Every pageant girl knows it can take months to a year to fully prepare for a pageant. From meal planning, exercise, and clothing shopping; it’s a long process. Now, with knowing all of that, sometimes we don’t have that much time to prepare.
This month I decided to compete in Miss Chicago 2018, which is in January 20, 2018, on January 3, 2018. So I was in instant panic mode. I had almost no time to exercise (Thanksgiving & Christmas food and leftovers did not help), 17 days to finish my paperwork, perfect my talent, find my evening gown, swim suit, talent outfit, interview outfit, raise money for my donation, and get together my appointments for hair, nails, spray tan, etc.
I almost gave up at least 10 times, I thought “This is impossible!
Much like Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality, I got myself ready in the least amount of time possible, fall a few times along the way. So here are some tips to get ready in enough time, without enough time.
When you decide to do the pageant:
Start by doing your paperwork as soon as you’re accepted! No time for procrastinating in this situation! Come up with your platform statement right away. Don’t “think about it later”, think about it now and start writing it now! There’s no time for later. Figure out how many days you have until your pageant and make a plan for when you need all of your clothing items and appointments.
Making appointments:
This part is probably the most frustrating, trying to find appointments last minute. For me, it wasn’t too bad, but depending on your hair dresser, she might be booked for the whole month already, and then what? Well right before a pageant is on the time to take a risk on a new hair dresser, so if yours is booked, ask around! Talk to your friends and family to see who they go to & find out if they have any availibility. Even ask family members or friends that are hair dressers if they can help you out, even with just your trim! As far as spray tans and nail appointments, most places accept walk ins, but if your place requires an ahead of time appointment, if it‘s your regular place, they could probably help you out with finding a time that works for you!
Finding the Dress:
Finding the perfect dress is also a timely task. Especially if it’s perfect but doesn’t fit perfect, so then you need alterations too, which is another appointment and sometimes you need multiple. So let’s cut that down starting with the goal of finding the dress that fits perfect without alterations. There are tons of dress stores that a 4 at one store could be too big, while a 4 at the next store could be the perfect fit; you just have to keep looking. You WILL find the dress, do not get stressed out when the first couple aren’t it, or if the perfect one is too small/big. You can even wear a dress you’ve worn to a previous pageant or prom! No matter what, you will wear an amazing dress that you love on that stage!
Finding the Swimsuit:
Your swimsuit choice is everything! While the swimsuit competition isn’t usually the most points, it’s where you get to show the judges all your hard work on stage! Even if that hard work is only for a month ;) There is no need to order a special swimsuit online. Stores like target, Macy’s, Everything But Water, and PINK all have amazing choices for swimwear competition. The most important thing is finding one that suits your body type and skin color!
Finding the Talent Costume:
Whether your talent is dancing, singing, or ribbom twirling, you have to find the costume to match! It really depends on your talent for this one, if you’re a dancer, I’m sure you already have tons of dance costumes you can use, and there are a bunch of stand alone dance stores that sell individual costumes! For a dress for singing or other talents, go to places like Macy’s and Nordstrom!
Finding the Interview Outfit:
Depending on your pageant system, it might differ what you choose for your interview. There are a million places to look for a dress or pant suit for it. I even got mine at Discovery Clothing! You can even wear something from your own closet that you’ve worn to job interviews! The interview is your time to show the judges who you are, so make sure you dress to your own personality!
Raising your Sponsorship Money/Donations:
Trying to raise money for a pageant can be a hassel sometimes. You’ll get turned down left and right, but you just have to keep trying! Post your donation page on facebook for your family and friends to help, go to local businesses telling them everything about it and what they get from it! Sell it to them! It’s hard work but it can be done! Even in less than a month. You just have to put your mind to it ;)
You got this!
