The sun shining bright, the birds singing, and the smell of prom is in the air! With prom season rolling around, it’s good to start thinking about specifics early so you’re not frantically stressing about plans at the last minute. I’m here to inform the first timers or the veterans of the prom experience all the do’s and do not’s to achieve as close to the storybook night as possible; so listen closely and take notes.

Do’s:

The Date: Find a date that you’re going to have the most fun with, not the one that will look best in pictures. It doesn’t matter if you two are dating or just best buds; as long as the two of you can make each other laugh and you can eat in front of each other at dinner, you’re golden.

After Prom: Go to after prom, even if it’s just for a little while to get the free food. Enjoy some games, bowling, food, laser tag, and all your friends. Some might say it’s lame, but it gives you the full effect of the prom experience and you’ll end up having way more fun than you think. It also gives you a chance to get competitive with your date, in a cute way of course, or “accidentally” lose them during laser tag if you’ve just had enough of them for the night.

Dance: When you’re actually at the dance part of prom, it is necessary that you dance like no one is watching because, in reality, no one is. If you don’t normally like to bust a move or get involved at school dances, this is the one dance you should step out of your comfort zone with. Get your fist pump going and those hips moving, leave it all on that dance floor and break a sweat because that’s when you know you’re doing it right.

The Dress: All I can say is get a dress you’re going to be COMFORTABLE in. If you’re not comfortable in your dress you’ll be worrying about it all night and won’t have fun. Who cares if your friends don’t approve of it, get it anyway and rock that thing. If you feel confident and are feeling yourself, then everyone else will too.

Don’ts:

Groups: When it comes to figuring out groups, don’t make it overly complicated and don’t make it too big. Big groups are hard to find restaurants for and people always feel left out. Make smaller groups with all your friends and you can all meet up and rage at the dance together. That’s the best way to go.

Dinner: Don’t pick a restaurant that’s on the opposite end of town from where the dance is because you never know how long you’ll be at dinner. It’s a hassle to race to get to the dance on time to get good parking. Also, don’t eat an overly heavy meal or else you’re going to be puking at the dance, and no one likes a puker.

Pictures: Pick a venue that’s big enough for your whole group, but also not overly crowded so that you’re not waiting 30 minutes for your turn. Also don’t be afraid of taking too many pictures because there is no such thing. Let your mom get her pictures and get all the pics you want with your date and your friends. You’re going to want them to look back on later.

Time: You can never give yourself enough time to get ready, drive to pictures, or eat dinner. You think you’ll have enough time, but in the wise words of senior Anna Sawyer, “You can never get ready too early!” The more time you give yourself the more wiggle room you’re going to have to work with because you don’t want to have to rush getting ready, taking pictures, and eating dinner. Don’t rush the experience, because it’ll be over before you know it and you’ll want all that time back.

Have a great time at Prom, Kadets!