Discuss whether you will be attending prom with a group or whether you two will be attending alone. Coordinating plans with a larger group requires more time and effort. Decide the best time for pictures and dinner, and what time you plan to arrive at and leave from prom.
If you decide to drive your vehicle, be sure to put gas in the vehicle the day before to avoid running late. Make sure you car is clear of clutter and both the interior and exterior are cleaned. If you will be renting a limo, be aware that they are usually booked by the hour and most companies have a minimum number of hours for which you must reserve the vehicle. Whatever form of transportation, make sure you exit the vehicle to retrieve your date and always hold the door for her or allow her to enter first.
Wear a nice suit or tuxedo to make sure your dress is formal enough for the occasion. Find out what color your date is wearing so you can coordinate small details like socks, ties, and pocket squares. Pay close attention to your hygiene that night including showering, shaving, getting a fresh haircut, and using cologne (sparingly). Looking clean and fresh will help you feel more confident around your date. [1] X Expert Source Christina Jay, NLPDating & Relationship Coach Expert Interview. 11 February 2020.
A boutonniere is a similar (but smaller) version of the flower bouquet that is pinned to the male’s suit. It is customary for the female to present the boutonniere to the male and it usually matches the corsage (but it is not necessary). You should try to coordinate the corsage with your date’s gown or choose neutral colors such as peach, white, or pink. Many different flowers can be used depending on style and budget including roses, lilies, carnations, and orchids. Because prom season is a peak season for florists, you should order your date’s corsage 1-2 weeks in advance to ensure the florist has enough time to create the custom bouquet. Although you order in advance, you should try to pick your order up no sooner than the day before prom. You can also make the corsage the day before prom. Keep the flowers looking fresh by spritzing with water, keeping it in the container, refrigerating it, and using a sealant which can be found at any flower shop. [2] X Research source
Have an itinerary or a plan of action. Know your schedule ahead of time so you know exactly what time you have to leave one spot in order to arrive at your next destination on time. If you know you are chronically late, determine what is making you late (enjoy the rush, easily distracted, trying to get too much done?)[3] X Research source By doing this, you can be more realistic with time and learn how to overcome your chronic tardiness. Don’t plan to leave on time. Plan to leave early so you leave some wiggle room for the unexpected.
In an effort to keep students safe, many schools will host a post-prom activity at a local entertainment center like a bowling alley or skating rink. Be sure to know how long the event lasts, if there is an entry cost, and how you will arrive. Cruise around. If you have a limo, this is a perfect way to burn off the extra hours of paid time you may have remaining. Drive to spots in your city or town where you’ve never been or spots that are known to be romantic in nature. Attend a house party. Naturally, there will be a few post-prom parties thrown by students. Before planning to attend, be sure to respect your date’s rules and curfew, and make sure you aren’t putting her in any dangerous situations.
Chivalry doesn’t always fit in with modern dating methods. So be sure to tune into your date’s responses to your actions to ensure you aren’t going overboard with the niceties. Avoid some of the outdated modes of generosity such as ordering for your date, standing each time she enters/exits the room, or defending her honor. Be polite but know that she’s a modern day gal who isn’t helpless. [5] X Research source
Be unique. Instead of saying, “You have a nice smile” find a unique feature that draws you in such as, “I love that freckle on your neck. It’s pretty cute. “[6] X Research source Avoid compliments about touchy subjects like weight. Even though “You look skinny in that dress” seems like it would be a compliment, many girls may take it the wrong way. Every girl loves to be complimented on their appearance, but avoid cheesy phrases like “hot” or “smoking”. Instead, stick with classics like, beautiful, stunning or gorgeous. Don’t just compliment her looks, compliment her personality too by saying something like, “You can always make me laugh,” or “I can talk to you about anything. "
Show that you have good manners by saying “please” and “thank you” and referring to your date’s parents as Mr. or Mrs. Engage them in conversation. Respond by answering with more than a simple ‘yes’ or ’no’. Show that you are interested in getting to know them. Give them your attention. Avoid being rude by flipping through your cellphone or watching the television during conversation.
Talk to her in a courteous manner. Avoid cursing, telling dirty jokes, putting her down or making sexual remarks about her body. Avoid pressuring her. Never make a woman feel forced to do anything she is not sure she wants to do including drinking alcohol, having sex, or going places she doesn’t care to go.
For slow dancing, place your right hand on her left hip or on the small of her back and offer her your left hand at about shoulder level. As the leader, you can choose to either sway side to side or choose a “step touch” motion that follows the smooth beat of the music. If hand placements make you nervous during slow dancing, you can choose the “hug dance” instead. The male simply places both hands on his date’s hips while her hands go about his neck. Foot movements should be kept the same. If you’re nervous about moving to the beat of fast-paced songs, just remember to move to the beat. Shuffle your feet or step from side to side, relax your upper body so you can move your shoulders and head, and throw some arms into the mix too. Keep it clean and avoid dirty dancing. Remember to respect your date. If all else fails, dancing in groups is not only fun but it takes the pressure off of you. Popular group dances with choreographed moves like the “Cupid Shuffle” or “Copperhead Road” are always great fun for shy dancers.
Even though your date may be head over heels into you, that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t want to share this magical night with her girl friends too. Remember to not monopolize her time or to get jealous when she chooses to dance with the girls and not you. Not everyone goes to prom with a date. Remember that it’s okay to share your date with her dateless friends. Remember, to be flexible. If you opted to go to dinner with her friends, remember you will still see your buddies at prom or even after prom. You should both be willing to split your time evenly.
When showing romantic affection (slow-dancing, kissing, etc. ), make sure that the two of you are alone to make the moment special. Sometimes less is more when it comes to public displays of affection (PDA). Hand holding, hands around the waist, and closed-mouth kisses are fine in moderation. [7] X Research source Avoid open-mouthed make out sessions, touching in private areas, licking or biting, and groping.
Eye contact is important when showing interest in a person. During conversation, make sure you are face-to-face and not looking at the dance floor, or your cellphone (even if you’re nervous). Listen more than you speak. When you listen and take an interest in what your date is saying, you won’t have to fish for something to talk about; the conversation will naturally evolve and you’ll find yourself jumping in at the right time.
