Picking a prom date may not be the most important decision you'll ever have, but it can definitely make or break your night. Here's a rundown of your options and the pros and cons of each
1. The Boyfriend/Girlfriend - If you've been seeing someone for long enough to use this label to refer to him or her, there's probably no more debate about who you should take to prom!
The Pros: You already know you enjoy each other's company. The romance factor is guaranteed to be high. Making plans will be much less awkward than if you go with someone you barely know. For example, you can help him pick out his tux to coordinate with your dress without feeling bossy, or you can ask her to stop by your grandma's house with you for just one picture without being embarrassed.
The Cons: People who are coupled off with a long-term significant other sometimes miss out on spending time with friends during prom season. Make arrangements to double, triple, or go with a huge group of couples to dinner and after-prom, and be sure to arrange a meeting place and time for pictures and dancing with your friends during the prom.
2. Long-Time Friend Maybe you ask them, maybe they ask you. It doesn't really matter because you guys are fabulous buds.
The Pros: Going with a great friend is a recipe for a low-drama prom with nonstop laughs. You can hang out together part of the time and do your own thing the rest of the time. Obviously this person is cool, or he or she wouldn't be your friend! If you are not seeing anyone seriously, it will be much more relaxing to just go with a bud than to try to force romance with someone you barely know.
The Cons: Okay, so you probably won't have the most romantic time. The two of you may feel a bit awkward if you end up around a group of lovey-dovey couples. Consider doubling with other couples who are just friends, or just lighten up and joke about the situation.
3. Guy/Girl You Just Started Seeing You've been on a few dates and have learned you get along well enough to spend this important night together.
The Pros: The beginning of any relationship is a very exciting time. You still get that tingly feeling in your stomach whenever you see him or her, and you are both still trying to impress each other. Going to a dance together will help you learn a lot more about each other and decide if you want to continue dating in the future.
The Cons: With new relationships, there is a higher risk that one or both of you will decide that things just aren't working out in the time before prom. This may put you in the difficult position of scrambling for a date at the last minute. It can also be a little awkward to handle sensitive subjects such as who pays for what if you have not been dating for very long.
4. Pal from Another School Whether he's your childhood playmate or you know her from work or church, sometimes a friend from outside your normal circle makes the most logical choice for a prom date.
The Pros: A guy or girl from another school will be blissfully unaware of any of the drama and trauma that tends to come up around prom time. There will be no conflict as to whose friends to double with, since his or hers are from another school. It's also kind of fun to be mysterious by bringing a date no one knows.
The Cons: He probably won't know many of your friends, so consider how well he handles meeting new people. Depending on your school, your date may be required to meet certain requirements and fill out some paperwork to attend. Check the rules with your principal well in advance to avoid a last minute disappointment.
5. The Guy or Girl You Get Set Up With If you have no idea how to pick a great date for yourself, your friends may be able to help.
The Pros: Getting set up with someone you don't know very well may result in a fabulous time. Your friends know you and have your best interests in mind. They (hopefully) wouldn't set you up with someone who was a real bummer. Getting set up can be an ideal option for laid back, go-with-the-flow personality types.
The Cons: Of course, there is also the possibility that you just won't hit it off with this person, at all. You should insist on at least meeting your potential date for ice cream or hang out together in a group to make sure you can carry on a conversation. Remember, you will be together for hours and hours on prom night!
6. Group of Friends Sometimes having the best time possible at prom does not involve a specific date. Whether you go with a couple of good friends or a huge gang, you can still be the life of a party going solo.
The Pros: It will be much easier to coordinate activities if you and your friends don't have to worry about factoring dates into the mix. Going as a group takes away the pressure to find a date and the awkwardness that can come with asking someone you aren't that close to just because you think you must. There will be little drama, as you are guaranteed not to break up you're your friends two days before prom. Plus, if you're on a tight budget you need only worry about paying for things for yourself.
The Cons: Unfortunately, prom can feel like a couples-only party at times. Tickets may not be sold individually, and people will constantly ask who you are taking. Just ignore the pressure and have fun with your fabulous friends!
The Bottom Line
You can have a fabulous time at your prom in many different ways. Picking the right date will play a huge role in how this important event goes. The suggestions above will help you consider your personal situation and pick the right date for YOU!