My son, a junior in high school, has decided to attend his school’s prom this year. While I treasure the memories of my own prom experiences, it’s important to remember that I was “from the 1900s,” and prom customs have evolved since then. Here’s what I’ve learned about the modern prom scene in 2024, which might be helpful for other first-time-prom parents!
1. Dinner Plans: Even if food is served at the prom, most attendees prefer to dine out beforehand with their date or friends. Given that multiple proms often occur on the same Saturdays locally, securing a restaurant reservation is crucial.
Recently, my husband and I dined at Saizon and saw the place bustling with prom-goers. Here’s a tip: if it’s your teen’s first time at a fancy restaurant, a quick etiquette talk might be in order—take some time to walk them through how to split the bill and tip properly to avoid any night-of stressors.
2. Fashion Trends: This year, grey suits are the trend for guys, paired with brown shoes and belts, not black. I gleaned this from observing teens and chatting with a knowledgeable salesperson at the suit store. For girls, I’ve been seeing lots of solid-colored dresses in saturated bright and rich tones in both long and short lengths. Corset-style bodices, mermaid-cuts, and ruffled shorter dresses seem most popular.
3. Cost of Attire: Renting a suit or tuxedo can be expensive, typically over $200, and it has to be returned the next morning. It’s wise to get measured and make reservations early (think 3 weeks, or as soon as you know prom is on the horizon) to ensure you get the desired style and size.
4. Buying vs. Renting: Buying a suit might cost about the same as renting, depending on what additional items you need. For my son, we started from scratch, needing a dress shirt, shoes, belt, and tie. If your wardrobe is more formal, you might already have some of these items, making purchasing a suit a comparable alternative. We shopped at Joseph A. Bank, and with their 25% prom-season sale, a suit jacket and matching pants ended up being $224, which was comparable to rental pricing.
5. Alterations: If buying, remember to budget for both the cost and time needed for alterations. We bought my son’s suit on May 5th for a May 18th prom, and just made the deadline for alterations. This time of year is busy with proms and weddings, so alterations can take up to three weeks. Be prepared!
6. Floral Accessories: Guys still wear boutonnieres, but many girls are now opting for mini bouquets over wrist corsages. If you’re unsure of their preference, it’s totally fine to ask directly what they’d prefer to avoid disappointment.
7. Photo Ops: Organize a meeting spot for pre-prom photos, as groups of friends typically gather to take pictures before heading out. Offering your home as the gathering spot can ensure you don’t miss this important photo opportunity. Remember, teens might need a little nudge to firm up their plans, as they haven’t been organizing social events for long.
8. Safety Pact: It’s crucial to remind our teens about the importance of reaching out if they find themselves in uncomfortable situations, whether it’s due to peer pressure about drinking or feeling abandoned by a friend group. Reinforce that you’re there to help, no matter what. This message of support is vital before any significant event, ensuring they know that reaching out is always better than not.
This year’s journey into the prom world has been both nostalgic and enlightening for me as a parent. Whether you’re revisiting memories or making new ones, prom season is a time to celebrate safely and stylishly. I’m wishing all this year’s prom-goers and their families a memorable and special experience!
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