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As prom night quickly approaches, we have laid out a prom-night guide to minimize the stress that every girl
will feel as the "big night" approaches. This is your big night to express who you are and we want the night to
be just as perfect as you do. There are many preparation tips to follow as you prepare for prom and
everyone has different in mind, so we have tackled a few aspects that most people will come across as they
prepare for the "big night."

1. Cost of Prom
2. Purchasing a Dress
3. This Seasons Styles
4.Accessories to Have
5. Transportation
6. Top Ten Do's and Don'ts

Cost of Prom

While every prom varies, you should expect that the night not be cheap. However, that doesn't mean that it is
going to cost you a fortune. Remember that it is very possible to have the time of your life on a budget. So
when money stresses you out, remind yourself that this is your night and you make it what it is - so make it
special. If you end up spending more than expected, that is okay, because it will be worth it. The best way to
save money is to plan ahead and investigate all your options before making a decision. The following is a
list of approximate costs you will incur prior to prom night:

The Dress: $75-$400

Prom dresses today are not cheap, especially when you are looking for a dress of quality. Don't forget that
this night only happens once and you will have the pictures to remember it by forever, so you want to look
your best. It is important to shop early and look for deals.

Accessories: $100-$200

Accessories can be pretty pricey, especially when you have to purchase new shoes and a purse. If you wear
the same size shoe as a friend, try to exchange shoes for the evening; she just might have the perfect pair of
shoes to match your dress. Don't forget to budget your money for jewelry like earrings, a necklace, and
headpiece.

Tickets: $45-$200

Many people now go stag, which is a good way to save money, but if you are paying for a date, the tickets
can be pricey. Remember that the tickets pay for an elegant romantic location, DJ's so you can dance
through the evening, and sometimes a dinner. All that added up might be expensive if you had to pay for it
all on your own. If your ticket does not include dinner, remember to make restaurant reservations.

Transportation: $5-$400

More and more people are driving to prom themselves and only have to pay for gas. But a lot of people like
to take the more elegant and relaxing route, by limo. The more people you have to rent a limo, the cheaper it
will cost. So, round up a group and make a reservation.

Boutonniere: $10-$20

This is usually an easy task that adds a personal touch to the evening. The boutonniere is typically a single
flower with baby's breath. All you need to do is go to a local grocery store or flower shop and tell them that
you will need a boutonniere on the day of prom. Try to coordinate with your date so that your flowers match -
or at least match the color of his tux/tie.

Makeup: $35-$50

The best thing to do is to make an appointment with a department store cosmetologist. You can usually get
someone to apply your make up for FREE. When choosing who should do your makeup, try to match your
personal taste with their style (see if you like the make up they applied on themselves). And make sure to
communicate with that person what "you" like. Once the make up is applied, you should consider
purchasing some of the make up so you can reapply it or do touch ups later on that evening. Getting your
make up done should be one of the last things you do, right before putting on the dress. And don't forget to
wear a button down shirt when getting your makeup done--you don't want to mess up all of that work.

Hair: $35-$60

The price all depends on the style and time it is going to take. Make sure you know what you want and that
the stylist can do the style. Just in case you don't like your hair, you should have a back up plan in mind.

Nails: $15-$25

This is a really nice way to pamper yourself and relieve some of that prom stress. Get your nails done the
evening before, as this will save you time the day of, and they will still look fresh. If you are wearing open-
toed shoes, don't forget to get a matching pedicure.

Photographs: $45-$150

When preparing for prom, you have to remember to make time to take professional pictures. Although these
pictures are expensive, you will be so glad you got them. Just about everyone purchases professional
picture packages at prom and they are more than worth it, so have fun posing in front of the camera. Even
thought you pay for pictures you should bring a disposable camera for those random candid moments - they
will be fun to look back on.

Purchasing a Dress

To figure out your style and what is available, it is a good idea to skim through magazines. Decide whether
you want to go long or short with your dress, and think about the styles you know look good on you (i.e.: tub
top dresses, pattern...). Get some good ideas before you go through the effort of trying on dresses. Go
shopping early enough so that you have enough time to look around and not be stressed out. Consider
trying on a couple dresses you don't necessarily think you will like - you never know - what doesn't look good
on the hanger can sometimes do wonders.

Finding a dress can be a tedious task, so give your self plenty of time. A popular place to purchase prom
dresses is over the Internet. Purchasing dresses online will save you a lot of time in the mall. It gives you
more opportunity to find a dress that fits your style. It's also a great way to get a dress that no one else has -
one that is unique, and you will have less chance of someone else having the same dress. If you order a
dress online or from a magazine, make sure you allow enough time to receive the dress, and to try it on for
fit. Allow some time for alterations, as well, should alterations be required.

When purchasing a dress online make sure you understand the relevant return policies. Many online
companies do not accept returns, so you want to be especially careful when shopping online.

This Seasons Styles


This season you have thousands of options. When trying on dresses keep in mind that ball gowns, flowers,
hem lines, bright colors, ruffles, and beads are the styles to go for. Dresses that are black and white are
also big this season, as is any dress that is strapless or asymmetrical. This is your one night to express your
self, so don't go unnoticed.

Lift your hair off your shoulders and expose a sexy neckline. Be even more daring by trying this style without
a necklace. If you are set on wearing a necklace, go for a retro look. Jewelry that is big and recognizable will
be popular this season.

With her hair pulled up, Halle Berry was glamorous in a full dress with a sheer top. Her high neckline and
featured flower pattern looked great. Her skirt was gathered at the side waist for a memorable look. While
Britney Spears went for the mermaid princess look in a multi-colored rhinestone gown that was figure
flattering.

Accessories to Have


A matching sheer shawl will serve as a great lightweight accessory that will be a beautiful accent. Try
draping the shawl around your upper arms for a flirtatious look.

Hand bags this season are handcrafted with bead ornate. A cute little purse will carry all the essentials and
will be a perfect touch to complete your look.


Transportation


Driving yourself gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. Taking a limousine is a good idea if
you are going in a big group. The bigger the group, the less expensive the limo is per person. If you plan on
going in a limo, get on the reservation, as they are limited during prom season.

In the last few years a popular transportation idea is to take a "party bus" to prom. This is like going in a limo
except that even more people can all go together, which means that you can save more money. Organize
the whole class to rent a few party busses (depending on how many people are in your class) and everyone
can have fun together before and after the prom.

Do's and Don'ts

1. Do: Stand out in rhinestones and/or a bright colored gown

2. Don't: Forget your date's boutonniere... you wouldn't like it if he forgot your corsage.

3. Do: Wear a lip-gloss that makes your lips shiny and smells good.

4. Don't: Forget a mini emergency kit. Include gloss, councilor, bobby pins, gel or spray, and extra cash.

5. Do: Wear some sort of hair d飯r whether babies breath or a tiara. A sparkling rhinestone hair clip is a
great additive.

6. Don't: Freak out if you hair doesn't turn out just how you wanted it to...you have a back up "up do"
anyways. Right???

7. Do: Bring a camera since professional photos are expensive and posed. You want to have candid
moments to remember as well.

8. Don't: Expect the night to be cheap. Saving up for prom and not spending it all is better than not having
enough to eat or pay for pictures. Let money be the least of your worries when the night finally arrives.

9. Do: Prepare for prom a week before. Get a good nights' sleep and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Have
a few friends over and play beautician. Do makeovers and hair do's while wearing face-masks and giving
each other manicures.

10. Do: Have the time of your life after all the night only happens once.