Get Ready for Prom: The Ultimate Prom Checklist for a Memorable Night

Prom season is officially on the horizon. Do you know what that means? It means that it's finally time to start planning for the most anticipated night of your high school experience. But planning the perfect prom takes a lot of effort, and we understand that it is no easy task.

From choosing elegant prom gown dresses (yes, you can have more than one!) to coordinating with friends, there’s so much to consider. So, to make your experience seamless and unforgettable, we've crafted the ultimate prom checklist. Bookmark this list now, and let the countdown to your unforgettable prom night begin!

Create a Prom Budget

There’s no doubt that prom is a thrilling experience, but do you know what else it can be? A financially draining experience if you don’t plan your budget for the event beforehand.
So, the first thing on your checklist should be setting a budget. Sit down with your parents or guardians and discuss a realistic spending limit that covers all potential expenses.

Now, if you’re wondering, what things should I keep in mind while creating the budget? Then below is a reference list of potential expenses you should consider.

1. Outfit
2. Hair
3. Makeup
4. Nails
5. Accessories
6. Tickets
7. Transportation
8. Dinner
9. Professional Photos (if you're planning for it)
10. After Prom

Now, remember this isn't a one-size-fits-all list. Surprise expenses might still pop up. So, it’s best to consider a contingency fund for unexpected expenses or last-minute changes.

Find Your Dream Dress

Now that you have a set budget, it’s time to find the dress that you have been envisioning since the start of high school. First step? Get inspiration!

 

Going to dress shops without having any idea of what you want is a fashion disaster waiting to happen. So, open up your laptop and start surfing through Pinterest for dress colors and designs. Decide: do you like black dresses or spring dresses, or is there something else that you like? You can also use #prom on Instagram for more inspiration.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want, it’s time to go shopping. But the question is - what is the right time to start shopping?

Ideally, you should start the shopping spree about two to four months in advance. Why? One reason is that most designers and stores introduce their new prom collections by December or January. And if you leave dress shopping to the last moment, your dream dress might already be sold out. Now, you don’t want that. Do you?

Also, make sure that you try on various prom gown dresses before you buy “the dress.” Sometimes, the dress you thought would look good on you doesn't. But that doesn't mean it is the end of the world.

You’ll soon realize that there are plenty of options out there, and all you need to do is be patient and keep searching; you'll ultimately find the dress that makes you feel like a prom queen.

Pro Tip:

Just ensure you’re following the dress code (if your school has one) while choosing a dress.

Find Your Partner

Prom is a memorable night in a teenager’s life, and you naturally want to spend it with those closest to you. So, if you have a boyfriend, consider discussing plans for the night with him.

Share your excitement about the event, from selecting outfits to planning pre- and post-prom activities together. It's the perfect opportunity to strengthen your bond and create memories.

Now, for those who may not have a designated date, this is the perfect occasion to ask your crush out. Use the festive atmosphere as a backdrop to make your move, turning the night into something magical.

If you’re wondering - what if I don't have a date? No need to stress. Contrary to age-old prom traditions, going to prom with a group of friends can be just as, sometimes even more enjoyable.

After all, friends bring laughter, fun, and unforgettable moments to the dance floor. The best part? You can be your unfiltered self in front of them. Now, isn’t that the best?

Buy Prom Tickets

With the perfect dress in your cupboard, it's now time to take the next step – securing your entry to the night of glitz and glam by purchasing prom tickets. This might seem like a straightforward task, but there are several things that need to be considered.

Prom tickets, just like concert passes, are in high demand and often come with limited availability. So, it's wise to purchase your tickets as soon as they become available. Start by checking with your school for all the details. Ticket prices, deadlines, and any specific requirements.

Also, sometimes, ticket prices increase as you get closer to the prom date. Therefore, it’s best to keep track of the availability of tickets to get a budget-friendly deal.

Pro Tip: Coordinate with your friends and date while purchasing the ticket. You definitely do not want any of your special people to forget the tickets.

Make Necessary Appointments/ Reservations

As the countdown begins, making any necessary appointments or reservations is extremely important.

If you’re planning to get your hair and makeup done by professionals, then you’ll need to book appointments with MUA, hair stylists, and nail artists beforehand. As if you leave it to the last moment, good professionals would most probably be already booked due to the high demand in peak prom season.

And here’s a tip: make sure you get trial runs from makeup/hair artists before finalizing them. Because, believe us, you don’t want any makeup mishaps on the final day.

Apart from that, you also need to reserve anything that you may need on D-day. That includes transportation (limo or party bus or whatever you have chosen) and a photographer ( if you plan to get a professional photoshoot).

Also, don’t forget to make dinner reservations, especially if your school has made no arrangements for food.

Make Pre/Post-Prom Plans

While the main event is undoubtedly the prom itself, for the experience to be as smooth as possible, you must make proper pre- and post-prom plans.

Pre-prom party ideas could include:

1. Group photoshoot
2. Dinner with friends
3. Spa day to relax

Now, you need proper planning to execute whatever you have planned for before the coveted night. To do that, the best option is to start a group chat and discuss everything you’re gonna do. Also, if you and all your friends plan to go to the prom together, then you should also decide on a single spot where your ride can pick you up.

Apart from this, if you’re planning to do something after-prom, you must discuss that with your group as well. After all, you all would want to be on the same page now, wouldn't you?

These plans may include:

1. Slumber party
2. Post-prom school party
3. Bonfire/ pizza party

Buy Accessories

We know that accessories may not be the top thing on your mind, but do not let it slip out of your mind, either. After all, you don’t want to be stressing out over what accessories you’ll wear on the final day.

If you’re thinking about what accessories you should buy, here are some items that you would probably need:

1. Shoes
2. Jewelry (Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.)
3. Clutch
4. Corsage/ boutonniere

Pro Tip: When choosing accessories, keep in mind the color and style of your dress. Aim for a cohesive and polished appearance that reflects your personal style.

Final Dress Fitting

Most people purchase their outfits months before D-day. However, it’s not guaranteed that your body will remain the same when your prom day finally arrives, so final dress fittings are of utmost importance.

When scheduling your final dress fitting, it's recommended to do it closer to the final date, ideally just a week or two before. This timing allows for any last-minute adjustments that might be necessary.

During this fitting, pay attention to how the dress feels – is it too tight, too loose, or just right? If alterations are needed, don't hesitate to communicate openly with the tailor or seamstress about any concerns.

Pack Essentials

There are many things that you would need during the event. So, make sure that you pack all the essential items. Some items that we recommend you carry include:

1. Safety pins
2. Bobby pins
3. ID card
4. Mini deodorant
5. House keys (in case your parents or siblings aren't home)
6. Some emergency cash
7. Breath mints
8. Oil absorbent pads
9. Tampons

Now, if you’re planning for a sleepover at a friend's, then you need to carry an overnight bag as well. Some items that you’ll need during the sleepover may include:

1. PJs
2. Toothbrush
3. Clothes for the next day
4. Medications (if any)
5. Board or card games (optional)

Relax and Have Fun

And just like that, with this prom night checklist, you’re all set for the big night. Now, the only thing that is left for you to do is relax and have fun! After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so focus on having fun, dancing with friends, and clicking unlimited photos that you can look back on long after the night is gone.

PS: Don’t forget your tickets.

Still searching for your dream dress? Head to the Prom 2024 collection of Amarra - your one-stop fashion destination and explore a stunning collection that caters to every style, ensuring you find the perfect gown to make your night unforgettable!