Creatively curated signs, flowers, and anxious suitors kickstart just the beginning of the tedious, intense process of prepping for prom. This year, NAHS has curated the theme “Written in the Stars,” guiding students toward looking for inspiration and promising a stellar night of elegance. For many, prom is one of the most anticipated nights of the year, and preparation has already begun months in advance. While prom may only last a few hours, the planning that goes into it takes much longer.
The biggest part of prom preparation is finding the perfect dress. Girls start shopping for dresses well before the dance arrives. Revolve, Hello Molly, and even Tootsies on Peachtree Road receive much business as spring rounds the corner, with thousands of teenagers ordering and purchasing dresses. Buy a dress, try it on, return it, repeat! Not to mention, many make the effort to create slideshows showcasing their dresses for others to see. In addition, appointments for hair, nails, and makeup get booked way in advance, and Pinterest boards are stacked with ideas and inspiration. “You want the dress to feel special, it has to be something you really love,” said junior Caroline Moeser.
In addition to outfits, planning the night itself is another crucial part of prom prep. Groups of friends organize dinners at local restaurants or even parties dedicated solely to taking pictures for Instagram and parents’ Facebook. Another fun contributor to the night is transportation. The Dubs commonly get fellow friends to drive them, take fancy limos, and even ride in large buses filled with color-changing LED lights and loud music inside. Whether it’s riding with friends or solo with your date, the ride to prom with music and a good time is what sparks the true, authentic excitement for the night to follow. “Last year I took a party bus with all my friends to prom, and let me just say this, I had the most fun ever,” said senior Blair Carter.
While prom is exciting, the preparation can be painful. Between balancing schoolwork and planning, students can find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities. However, the anticipation for the night keeps everyone motivated, especially for first-timers. “I am stoked for my first prom, so stoked that it keeps me up at night,” said junior Shep Sloan.
Despite all the logistics, prom is ultimately more than just a dance. For many, it’s a chance to celebrate the school year coming to a close and create memories that will last long after high school. When stressing about your dress not coming in time, where to buy a corsage, or even finding a date, remember that beyond the responsibilities, prom is meant to be a night of living on the dance floor and having as much fun as possible.
