PROM GUIDELINES:

Courtesy of promdressesinc.com

Table of Contents:

• Prom Expenses - What does the average 17 year old spend?
• Expenditures for Her
• Expenditures for Him
• Shared Expenses
• 4 Month Prom Timeline Guide - Start planning early!
• Prom Dress Patterns - Why not sew your own dress?
• Beautiful Prom Dress Styles - A sexy prom dress for every figure!
• Summary

Congratulations! You're Going to the Prom!

Your Prom is an incredible milestone in your life. It signifies the end of your teen years and the beginning of your new adult life.

This magic night will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable events from your high school years.

Therefore, every detail should be thoughtfully planned out in order to guarantee an incredible evening to remember for years to come.

Prom Expenses: Going to the Prom is not Cheap - $o $tart $aving $oon!

According to a national survey, today's average 17 year old spends around $650 for their high school prom - that equates to more than $1,200 per couple!

You're right, that's a lot of money for one night - but keep in mind what all is involved. Use the following list as a guideline and estimate what costs are involved:

Expenditures For Her:

Expenditures For Him:

Shared Costs:

There is no hard and fast rule as to who pays for what and remember this list is merely a guideline.

The bottom line here is that you need to plan for everything well in advance!

Prom Timeline Guide: A four month timeline:

Now that you have some idea of what is involved - you understand why you must start shopping & making appointments and reservations for these items early.

There is no worse feeling than having to scramble around in a panic the week before Prom trying to get everything together.

4 Months before Prom:

• Start dress shopping
• Make limo arrangements

3 Months before Prom:

• Order your dress online!
• Make dinner reservations.

2 Months before Prom:

• Shop for undergarments (strapless/backless bras, etc.)
• Shop for shoes
• Make dress alterations appointment
• Order matching corsage and boutonniere
• Ladies: See your hairdresser (for trial run!) & make final hair appointment
• Purchase accessories (jewelry, purses, gloves, etc.)

1 Month before Prom:

• Practice your makeup techniques
• Make nail & waxing appointments
• Break in your shoes (wear them around the house)
• Purchase prom tickets
• Gentlemen: Get fitted for your tuxedo & make your manicure appointment

3 Weeks before Prom:

• Have your dress tailored
• Confirm dinner reservations
• Confirm transportations arrangements
• Confirm hair, nail and waxing appointments
• Gentlemen: Confirm tux rental pick up appointment

2 Weeks before Prom:

• Try on dress again and get any last minute alterations if necessary
• Have dress pressed if necessary
• Confirm corsage & boutonniere order
• Gentlemen: Get your hair cut if necessary

1 Week before Prom:

• Pick up dress and & hang it up in a safe place
• Choose & practice final makeup technique
• Reconfirm dinner & limo reservations one last time

2 Days before Prom:

• Gentlemen: Pick up your tux & get a men's manicure

1 Day before Prom:

• Ladies -- Manicure, pedicure, and waxing
• Gentlemen - Men's manicure

Day of Prom:

• Ladies -- Get your hair done

Wow! What a timeline! We can not stress enough the importance of being proactive and planning for this big event.

It seems a bit much to start looking for a designer prom dress 4 months before the big day - but keep in mind that there will be several hundred girls looking for dresses and you want to make sure you secure your sooner rather than later!

Ladies, make sure you don't skip the "trial hair" appointment step. Ask any hairdresser and they will tell you a story about spending a couple of hours doing someone's prom hair only to have the person absolutely hate the way it looked afterwards!

Prom Dress Patterns: Sew your own dress? Why not!

There is no better way to get the exact style of Prom dress you want than to have one made especially for you! Finding the right prom dress patterns can help you turn an ordinary dress into a magnificent one. If you truly want a dress that no one else will be wearing - this is definitely the way to go.

There's only one perfect prom dress out there for you, but you'll need to choose the right prom dress pattern before you can begin creating it! Sewing patterns for prom dresses come in many different styles, so your own unique personality will dictate which one works best for you.

You can cut way down on the cost of your gown if you know someone who can sew! At the same time you will know without a shadow of a doubt that you will be wearing a true one-of-a-kind creation!

Choose from the different styles we have listed below and have your dress tailor made exactly the way you've always dreamed it would be!

Prom Dress Styles:

Sexy Prom Dresses - A beautiful prom dress for every figure!

First and foremost, every woman wants to flatter her figure! Whether you are plus size or petite you can find the perfect prom dresses to highlight your best features. All eyes will be on you throughout the evening, so this is definitely not an occasion to put on a dress you will not be comfortable wearing!

Remember, this is an outfit you will most likely being wearing for several hours so by all means when you try it on make sure you move around in it. You'll want to practice standing, sitting, dancing, hugging, etc. Again, the bottom line is to be comfortable and classy! You can still be sexy without going overboard!

Consider the following basic dress designs and tailor yours to make the perfect prom dress for your special evening:

A Line or Empire:

Full figures look best in "A Line" or empire dresses with V-line bodices. Styling details around the neckline draw the eye up. Long sleeves tapering toward the wrist slenderize arms.

Depending on your preferences, you may want to avoid strapless or sleeveless gowns which can emphasize fullness. Opt for dresses where the fabric drapes gracefully instead of ones that are form fitting.

Plus size women may also want to consider empire waist lines as they tend to minimize a thicker waist. If you want to minimize your hips, try a full controlled skirt without bows, flounces, ruffles, or ties in the back. Fuller (not hoop!) skirts camouflage hips and thighs and shoulder pads make waists look smaller.

Fuller busted women may want to choose a flattering off the shoulder or v-neckline with minimal detailing. Remember to be classy! Now is not the time to go overboard by showing too much cleavage!

Ball Gown or Princess:

Someone with a petite figure may want to choose a ball gown style of dress. A princess or Cinderella type dress elongates a short waist and helps to lengthen the torso.

Women who have a smaller bust line can appear larger when the top of the dress is accentuated with intricate details and has an on-the-shoulder neckline.

Petite figures can appear to have their height lengthened in full skirts with minimal details. Simple sleeves, modestly detailed shoulders, vertical pleating, and a-line or princess silhouettes elongate the torso and add height.

Mermaid or Sheath:

These are the perfect wedding dresses to accentuate the woman who has all the right curves in all the right places!

For slim petites and plus size ladies with hour glass figures -- the sheath or mermaid style is ideal.

Your Prom is a once in a lifetime experience and you'll want to put a lot of effort into getting the right dress. You can be elegant, beautiful and stylish in something that reflects your personality and is effortlessly stunning!

Remember - be comfortable & classy!!

Prom Night Summary:

The key to a successful Prom night involves planning and organizing early. Both you and your date should be involved in the planning process so you understand each other's expectations.

The earlier your plans are in place, the less stress you will have leading up to the final occasion.

There are two major rules to remember for Prom Night:

BE SAFE & HAVE FUN!