A prom is one of the biggest events in any teenager’s life. It’s more than just a party at the end of the school year. After graduation, it represents a profound transition into adult life. Young people are moving from childhood to adulthood in a profound and unique way.
You could even call proms a rite of passage, one of the few remaining examples of such rites in the western world. Young people have a sense that they are moving beyond the confines of childhood into something new and exciting.
But how do you prepare for your child’s prom? Here’s what you need to know.
Set A Budget
Your first task is to set a budget. You want to know how much your child’s prom is going to cost.
There are many factors that you’ll need to consider. These include:
- Makeup
- Nails
- Jewelry, such as round cut diamonds
- Hair
- Outfit
- Flowers
- Transport costs
- Tickets
- Dinner cost
- Photos
In many ways, the list of prom expenses is similar to weddings. You’ll want to make sure that you have everything accounted for before you proceed to avoid disappointment.
Make Reservations
Once you’ve done that, the next step is to make all the necessary reservations. You may, for instance, need to book dinner, particularly if it is a popular event. And make sure that you have a proper limousine service.
If you are using professionals to do hair and makeup, you’ll need to book these, too. They should arrive at your home with several hours to spare before the prom event. They should also field people who can provide touch-up services just in case your child smears their makeup.
Make Sure That The Date Knows Where They Should Be
If your child has a date, coordinate with them to make sure that they know where they should be. Discuss things like gifts, outfits, and styling with them to ensure that they are on track. Also, discuss logistics. Find out how they are getting there. Make sure that they are already onboard with your plans and that their itinerary makes sense.
Create A Social Media Group
Organizing a prom can be challenging. Therefore, it’s a good idea to create a social media group for everyone involved. Ensure that each person you’re relying on is on the same page. Make it clear that vendors can ask any questions they like at any time to make sure that they provide the proper service. Try to include as many people in the group as possible.
Tell Your Child To Have Fun
For young people, proms can feel like a lot of pressure. But, ultimately, they are all about having fun. Even if your plan doesn’t quite go to schedule, it doesn’t matter. What really counts is the experience itself. If something trivial goes wrong, it isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it is to be expected. No event ever went off without a hitch. If you are worried, get your child to take extras like makeup and blotting sheets with them.