Coming from a small town school, we had both junior and senior prom together. Some schools only have junior prom and a senior ball; whatever it is called, it is bound to be a big night. In the glitz and glam, you can not forget to have the time of your life. It is one of the most magical nights ever and letting small things ruin it should not interfere with the sparkle.
Don't Stress
Do not worry about whether or not your date got the corsage. Do not worry if they don't completely match with you. Do not worry about what your parents are wearing to the photo shoot. Do not worry about what vehicle you are riding in. Everything will fall into place. Your hair and makeup will be fabulous even if you end up with frizzes at the dance. My biggest stresses ended up being overplayed and tiny. I was worried about how big my tummy looked in my dress and then I ended up slaying prom.
If you hold high expectations, you will be hurt. Let the evening play out without even dealing a hand. In other words, if you try to plan every second of the night you will be disappointed and be let down so might as well enjoy yourself.
Don't Be So Worried About Pictures
Yes, taking pictures is a huge part of the experience but that does not mean the entire evening should revolve around them. Figure out, before prom night, where you would like to have them done. Do not spend more than an hour on pictures. Make sure you have enough time to take pictures and get to the events surrounding prom on time. Being late because of pictures is probably the worst excuse in the world. Pictures hold the memories, they should not be a part of the memory. They can be fun and cool or stressful and exhausting, depending on how you choose to go about them.
It Isn't A Competition
Yes, you are the queen tonight (even if you do not win prom queen). This DOES NOT mean you should compare yourself to others or put them down. Every girl is a queen tonight. Do not ruin someone's thunder with dirty glances or your own jealousy. Prom is not a competition; it is about being able to dress up to the nines and dance the night away. So maybe you do not like the way some girl is wearing her hair but who are you to judge? She is loving herself and you have no right to ruin that. If another girl has the same dress as you, do not get angry. Go up to her and compliment her style, odds are she will be shocked that you aren't annoyed or peeved.
My junior prom I had let dirty looks get under my skin and then I realized we were all in this together. Every girl who had dressed up that evening did it with bliss and passion. It was our night to shine. If we shine together, that would be one bright diamond.
Have Fun
Put down the phone. Put away the fears of dancing. This should be one of the best nights of your high school career. Whether you are sharing with a lover or a group of friends, it should be a memory that you will keep with you forever. I had been fortunate enough to go to prom three years in a row. The best times, that I recall, involved carefree dancing and not caring about how I looked (even though I was basically a queen).
Prom is what you make it. Make the memories last forever. Do you really want to look back at your senior prom and remember your face glued to a phone or your fear of dancing keeping you away from the dance floor? You will never get another opportunity like this so enjoy yourself and have fun.
