April Showers bring…..PROM!

 Prom today is not Prom of yesterday and anyone who has children, nieces or nephews will tell you that Prom is serious business.

Prom has become so big that even asking someone to go , whether you have been dating for two years or have never spent five minutes alone with your dream date has become a festival of one-upmanship.

Thirty years ago, when you asked ( or got asked) to go to the prom it seemed like a big deal. It also seemed like all the boy had to do was get up enough nerve to ask.  Now, through carefully orchestrated events, songs, youtube videos and signs;  invitees are hard pressed to find the most creative way to pose their question.  This has become a competition of sorts, to see who can be the most creative. A boy can’t just ask a girl; it has to be over-the-top. A pop-up screen on a computer at school or a dessert ordered in a restaurant that comes with a chocolate sauce message, for example. Think of a typical marriage proposal, and that’s what it’s like. One young man even made the news trying to place a large sign in a public place “Will you go to Prom with me?” He was arrested, subsequently released and the prom invitation made the evening news. He wins.

After the invitation is accepted, the real work lies ahead.  The couples’ outfit is carefully co-ordinated. If at all possible, every detail of the couples’ outfit must be an exact match. That requires a lot of work. The tie and cummerbund must match the ladies’ gown exactly. The boutonniere and corsage must also be an exact match. I think you get the idea.

Back then, asking your parents to borrow the ‘nice’  car for the big date was harder than securing the date itself. Over 80% of prom-goers in 2011 will handle this by hiring a limo. Prom is huge for Limousine companies and they have the staff to handle it. This is by far the best trend in proms. It takes a little worry away from the parents (a little).  A reputable limo company will handle every detail and pamper your prince and princess as if they were royalty.  Also make sure there is no alcohol involved. This is a major Faux Pas and most companies frown on underage drinking. According to Prom magazine, a white stretch limo of any kind is still the car of choice. The Hummer and Escalade seem to have an edge on the others.

Photo-booths are a great way to get more candid pictures at the prom and are being used in addition to the official prom photo. You can pose and act up with a variety of  friends in the privacy of the booth. The photo-booth is not your personal dressing room so leave all of your clothes on and no funny business… don’t make me come in there!

Prom Themes are as spectacular as you could imagine. The theme is no longer based on the theme song but more on style trends. Dancing with the Stars, Masquerade, Shanghai Nights, Moroccan Mystique and   some proms have even adopted their own “Red Carpet” some of which are even streaming live for parents and family to watch at home. Very clever.

 Which brings us to the prom dress. The pinnacle of your high school career. Your reputation is at stake here so this cannot be taken lightly. This is how you will be remembered for years to come. Short is hot, long is fine, and anything in between from a handkerchief hem to a spiraling mermaid skirt. Truly anything goes and less is definitely not more. In order to find the perfect prom dress, shop til you drop is probably my only advice. And although I doubt if many will be willing to spring for it, there is a $14,000 ‘Prom’ gown available by Dress Goddess with $13,000 worth of real diamonds sewn in the bodice. Available in sizes 00 to 12. For the more cost conscious, bridal salons have loads of gowns that are either specifically for Prom or can be used for  Prom. If  the budget is really tight ask to try on sample gowns.

It doesn’t end with the gown. Remember ladies, you will have to schedule hair and nail appointments in advance and your lipstick must be carefully co-ordinated! Don’t forget that jewelry, shoes, and all other accessories must be in compliance with the current prom standard at your school or you might possibly suffer the wrath of the “Mean Girls”.

If you are headed to Prom this year the most critical thing to remember is this:   make it a night to remember and BE SAFE!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago