Prom is a formal high school dance for upperclassmen (11th and 12th graders), held in the spring and organized by students. The dance typically includes a DJ, dance floor, and sometimes a prom court, with students chosen as king and queen. Some proms are held on the school campus while others are held at a local venue.
The traditions leading up to prom and on the night of are often just as important to teens as the dance itself. It’s a big deal for teens, but for parents, it can feel confusing, expensive, or even overwhelming. Prom is oftentimes seen as one of the final milestones before teens graduate high school and move on to adulthood. This is supposed to be a fun celebration, and an opportunity to make memories with friends before graduation. However, is it natural for this to be a stressful moment for teens, as they experience a lot of pressure finding a date, and deciding what to wear. In this article, we break down the prom traditions, and answer many of the most common questions from parents and teens regarding prom!
Prom Traditions
While prom is technically just the dance, there’s so much more to it for many teens and families. Most teens plan to go to dinner and take pictures before the dance with their friends and date. Many also like to go to a party or another event after prom to keep the night going.
You also can’t forget about “promposals”, which are a modern way of asking someone to be your date. Promposals can be over-the-top, while some are simpler with a handmade sign. You can even do a promposal with a friend if you plan on going with your bestie.
If you have a date, it’s common to exchange corsages and boutonnieres. These are small floral arrangements, with the corsage worn on a wrist or pinned to a dress, and a boutonniere worn on the lapel of a tux or suit jacket.
Some teens show up to the dance in a limo, others come in classic cars or another cool vehicle, and some arrive in the vehicle they use daily. These traditions are all optional, and your teen may want to do one or all of them.
How Much Does Prom Cost?
The cost of prom varies for everyone, based on individual experiences and choices. Everyone at your school will pay the same ticket price, but everything else may be different. Based on your budget and personal preferences, you’ll have to account for the cost of:
- A dress or suit/tux
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Hair and makeup
- Dinner
- Transportation
- Photos
- Plans after the dance
Prom doesn’t have to be over-the-top expensive to be meaningful, so don’t feel like you have to go broke to make it a spectacular night. Resale shops are a great way to put together affordable looks without overspending, and you may be able to borrow pieces from family members.
How Long Does Prom Usually Last?
Prom usually lasts around four hours, but each event is different. When you factor in the other traditions like getting ready, taking photos, having dinner, and attending something afterward, it’s often a full-day event. If you’re the parent of a teen, you should check in with them to see what their plans are, and agree on what time you should expect them to come home.
Prom vs. Homecoming
Prom and homecoming are different, with homecoming often having a spirit week and football game in the days leading up to the dance. With prom, the dance is typically the only event, and there are no other school activities tied to it.
Prom is also more formal than homecoming, so it’s typically a little more expensive and over-the-top. Another significant difference is that homecoming is open to all high school grades, while prom is only for juniors and seniors.
What to Wear to Prom
What you wear to prom depends on your personal style, but most boys will choose a suit or tuxedo, and girls will choose a gown. These ideas aren’t a requirement, though, so dress up in whatever makes you feel your best. What you wear to prom can also depend on whether or not you’re going with a date. If you are going with a date, you should check in with them to see if you want to match a certain color, or coordinate in some other way.
For shoes, boys typically wear a dress shoes and girls will wear heels. However, it is common for some girls to wear flats, in order to make dancing more comfortable during the event.
Don’t forget to check the school dress code for school dance guidelines before shopping for your outfit. If you don’t, you may not be allowed entry into the event.
What If Your Teen Doesn’t Want to Go to Prom?
While most teens look forward to prom and can’t wait for the event, others may not want to go. If your teen doesn’t want to go, it’s okay. Ask if they want to have a fun night doing something with you, or if they just want to spend time alone. It’s okay to miss these things, and you don’t want to force them to go if they don’t want to.
Conclusion on Prom
Prom is such a memorable night for teens. It’s truly a time they’ll never forget, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. What they’ll remember most is spending time with their friends and how they celebrated this major milestone.
For many, it’s one of the last times all their classmates will be together before graduation, marking the end of an era. No matter what, it’s supposed to be a fun time with so much excitement leading up to it.