What Happens on Prom Night? | LoveToKnow (2024)

What Happens on Prom Night? | LoveToKnow (1)

Prom night is a custom where high school juniors and seniors dress in formal attire and participate in activities surrounding a dance. Prom activities vary across the United States, but most traditions involve dates, prom dresses, tuxedos, dinner and dancing.

Pre-Prom Group Photos

The beginning of prom night usually kicks off with group photos. Teens, with and without dates, usually meet up in larger groups before dinner and prom. This is a chance for close friends to get pictures together and create a new memory. Look for a public place with a beautiful backdrop or get permission ahead to use a private location if you plan to take photos yourself.

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Photo Spots

Popular gathering places include:

  • Someone's house, preferably with a big, picturesque location
  • Local park
  • Beach
  • Gazebo
  • Fountain
  • Architectural structure, like a cool bridge or building

Getting Organized

What Happens on Prom Night? | LoveToKnow (2)

Pick a specific time for photos and make sure all your friends and their parents know the plan. Depending on the size of the group, allow at least a half-hour, and up to an hour, for pictures. This is usually the only time parents are involved in prom night activities.

Once dates and groups are gathered, parents usually take pictures. Try to get pictures of your child alone, with her date alone, and with the entire group of friends. Teens can try out different serious and silly poses. Parents and teens can share these photos on social media for other family members to see.

Hiring a Professional

Some groups choose to hire a professional photographer to make sure everyone gets a great picture and equal attention. Before hiring someone, check to see if there will be a photographer at your prom. If you can pay for a professional photo at prom, it may be easier and cheaper than hiring a photographer. The photographer may choose the location, will have a list of the specific pics you want, and makes sure poses are on point.

Prom Night Dinner Plans

If your prom includes dinner, you'll head straight there after photos. This is more common if the prom is held at an event center or banquet hall. Dinner can take anywhere from one to two hours and may be a served meal you chose ahead of time, or a buffet.

If your prom doesn't include a sit-down dinner, many teens make dinner plans with their dates or a small group. The main options for prom dinner are:

  • Make reservations at a fancy restaurant. In this case, make sure you arrive on time so they don't give away your table.
  • Drop in at a fast-food restaurant or diner. These places don't require reservations, are good for last minute planning, are more affordable and make fun photo ops where teens are all dressed up in a casual place.
  • Have a potluck dinner at home. One person hosts the dinner in their home and everyone brings a dish to share for a homestyle family meal.

Going to the Dance

Prom locations include school gymnasiums, local banquet halls and other event spaces. Parents need to know the name and address of the prom location in case of an emergency. However, this information is generally printed in a newsletter to parents, the tickets themselves and even on a school's website.

What Is Prom?

Prom is a dance and is usually the last dance of a senior's high school career. It is one last chance to get together as a class, have fun and celebrate their accomplishments. A typical prom is held on a Saturday evening for about two to four hours between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Parent Chaperones

Teachers and parent volunteers chaperone the event. If you're a parent who wants to chaperone, discuss it with your child first to make sure he is OK with your being there. This night is about students having fun with friends so make sure your presence won't interfere.

Prom Court

Prom court nominees are selected during the school day in the week or two before prom. Some schools don't do prom court because it is viewed as an unnecessary popularity contest. Other classes use it as a chance to show support for students with disabilities or who don't typically get a lot of attention. Only seniors can be nominated for king and queen, but sometimes juniors are also nominated for prince and princess.

Voting for prom court happens a few days before prom or at the actual event. Only teens get to vote, but teachers and administrators tally the votes and keep them secret until the announcement. During prom, chaperones announce and crown the winners in front of everyone. The elected king and queen usually share a dance together as well. If you're a parent and know your child is nominated, find out what time the announcement is. It is usually OK for parents to stop by prom solely for the announcement of prom court to take pictures. Make sure your teen knows you plan to come and respect any boundaries they set.

What to Do After Prom

For many teens, a prom is an all-night event. After dinner and dancing, teens look for other ways to keep the fun going and spend more time together before graduation. These after prom activities are planned by parents and teachers or groups of teens.

School-Sponsored Event

Some schools, parent organizations or community clubs host drug and alcohol-free after-prom parties, usually in the school building. These events start as soon as prom ends and feature organized activities, snacks and raffle drawings. Events are usually free. Teachers and parents volunteer to plan and chaperone, and the party can last until 8 a.m. Teens who attend are typically required to stay for the entire event, which can include a quiet area for those who are ready to get some sleep.

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Supervised House Parties

If your school doesn't offer an after-prom event, consider hosting one. Teens coordinate with their parents to plan activities and invite friends for an all-nighter free from drugs and alcohol.

Parents need to:

  • Sanction the event
  • Inform other parents
  • Monitor activities throughout the night
  • Ask for a guest list in advance and limit attendance to only those kids

Many parents will ask other parents to help take shifts for after prom parties so that there is an adult awake and supervising all night long.

Teens need to:

  • Agree on rules with parents
  • Invite friends
  • Plan activities

Teens should work with parents.

Unsanctioned After Prom Events

Prom night can be a fun experience, but it can also cause stress for parents.

Unsupervised Parties

Some teens find ways to host unsupervised parties while parents are away. These parties typically involve word-of-mouth invites and are open to drinking and drug use. Parents should talk to teens about after prom plans and verify information. Signs your teen may plan to attend an unsupervised party include:

  • Frequently changing answers about after prom plans
  • Unwillingness to talk about after prom events
  • Making plans with a friend unfamiliar to you
  • You're unable to verify what your teen has told you
  • No concrete plans shared until just before leaving on prom night

If you suspect your teen plans to attend one of these parties and you are not comfortable with it, insist on driving them and picking them up so you can know for sure where they are.

Underage Drinking

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Teens can't legally purchase alcohol, but some find a way to get beer and liquor anyway. Prom is a great excuse for teens to drink together as one last party before they enter the tough world of adulthood. One of the negative effects of teen drinking is drunken driving. The top teen cause of death is car accidents, many of which occur because of impaired driving. According to statistics, about one-third of teen drunk-driving related deaths happen during prom season.

Teens who don't drink are also at risk if they ride in the car with a drunken driver. Consider the consequences before drinking and driving or getting into the car with a drunken driver, Chances are your parents would rather come pick you up at a party where you've been drinking than see you injured or dead from a drunk-driving accident. Parents can talk to teens about the dangers of alcohol and plans if their teen gets stuck in a bad situation.

Sexual Activity

In movies and TV shows you often see teens losing their virginity or expecting sexual experiences on prom night. In one survey of over 12,000 teens, results showed that only 14 percent of girls said they had sex on prom night. This real data seems to say that prom night sex is more of an urban legend rather than a popular activity. Your teen can talk to her date about sexual expectations before prom night and should feel comfortable expressing her preference to not engage at any point in the evening.

Parents can talk to teens about views on sex and other sexual activities before, on and after prom night. When you talk to your teen about sex remember to:

  • Listen to them
  • Provide factual and accurate information
  • Be prepared to answer uncomfortable questions
  • Withhold judgment

Prom Night Is a Rite of Passage

The prom experience is unique to each person and varies from school to school. Learn all you can about the times and locations of various prom night activities to be best prepared for the evening. The goal for teens is to have fun with friends while as a parent, your goal is to let them have fun and keep them safe.

Read Next: How to Decide Whether or Not You Should Go to Prom

© 2023 LoveToKnow Media. All rights reserved.

What Happens on Prom Night? | LoveToKnow (2024)

FAQs

What do people do prom night? ›

Students are expected to dress formally. They are allowed to go with dates or friends. After the dinner, the dance continues through the night into the next day. In Colombia, many private schools usually have prom balls as well, usually consisting of a dinner, dancing, live music, and contests.

What happens at prom after parties? ›

Post-prom parties are events that happen after the formal dance ends. They often take place off school grounds. The party can be anything from a small, intimate gathering to a music-blasting dance party in the backyard. They keep the special spark of prom going just a bit longer.

Why is prom night so special? ›

For the senior class, prom night serves as a symbol of four years of learning, friendship, and school spirit, and it's frequently the last time the entire class is all together before graduation. Prom, along with graduation, marks the conclusion of high school and the beginning of adulthood for students.

What happened prom night? ›

Prom Night is a 1980 slasher film directed by Paul Lynch and written by William Gray. Jamie Lee Curtis and Leslie Nielsen star. The film's plot follows a group of high school seniors who are targeted at their prom by a masked killer, seeking vengeance for the accidental death of a young girl (six years earlier).

What do girls get at prom? ›

If you have a prom date, they'll usually gift you the corsage. Prom dates typically wear matching corsage and boutonniere flower arrangements, and a boutonniere is often the male equivalent of a corsage. Wearing a corsage is a long-standing tradition for prom accessories.

What do girls give guys on prom night? ›

Who buys the corsage and boutonniere for prom? Traditionally, the male brings his date a corsage when he picks her up for prom or a homecoming dance, and the female brings the boutonniere.

What should you not do at prom? ›

Don't
  • Go tanning. Fair skin is in! ...
  • Over do your makeup. Remember that less is more. ...
  • Do drugs or drink alcohol. Don't ruin your most memorable night of high school. ...
  • Select a dress that is uncomfortable. ...
  • Freak out if someone has the same dress as you. ...
  • Wear heels that you can't walk in.

Where do you take a girl after prom? ›

Here are 10 fantastic activities for teens after prom that are great fun but safe at the same time.
  • Go Down-Market in Upmarket Clothes. ...
  • Supervised House Party. ...
  • Late-Night Movie. ...
  • Go to a Club. ...
  • Bonfire on the Beach. ...
  • Casino Night. ...
  • Get Physical. ...
  • Cruise the Night Away.
Aug 5, 2019

What do you wear to a prom party? ›

Prom is a formal event and you are expected to wear formal attire. Formal prom attire may be classified as a dress, tuxedo, dress suit, including a tie or bow tie, a dress shirt, which may include a vest or cumme*rbund, and dress shoes. Dresses may be strapless (if they fit properly) or include spaghetti straps.

What prom means to a girl? ›

It may sound cheesy, but prom marks the day of getting into adulthood, indicating that the teen has passed high school and is now graduating to another stage. Prom is a unique way to celebrate this transition.

Why do people go to prom without a date? ›

If you don't bring a date, there's no need to worry about them hitting on or dancing with someone other than yourself. Without having to worry about an unfaithful date, you get to spend more time enjoying yourself and the company of your classmates and friends.

Is prom fun without a date? ›

Prom can be an amazing experience whether or not you have a date. In fact, it may be more fun to go with a group of friends than with someone you barely know. First, start your evening right by getting ready with friends and taking a limousine to prom. Next, have fun by hanging out with large groups and dancing.

How do you survive a Prom Night? ›

Prom: A survival guide
  1. DON'T: Wait until right before prom to find a dress. ...
  2. DO: Thank your parents for all their help. ...
  3. DON'T: Waste an excessive amount of money. ...
  4. DO: Ask your date in a creative way. ...
  5. DON'T: Ask the girl's friends to do the work for you. ...
  6. DO: Use prom as an excuse to get your nails done.
Apr 18, 2018

What do boys were to prom? ›

The traditional prom look for guys is all the same: a black (or sometimes white) tuxedo rented from a local formalwear shop. If you have a dark suit that fits well and is in good quality, you can also wear this, too.

What grade does prom happen? ›

This event is typically held near the end of the school year. There may be individual junior (11th grade) and senior (12th grade) proms or they may be combined.

How much does prom cost for a girl? ›

Prom costs can add up quickly. Costs of attending prom are not the same for every girl as it varies per region. You can spend $150 to $2,000 or more attending prom. However, on average a prom girl will spend about $900 – $1000 on their prom night with all the costs mentioned above.

What age is prom usually? ›

What age for the school prom? Whereas in American popular culture School Proms are generally associated with 17-18 year old high school leavers (think High School Musical, Carrie, Prom Night etc.)

Do prom guys ask girls? ›

While norms have shifted, prom still compels many teens to conform to society's traditional gender roles: Boys ask girls, and going solo (especially as a girl) is seen as a scenario best avoided.

What is it called when a girl asks a guy to prom? ›

In the United States and Canada, a Sadie Hawkins dance or turnabout is a usually informal dance sponsored by a high school, middle school or college, to which the women invite the men.

Is prom meant to be romantic? ›

Remember that prom night isn't meant to be completely about romance. It's better to have several friends with you, aside from just your significant other. If you don't share the same group of friends, be sure to spend ample time with each group of friends, and not just your own.

Who pays for prom? ›

Traditionally the guys pay for both prom tickets for him and his date, but these days the gals are more independent and self assured and may ask the guys to prom. So who is responsible for the tickets? Usually Guys and girls are responsible to pay for their own expenses including salons, dresses and tuxedos.

Is it awkward to go to prom alone? ›

Spoiler alert: Nope. Going to prom alone is the ultimate power move. Heading to prom alone or with a group of friends can actually end up being way more fun than tying yourself down to one special (or, in a lot of cases, not-so-special) someone.

Should I go to prom drunk? ›

Drinking at prom can do more than get you kicked out of the event. It could also get you kicked out of school. Drinking underage at prom, or any school function, could land you in serious trouble. On top of being thrown out of prom, you could also end up suspended or even expelled.

Do you wear a bra with prom dresses? ›

Besides dressing comfortably, celebrity stylist Ali Levine told INSIDER that it's important to have the right undergarments when prom dress shopping. Consider wearing a strapless bra, seamless panties, and bring along any other shapewear or support undergarments you plan to wear on prom night.

How early is too early to ask a girl to prom? ›

Whomever you ask to prom, make sure you do it about two months before the big shindig. Picking out a prom dress is a big deal for a girl and they'll want plenty of time to make the right choice. Asking two to one and a half months beforehand gives her time to prepare. How should you ask a girl to prom?

How do you go to prom on your period? ›

Use a tampon AND liner.

If you get a really small liner you can make it work no matter what type of underwear you've got on. (For instance: Just wrap the back of the liner around your thong and secure underneath.) Even if you don't need it, it'll make you feel more secure.

What do most girls wear to prom? ›

Well, prom is a very formal event. Girls should wear long-length dresses. For prom, girls typically wear different types of silhouettes and styles. Some silhouettes girls typically wear are ball gowns, mermaid prom dresses, trumpet dresses, sheath dresses, and a-line prom dresses.

Is it okay to wear jeans to prom? ›

Semi-formal attire may be classified as a dress suit, a dress shirt, slacks or khaki pants and dress shoes. Shirts, ties and/or bow tie must be worn at all times and not removed during the dance. Jeans and shorts are not permitted. Pants should fit properly on the hip and not sag below the waistline.

What is the best color to wear to prom? ›

8 Most Popular Prom Dress Colors
  1. Light Blue Prom Dresses. Light blue is a soft, muted color that adds a touch of charm and magic to your overall prom look. ...
  2. Royal Blue Prom Dresses. ...
  3. Red Prom Dresses. ...
  4. Navy Prom Dresses. ...
  5. Black Prom Dresses. ...
  6. Ivory Prom Dresses. ...
  7. Pink Prom Dresses. ...
  8. Emerald Prom Dresses.
Feb 2, 2022

Why prom is a big deal? ›

For the senior class, prom night serves as a symbol of four years of learning, friendship, and school spirit, and it's frequently the last time the entire class is all together before graduation. Prom, along with graduation, marks the conclusion of high school and the beginning of adulthood for students.

Is it okay to not go to prom? ›

Her advice: "Prom is not necessarily a defining or crucial experience in high school, and it's totally OK to skip out on that for whatever reason. Don't let anyone pressure you into going strictly out of fear that you'll regret it."

Who should you invite to prom? ›

Bring a companion. Regardless of whether or not they are a friend or a crush, you should go to prom with someone you know well. This will drastically lessen any chance of awkward silences throughout the evening.

How do I make prom not awkward? ›

If things feel awkward, you could have a plan to pull a friend to the side and ask for help to lighten the mood. You could suggest dancing or hanging out with another couple for a little bit to ease any awkward moments. “I feel awkward on the dancefloor.” First of all, you do not have to dance at prom to have fun!

Can you go to prom with someone you aren't dating? ›

You can definitely have fun at prom without a date, especially if you go with a group of friends (or even just one friend). Prom is supposed to be a night about making memories, and it's not just about romantic stuff. That said, it's still totally understandable if you really want to bring someone along.

Should I let my daughter go to prom? ›

If at all possible, it's best to let your child attend prom and graduation celebrations. However, if you think these events are too much for your child to handle, follow your instincts. If your child was just suspended again for drinking alcohol on school grounds, going to prom might not be a good idea this year.

What percent of people go to prom alone? ›

Movies and society condition people to believe that it is taboo to go alone to a dance. In 2014 about only six percent of students went to prom alone and 94 percent went to prom with a date.

Why do people take a date to prom? ›

Reasons you might need a date for Prom.

Prom is special because it's a culmination of high school for many people; they want to make sure that the person they're with matches this occasion in some way. If you're looking for someone to make your night even more memorable, then, by all means, get yourself a date.

How do you kiss at prom? ›

Purse your lips and go in with a sweet, gentle kiss. Don't go all in: don't use your tongue, try to French kiss, or make out. Start out slowly, using just your lips, and after a two or three seconds, draw back a bit and give her a little smile.

What does the boy pay for at prom? ›

Traditionally the guys pay for both prom tickets for him and his date, but these days the gals are more independent and self assured and may ask the guys to prom. So who is responsible for the tickets? Usually Guys and girls are responsible to pay for their own expenses including salons, dresses and tuxedos.

Do guys wear jeans to prom? ›

Chances are, your school wants you to get fancy, so this probably isn't the dress code for prom. Dressy casual can include khakis or even jeans paired with a sport coat or suit jacket.

How do you ask a boy to prom night? ›

15 Creative Ways to Ask a Guy to Prom
  1. Take him to his favorite place. ...
  2. Give him a hint. ...
  3. Make a pact with your bestie. ...
  4. Use his favorite TV show. ...
  5. Surprise him at home. ...
  6. Write it in food. ...
  7. Make him work for it. ...
  8. The classic promposal.
Oct 13, 2021

Can freshman go to prom? ›

At most schools, prom is open only to seniors and sometimes juniors, but homecoming is for all — even the underclassmen, meaning you can start enjoying the festivities as a freshman.

How old is a 12th grader? ›

It can be called the class of seniors or the last class of the school. People in the twelfth grade are between the ages of 17 and 18.

How many times does prom happen? ›

PROM occurs in about 8 to 10 percent of all pregnancies.

Why is prom important to girl? ›

It may sound cheesy, but prom marks the day of getting into adulthood, indicating that the teen has passed high school and is now graduating to another stage. Prom is a unique way to celebrate this transition.

How should I dress for a prom night? ›

Prom is a formal event and you are expected to wear formal attire. Formal prom attire may be classified as a dress, tuxedo, dress suit, including a tie or bow tie, a dress shirt, which may include a vest or cumme*rbund, and dress shoes. Dresses may be strapless (if they fit properly) or include spaghetti straps.

How can I make prom night special? ›

Below are seven tips to help make your prom night unforgettable.
  1. Choose the perfect outfit. ...
  2. Get dolled up. ...
  3. Pick the right hairstyle. ...
  4. Bring the right accessories. ...
  5. Get plenty of rest beforehand. ...
  6. Arrive in style. ...
  7. Plan a fun activity for after the dance.
Mar 4, 2022

Is it embarrassing to go to prom alone? ›

Spoiler alert: Nope. Going to prom alone is the ultimate power move. Heading to prom alone or with a group of friends can actually end up being way more fun than tying yourself down to one special (or, in a lot of cases, not-so-special) someone.

Do girls go to prom alone? ›

Prom is approaching, and while you might feel like you need to find a date, it's totally fine to go to prom without one.

Is it OK not to go to prom? ›

Her advice: "Prom is not necessarily a defining or crucial experience in high school, and it's totally OK to skip out on that for whatever reason. Don't let anyone pressure you into going strictly out of fear that you'll regret it."

What should you not do for prom? ›

Don't
  1. Go tanning. Fair skin is in! ...
  2. Over do your makeup. Remember that less is more. ...
  3. Do drugs or drink alcohol. Don't ruin your most memorable night of high school. ...
  4. Select a dress that is uncomfortable. ...
  5. Freak out if someone has the same dress as you. ...
  6. Wear heels that you can't walk in.

What do guys do in prom? ›

Prom tradition says the guy presents his date with a beautiful floral corsage. What's a corsage, you ask? It's a small bouquet of flowers worn on a female's wrist. (Your date will likely buy a similar boutonniere for the lapel of your tux.)

What not to wear to prom? ›

Jeans or sweatpants are way, way too casual no matter how relaxed your prom is. This rule applies to guys and girls alike. Camouflage – Even if you're a wallflower, no one wants to disappear that badly. In fact, wearing camouflage is likely to get you noticed but not in a good way.

Should I shower before prom? ›

Bathe Ahead of Time

One of the best tips for what you should do the night before prom is to simply clean up. Unless it'll throw you off your game not to shower that morning, washing up the night before is a smart move. The reason is very simple; you don't want to be the girl that shows up with still-wet hair!

How do you kiss a girl to prom? ›

Purse your lips and go in with a sweet, gentle kiss. Don't go all in: don't use your tongue, try to French kiss, or make out. Start out slowly, using just your lips, and after a two or three seconds, draw back a bit and give her a little smile. Try not to be too nervous.

How much is prom night? ›

You can spend $150 to $2,000 or more attending prom. However, on average a prom girl will spend about $900 – $1000 on their prom night with all the costs mentioned above. That's why it is important to plan ahead and budget for your prom costs.

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