Every year, as promposals and prom ticket sales come to a close, the lengthy and sometimes stressful process of preparing for the night of prom begins.
For the juniors and seniors who will be attending their first HBA prom this March 14, many questions come into play concerning what they are going to wear, makeup (for girls), dates, expectations for the evening, etc. Fortunately for them, some graduates from the class of 2015 and seniors are here to share their advice concerning this grand event.
How important is picking a dress for prom?
Kara Marushige (’15): I think the dress can definitely make or break how excited you feel about prom and how confident you feel throughout the night. I don’t really know whether or not your date will care all that much about the dress because they’re just excited about having a good night with you.
Isabel Wiemken (’16): I think the dress is the most important part of prom preparation because it determines the hair-do, the makeup, and the accessories.
Aaron Wilford (’15): Pick whatever you feel comfortable in. The most important thing of prom preparation is comfortable shoes for a long night.
What is a moderate price range for a dress?
Danielle Toda (’15): Under $200. Maybe $300 if it’s your senior year and you don’t mind spending a little extra to get that special dress you’ve been eyeing. But the best option is borrowing someone else’s dress.
Wiemken: I’d say a moderate price for a dress is anywhere between $50 and $200.
How should a boy treat his date?
Toda: Open the door for your date, push in her chair, have manners throughout the whole night, talk to her parents when you pick her up. If walking near the street, walk on the street side. When you meet her parents, look them in the eye while talking and make sure to thank them for allowing you to go to prom with their daughter. Treat your date with respect and she will want to do the same for you.
Danielle Woo (’15): With decent respect and chivalry. There’s no mandatory rules for taking someone to prom, but just remember why you are going with this person. Nobody is forcing you to do anything you don’t want to.
How should a girl treat her date?
Wilford: A girl should have so much fun she doesn’t have to worry about her date. There’s sometimes the large pressure of formality and this idea that girls are tied to their date, but they should feel comfortable talking to their friends or bringing their date along to talk with other people too.
What is your opinion promposals?
Marushige: I think people make too big of a deal about promposals. Honestly, the most important part of prom is the actual night and creating great memories. I know asking someone can be intimidating and seem impossible to do, but it’ll be worth it to have a memorable night with the person you want to be there with.
Wilford: If a girl wants to ask a certain guy, she should be proud to ask him in her own unique way. If that person is more of a private and sentimental individual, something small can be just as meaningful as something grand to an extroverted person. When you go stag, you never really go alone. You still go with your friends and have a blast together.
Dos and Don’ts of prom?
Toda: Do hang out with your date before prom if you don’t know them super well. It’ll make things a lot less awkward and a lot more fun the night of prom. If you don’t usually wear a lot of makeup, don’t feel the need to go all out. Stick to a natural but still glamorous look to stay the most comfortable.
Wiemken: Don’t isolate yourself with just your date. Ultimately, it’s a group social with all of your friends and you should include everyone in your prom memories.
Wilford: Do get sweaty. Don’t get tired.
Woo: Do have fun. Don’t forget to wear deodorant. Nobody likes stinkies on the dance floor.
Best advice you can give to those attending prom?
Nathan Hishinuma (’16): Have fun. Prom only comes around a few times so don’t get super worried about doing everything right or being the “perfect” date. Chances are if you’re having fun then you’re date will be having fun too.
Wiemken: It’s a formal event, but don’t take it too seriously. Overall, you just want to look good and have fun. And when the event is over, the night is still young! Plan something with your friends.
Woo: Bring a bigger purse or bag than you’re planning to. There will never be enough hands to carry all of your belongings— especially if you win the centerpiece. You can stick a rolled up tote or plastic bag in your clutch just for when you need it.
