Five Steps for the Perfect Prom Night

When everything clicks, prom night can be one of the most exquisite nights of a teenager’s life. With spring and summer proms right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start your planning. Keep in mind that different schools often host Prom on the same night, which means that possibly thousands of kids will be competing for the same stretch limousines and prom gowns. Follow these five steps to stay ahead of the game and make your prom night unforgettable.

Step 1: When it comes to Prom Apparel, Your Fashion Sense is Key

No matter what style you’re going for, everyone wants to look stunning at prom. Generally, the 2009 fashion trends are embracing a higher hemline on women’s dresses and an eco-friendly color scheme for both genders (i.e. greens and browns are in this season). Research the different prom tuxes and prom dresses coming out this season and see which pieces that you like.
Once you have an idea of what you want, head down to the formal wear store and see what they have available. If they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, check and see if it’s carried at another store. Oftentimes, it can be shipped from another store to your local branch free-of-charge.

Step 2: Plan Your Prom Photos-Pictures Last a Lifetime

Your high school will undoubtedly have a photographer to snap a photo of you and your date as you arrive. However, if you want the moment captured with style, then make a splash by planning a photo shoot. Before the dance, meet up with your friends at a place that’s memorable to you (i.e. a favorite park, the football field, etc.) and have a photographer take some shots of everyone in prom tuxes and dresses. To capture candid shots throughout the night, remember to bring a digital camera to the prom and the after-party.

Step 3: Find the Right Prom Limo Service

This is an absolute key factor to a wonderful prom night, as it removes any chance of teenage drinking and driving on prom night. Alcohol is involved in nearly 23% of adolescent driver fatalities, and 54% of all teen motor-related deaths occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Whether it’s at prom or at the after-party, any alcohol in a teenager’s system is a danger to themselves and to other drivers. With a stretch limo rented for you and your friends, you can assure that everyone will arrive safely and soundly throughout the night.
When you book a limo, keep in mind that it can be much more than just a stretch limousine ride to the prom. Depending on how many friends you’d like to include, the limo itself can range from an intimate Cadillac limo to a decadent party limo. A limo service shared by a group of teens can also be cost effective for parents since as many as six couples can plan a limo ride together. Simply tell the limo service how many passengers are expected, and they’ll tell you all the options that you have.

Step 4: The After-Party-Make the Night Last

The typical prom begins around 8:00 pm and will end somewhere between 11:00 and midnight. In order to spend more time with your prom date and close friends, start planning in advance for an after-party. The most common after-party is for everyone to reconvene at someone’s house; however, don’t be afraid to plan something new. If all your friends are movie buffs, then look into catching a midnight show. Of if you know you’ll be running on empty from all the dancing, perhaps a midnight snack would be more appropriate. Regardless of where it is, an after-party is a wonderful way to wind down the evening with friends.

Step 5: Be Confident and Have Fun!

Remember: Although it sounds like an overstatement, prom night is something that you’ll look back on throughout your life. It’s a rite-of-passage in our America, which is all the more reason to make yours a special one. This is your night to shine. Enjoy this time and have fun!

John Starke is a Financial Planner who is an active Registered Investment Advisor and Securities Representative as well as a Licensed Financial Principal. Starke has been a professional in the commercial real estate field for over 20 years. His most recent commercial venture is Waterview Limo, a Virginia based company that provides high quality limo services at affordable prices. Email info@waterviewlimo.com or visit http://www.waterviewlimo.com for more information.