by Erin Kinter

Created on: May 10, 2008

It is a rite of passage, something dreamed about by boys and girls alike for a majority of their teen years. Thats why it is critical to be prepared for all the highs and pitfalls the night can potentially bring and know how to walk away with nothing but the best memories. Starting preparations should begin somewhere near the beginning of your senior year. Yes, being properly prepared can take up to a year depending on your particular situation.

Money problems on prom night is one of the top reasons for a ruined event. Why? Because most of us don't begin our preparations until about 2-3 months prior to the event and we find ourselves spending much more than anticipated whether it be on a fancy dress, renting a limo, or acquiring a location for the post prom parties. Thats why beginning this process early can save you big bucks as well as heartache. Shop for clothing your entire senior year! Window shop that is, it allows you to find what you like without rushing from store to store trying to beat out the other girls who also waited until the last minute. You are also less likely to be the victim of the "double dress" mishap because you will be purchasing in the pre-prom season. Guys dont have as much of an issue here. Most of the time prom attire is already owned or is rented for the event. My best advice is arrange your rental early in the prom year and get it in writing! You don't want to show up the week of prom to find it was rented out to someone else. About a month before the prom you should take a trip to the rental facility and try your suit on one last time to guarantee growth and weight gain/loss hasn't effected its fit. Doing this a month in advance allows for proper tailoring time if it is needed.

Shoes may not seem like they warrant their own paragraph because its obvious on prom night that they be fabulous, plain an simple. Of course, but we ladies tend to wear what looks great and not what feels great and this is intended to be a night of dancing and running around with friends. Nothing can ruin a girls prom faster than blisters and painful cramps, it happens much more often than you probably think. Keep the stilettos at home and pick a comfortable heel. Don't forget that if you purchase your foot wear early in the year you should have plenty of time to break a shoe in as opposed to wearing brand new (stiff) shoes to prom. If you are taking a limo than feel free to stash a pair of comfy flats in the trunk for later!

Book nice and early in the prom season for your hair/make-up and see if your beautician offers special discounts for groups or prom attendee's. Going with all your girlfriends to get your hair/make-up done for the event can be a lot of fun and may even save you a little cash. Be sure you have spoken to your hairstylist and cosmetologist about the look you want PRIOR to your appointment. Take advantage of the free consultation most salons offer and go in for a talk and to take a look at their work. Just because your mother best friend likes a particular cosmetologist doesn't mean you will. Nothing will get you down more than blue eye shadow on prom night.

Every prom goer whether they be male or female should have a PROM PACK. This pack consists of deodorant (dancing is sweaty business and armpit stained prom pics are unacceptable), aspirin for DJ induced headaches that can stop some people cold, back up cell phone batteries, stain stick (to keep your expensive dress or rental intact), as well as a disposable camera if your digital fails.

Just keep a few of these tips in mind and they will help you make prom a happy memorable time for both you and your date.

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