Many high schoolers start dreaming about their prom night from the first year of high school, and for many young men, this springtime ritual is equally exciting and overwhelming. This is completely understandable, though – apart from finding yourself a well-fitted tuxedo or dress, you also need to make reservations for dinner, get groomed for a pre-prom picture, not to mention asking the girl or boy to be your prom date.
However, don't rush to give up and miss one of the most memorable nights in your life! To help you out, we've created the ultimate guide to prom for guys. With a thoughtful approach to preparation, you can make this day less stressful and more enjoyable. Follow the steps shared below and make the most out of your prom night this year!
Buy or Rent a Tux, But Ensure It's Well-Fitted
Whether your prom is formal or semi-formal, the tuxedo should be a staple of your outfit. Regardless of whether you rent a tux or buy one, it's very important to ensure that it fits perfectly. It might seem like a daunting and time-consuming task, but it's a fairly easy process, especially if you find a dedicated stylist to help you with fitting.
To choose the correct size, book yourself a free appointment with a tailor at Aristocracy London or showrooms alike or go to the tailor or department store and ask for help with measuring – whichever option suits your budget.
If you decide on renting a tuxedo, you may think you can go for the same size that you wear regularly. However, it would be best to get fitted anyway to ensure that the suit fits properly and looks good on you. Remember: if there's any doubt, ask for another size.
When it comes to the color of your tuxedo, it can be anything you want it to be. However, you may consider choosing a matching color to your date's dress or gown.
Get Groomed
Going to prom in a tux is a nice way to showcase your formal attire, but it's not everything by far. To ensure that you look perfect in your pre-prom picture and beyond, make sure you get yourself groomed at a barbershop – this will give you the finishing touch and help you look like the best version of yourself.
It's also a good idea to get a fresh haircut a few days before prom. The hairstyle you choose should not require too much styling and should be easy to fix right before the event.
Find the Perfect Prom Date
While some guys go to prom solo, others choose to take a date along. If you decide to ask someone to be your date, you can do it a couple of months in advance. Don't forget that a prom date isn't necessarily someone you have to have a long-term relationship with. Looking for a date doesn't have to be an emotional minefield either. After all, you're looking forward to a fun time with someone you like, so there's nothing wrong with asking them to be your date – no romantic pressure required.
If you don't get a positive answer right away, don't lose hope – remember that your crush may need a bit of time to find an appropriate outfit or make arrangements with their parents. So, don't despair if the first attempt fails – it's bound to work out eventually. The good news is that there are plenty of other people looking for a prom date – if you're not interested in going with a particular person, attending prom with a group of friends is always a good way to go.
Make Dinner Reservations at a Restaurant
A good dinner is one of the key components of any prom experience. To find a suitable restaurant, start by asking a friend or family member for recommendations. Don't forget to make reservations early on – it's better to book a table before the prom season kicks into full gear, so it's likely that there will be plenty of places to choose from. Make sure to ask your date – they may have a personal favorite that you haven't heard of.
If you plan to go out and celebrate after prom, consider taking a look at the restaurant's menu before making reservations so you can find a suitable place to go.
Arrange Transportation
Some high school students may be lucky enough to live close to their school, while others may have to rely on getting picked up and dropped by their parents or party buses. No matter how you get to and from prom, you need to make arrangements for transportation well in advance.
However, if you're planning to get a limo, party bus, or any other large vehicle, don't wait until the last minute to rent it. Make sure to reserve the ride early to be sure that you have a fun transportation option for prom night. And if you're planning on driving yourself, don't forget to stock up on the gas a few days before prom so that you don't run out of fuel at the wrong time.
Final Note
Getting prepared for the prom can be stressful and time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be a frustrating experience. With so many things to tackle, from finding yourself a perfect suit and prom date to making dinner and transportation arrangements, the best way to ensure you won't miss anything is to create a to-do list and start preparing everything in advance.
So, while you still have a few months in reserve – start planning. This way, you will avoid the pre-prom anxiety and hassle, making it an event to anticipate, not to be intimidated by. It's one of the best nights ever waiting for you – remember to have fun!