The Do's & Dont's of Prom

Gone are the days of the humble end-of-term disco. Over the last decade proms have become common practice in the U.K. and are now the highlight of the year for school-leavers.

British teens are looking stateside for inspiration when planning these lavish affairs with spray tans, expensive outfits and fancy hairdos now the norm amongst secondary school pupils. 

According to statistics, more than 85 per cent of schools in Britain hold school proms. From no-frills dinners in school gyms to bespoke extravaganzas in five-star hotels, the prom is a cultural phenomenon that is here to stay. 

Given the hype surrounding 21st century proms, it's essential that you brush up on your etiquette and remember your Ps and Qs. 

Although it may have been a while since we donned our finery and plucked up the courage to ask our crush to prom, we wanted to share or wisdom to ensure that you have the best night possible...

Do - Have Fun

With so much time spent prepping and planning for prom, it's easy to forget that it's just one giant party. Don't let minor worries get in the way of having a great time!

Don't - Give it up on Prom Night

Losing your V on prom night is so cliché. The evening should be about celebrating with your friends, not getting hot and heavy with your secondary school sweetheart. 

Do - Dress Practically 

What's the point in getting all dressed up if you can't have a good time? Wear dresses you can dance in, shoes that won’t pinch your toes and always pack a spare pair of tights. 

Don't - Be Afraid to Ask Him/Her to Prom

If you don't, somebody else will! You don't want to miss your one and only chance to ask your dream date to prom. If they say no, at least you'll know where you stand rather than forever wondering 'what if'.

Do - Pack an Emergency Prom Kit

Prepare for all eventualities, fill your clutch with hairpins, hairspray, lip gloss, plasters and gum. Even if you don’t end up needing any of your emergency supplies yourself, you might need to help a friend in need. 

Don't - Be Afraid to go with a Group of Mates

Although it may like the whole of year is coupling up, plenty of guys and girls go to prom without a date and still have an incredible time. There's safety in numbers, so you're guaranteed to have a blast on the dance floor. 

Do - Choose a Timeless 'Do

Timeless hair will ensure that when you pull out prom photos 30 years from now, you won’t be embarrassed too embarassed to share. Keep it simple and try not to stray too far from your comfort zone. You're 17 not 27 - don’t try to be too grown-up.

Don't - Forget to Eat

Ladies we mean you! While a day of hair, makeup, nails and overly emotional parents can prove distracting, that doesn't mean that eating should take a back seat. A hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner will give you enough energy to last all night. 

Do - Coordinate with your Date

From waistcoats to corsages, it's important to keep some unity between you and your date’s outfits. As long as the both of you coordinate, matching isn't a necessity. Colours like pink and silver, purple and teal and navy and gold work fantastically together.

Don’t - Forget to take Photos

Prom is going to be a night that you're always going to want to remember forever! So make sure that you whip out your camera and snap away at every opportunity you have. From getting ready in your bedroom to the partying on the dance floor, you can never take too many photos!