Prom night is just around the corner, and it's your time to shine! The excitement, the glamour, the memories—it's an event you'll cherish forever. But this event happens only once, so it can feel overwhelming to get everything just right. Picking out your dress, choosing a hairstyle, figuring out transportation, and finalizing every little detail are just a few of the things on your to-do list. That's why we've created this ultimate go-to prom checklist for getting ready without the stress. Follow these steps, and you'll be ready to step into prom with confidence, knowing you've planned every last detail perfectly.
1. Find the Perfect Dress
Most girls' favorite part of prom is picking out their dresses, and for good reason! For many young ladies, prom is their first real chance to dress to the nines and attend a fancy event. Even if prom won't be your first nice party, you still want to spend time looking beautiful, and the biggest part of your look will be your dress.
Start this step early. You want to give yourself enough time to find a dress you fall in love with and get it tailored if need be. The following tips will help you in your search.
Determine Your Style
Are you envisioning something classic and elegant, like a floor-length gown? Or maybe you want something simpler, like a fun and flirty cocktail dress.
All that matters is you love the style, so explore different designs online and in stores to see what resonates with you. Don't forget to consider comfort. After all, you'll be dancing the night away!
Know Your Budget
Unless you're paying for your dress yourself, chat with your parents about a budget and stick to it. The good news is some of the best dresses can fit any price range.
Attend Fittings
Once you've found “the one,” book a fitting to see if it fits. If not, don't stress! Professional tailoring can come to the rescue. Even the smallest adjustments, like hemming or strap fittings, can make a huge difference in how you look and feel.
2. Choose Your Accessories
Your dress is the cake, and accessories are the frosting. Accessories will elevate your look and make a good outfit feel like pure magic. Here's what you need to complete your prom ensemble.
Jewelry
Go bold with large statement earrings or a chunky bracelet if your dress is simple. For more detailed dresses, stick to sleek, delicate pieces to keep the focus on your gown. Find a balance that complements your overall look.
A Clutch or Bag
Choose a small clutch to carry your essentials—lipstick, phone, and a few touch-up essentials. We recommend picking a bag with a strap that frees up your hands when snapping photos.
Shoes That Wow
Your shoes should do more than look great—they also need to be comfy. Opt for heels or flats that match your aesthetic and provide plenty of support and cushioning. Since your dress will be the focal point, it's usually best to stick to neutral-colored shoes with limited decals.
Pro Tip
You might find it helpful to get your shoes before your dress. This way, you can wear your shoes to the dress fitting and know if the skirt needs to be longer, shorter, or the same.
3. Prep Your Hair and Makeup
Your hair and makeup tie everything together.
Start With Hairstyle Inspiration
Whether you love the idea of loose waves, sleek updos, or intricate braids, browse inspiration on Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram. Trust us—you're sure to find a look you love. Then, unless you have a hairstylist for a mother or friend, book a prom-day hair appointment, and do it early.
Pro Tip
Practice doing your chosen hairstyle on yourself before prom night. This lets you see exactly how you want it to look to complement your unique features. Plus, if you get really good at the style, you might be able to save some money by skipping the salon altogether.
Plan Your Makeup Look
A bold lip? Subtle smoky eyes? Sharp eyeliner? Prom night is the perfect opportunity to go big with makeup and highlight your favorite features. Many beauty stores offer consultations if you want professional advice (or indulge in a professional makeup artist for a complete glow-up). Don't forget setting spray to keep your look flawless all night!
4. Nail Down the Details
We've covered the most important aspects of your look, so now it's time to review the details. Here's a look at some of the finishing touches that many girls (not you!) overlook until the last minute.
Nail Appointment
You don't have to do your nails, but a pretty new set can complement your dress and accessories beautifully. Book a manicure and select a color or design that fits your glam vibe. Neutral tones, metallics, or even fun accents like rhinestones can elevate your look.
Skincare Routine
Want that lit-from-within glow? If you don't already have a skincare routine, you should definitely start one at least a few weeks before prom. Cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate for radiant, smooth skin. And don't forget daily SPF—UV rays can still penetrate and damage your skin even on cloudy days.
Emergency Kit
Pack an emergency kit with these essentials:
- safety pins
- double-sided tape
- bobby pins
- perfume
- blister pads
- gum or mouth freshener
- collapsable comb
- phone charger
- mini deodorant
- mini hair spray
These small items can save you from stress if you need to freshen up or have a wardrobe malfunction. Nothing can dim your shine when you're prepared!
5. Secure Your Ride and Photos
Transportation and photos are two essential parts of prom planning that have nothing to do with your look. Plan ahead to make your evening flow from beginning to end.
Transportation
Whether you're riding with friends or a date, transportation sets the tone for kicking off the night. Make arrangements ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress with rideshares or carpool planning. To feel extra fancy, consider arriving in a limo if budget allows!
Coordinate Photos
Prom pictures are memories you'll cherish forever, and we're not talking about the blurry iPhone photos you'll be taking throughout the night. We're talking about professional-quality pictures you take with your friends, date, and family before heading out. Look for creative spots around your venue or your home for a beautiful backdrop, and have someone snap shots using a DSLR.
Step Into Prom Night With Confidence
Prom only comes around once, so make the most of your experience. At Alexandra's Boutique, we're here to help. Our wide selection of stunning dresses for prom will make you feel like the princess you are. Take a look at our styles, and visit our store for a fitting. With our help and the help of this go-to prom checklist, getting ready for the special night is easy! In the end, though, what really matters is how you carry yourself. Confidence, joy, and fun are the ultimate must-haves for any prom night.