you wear shoes you won’t cry about losing.” Gabrielle Riley, senior

“Get ready to smile for over an hour straight. It’s easily the most pictures I’ve taken in one night.” Charlie Nash, senior

“Just soak it all in and enjoy the entire night.” Jack Harrington, senior

“Don’t get a dress with a train. It will rip.” Rachele Dawson, senior

“Don’t get a tight dress because there’s an unlimited ice cream bar. The bathroom is a good place to hide if your date is touchy-feely. Also, deodorant is a MUST. Please and thank you.” Dayna Moylan, senior 

“Go with someone you’ll have a good time with and make sure you take advantage of the food.” Chris Kennedy, senior

Tips to Save Money

1.  Prom dresses are worn once. Purchasing a used prom dress is the perfect way to find a gorgeous dress for a savvy price. After prom, sell your dress to a consignment shop such as My Sister’s Closet in West Yarmouth.
2. You know that friend who enters a class with her hair down and leaves with four French braids intricately wound around her head? Ask her to do your hair. It will save you about $60.
3. Wear shoes you already have. No one sees the shoes and if you already have them, they will be more comfortable. Plus, most people kick off their shoes after about 15 minutes of dancing.
4. Share a trolley or limo with as many people as possible. Spread the cost.
5. Ask a parent or a friend with a good camera to take the pictures. They will likely come out just as well as they would with a professional and you’ll save money.