Prom Night Planning & Getting Ready Tips

Going to the school prom is a hot topic on the calendar of so many young people, especially those who are about to go into year 11 this September.  This social occasion has gained so much momentum over the last 15 years or so, perhaps through the influence of American TV and films and nowadays more and more schools have them.

While my school did have a prom back in 2005 when I left, I didn’t attend as I didn’t enjoy school and was often picked on by other kids so I figured, ‘why spend a fortune to sit in a room with people who I don’t like?’ and instead, went to Tenerife for a week with a friend and her family.  However I did go to my graduation ball and since I’m a pro at throwing awesome parties and getting ready for events, I definitely think I’ve got some tips up my sleeve that could help any self deserving prom queen get ready for her big night!

WORK HARD & SAVE UP
Even if you’re doing it on a tight budget, prom is still expensive.  Work out your budget for everything you’ll need and by when, then start working hard to reach your goal.  Get saving whether that’s your pocket money for doing chores around the house or the dosh earned from a Saturday job.  Don’t leave it up to your parents to pay for everything; I promise you they’re working hard enough as it is to keep a roof over your head.

GET YOUR TICKET EARLY
If you’ve been saving up in advance then you should have enough to get your ticket as soon as they go on sale, if your school doesn’t cover the cost that is.  Purchasing your ticket early will ensure that you’ve definitely got a place.

FIND A DATE
Girl, you DO NOT need a guy to take you to prom.  If you do have a girlfriend or boyfriend then sure thing, go with them or someone that would like to take you but if not, don’t sweat it.  You’re 16!  These are your years for enjoying yourself and having a laugh with your friends.

Make awesome memories at your prom with your besties, don’t make memories of worrying for months about whether or not you’ll have a date on your arm.

BOOK YOUR TRANSPORT
Find out who is going out of your closest friends and club together for transport to the venue.  Some people go all out with a limo but if that’s not your style or your budget wont stretch to it, just get a lift there; who cares anyway, you’re still going to the same prom!

You might even have a friend’s parent or family member who has a swish car that you could go in.  On the prom for my school year, I know a few people who’s parents drove Mercedes and had them cleaned ready to take them to prom; they were still turning up to the venue in a gorgeous car but at the cost of a valet clean rather than the hiring of a huge vehicle!

DRESS SHOPPING
When you’re going shopping for your prom dress, take cost out of the equation.  That’s not to say that you shouldn’t have a budget as you absolutely should but when you’re first trying the dresses on, look at the actual dress, not the price tag.  Find the dress that you feel the most confident and comfortable in.  If you fall in love with a dress because of its aesthetic and how it looks on you but find it to be out of your budget, you’ll be able to find another one that’s in a similar style for less money online.

Look around lots of prom retailers on the highstreet and online well in advance of your prom and if possible, have it altered to suit your figure perfectly.  This is your night to shine babe!

The dress that I’m wearing in this post is from Little Mistress who have so many gorgeous dresses for plus size girls in sizes 16 to 26 and also for those who are a size 4 to 18 with their regular line.

PROM HAIR
Take photos of you in your dress along to your hair dresser and ask which kinds of hair styles would suit the dress the most; pin up, down and swept to the side, braided, the list of is prom hair styles endless.  Once you have an idea of what will suit you and show the dress off to its best potential, search online for your favourite style and get your appointment booked in, well in advance as what isn’t endless is the hairdressers time.  Prom appointments get booked up months in advance so make sure you don’t miss out on having your hair done at your favourite salon and book as far ahead of time as you can.

Failing that, you can always have a go at home and do it yourself.  There are countless tutorials available online, just make sure you have a couple of practice rounds before the big day.  For ponytail styles, I’d suggest this video which has several styles that seem pretty easy to do and this hair tutorial video is perfect for those looking for a classic up do with a twist.

BEAUTY

As with hair, book your beauty treatments in with your chosen spa well in advance of your prom date.  Many salons have deals where you can get a mani, pedi, spray tan and lashes for a set price.  Some include makeup too or you might like to book an appointment slot with a makeup artist.  If you’re in the North East, Amanda Bell Elite Makeup Artist is who I would recommend.

To save costs, you could do your own too.  I’d suggest sticking to something timeless, classic and elegant.  Have a watch of Lisa Eldridge on Youtube, she has some beautiful, natural makeup tutorials that are easy to follow and you can switch out the products that she uses for dupes that you already have at home.

OUTLOOK & ATTITUDE 
The most important thing to remember when you’re planning your prom night is to ENJOY IT!  It’s literally one night but if you play your cards right, don’t get ideas above your budget and keep cool, calm and collected when getting ready, you’ll be enjoy every minute and making lasting memories with your friends.  You can only live your school years once so make them count!

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*This post is a collaboration with Prom Dress Finder, all opinions are my own