Formal: the one night of the year when it's acceptable to wear a flashy dress, take a million pictures, and dance innapropriately with someone you may or may not have met before this evening. We all look forward to it, no matter how long the bus ride or how bad the headache the next day. If you've never been to a formal, don't worry. Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte are here to walk you through it.

1. Planning the Pregame

You don't want boring, fuddy-duddies bringing down your pregame hype. Invite the people you know won't kill your buzz before it even really begins.

2. Getting Ready With Your Sisters

We're girls, of course we need multiple opinions before we step out into public. Sometimes you just can't tell if your eyes match or if you managed to get that one difficult strand of hair in the back that refuses to curl or straighten. Try to have at least one sober sister there to make sure you don't burn your face off with your curling wand, though.

3. Walking Into The Venue Like

It's like a movie. Everyone steps out of the way as you and your squad roll through the door. You look fierce, your pregame (and/or bus) buzz hasn't worn off, and you're ready to rage.

4. When Someone Asks How Your Night Is Going

We've all been there, Charlotte. It's halfway through the night, you can't feel your feet anymore, and you're seriously considering taking a quick nap in the bathroom before anyone realizes you're missing.

5. The Fast Food Stop On The Way Back

Sadly, the bus won't stop no matter how desperate your pleas for fries or tacos are. If you're lucky, someone is lucid enough to make a drive-through run for you when you get back. Thank them immensely the next day (preferrably with coffee).

6. The Hangover

Some people escape this fate; others aren't so lucky. The only thing I can tell you is brunch is definitely the way to go. Load up on coffee and whatever food you can stomach while rehashing the previous night's events.

7. When Your Parents Ask How Your "Dance" Went

"We ate. We danced. We took a nap on the bus ride back." And silently pray your raccoon eyes don't give anything away.