Both excitement and nerves are in the air with less than a week until prom. On Saturday, May 4, West’s upperclassmen will put on their glitz and glam for a night of fun from 7:00 pm to 1:30 am. However, prom isn’t just about the dance or the afterparty; it’s about the plans beforehand too. Whether it be getting ready, dinner or pictures, map out the night with the help of this WSS guide to prom planning.
1. Preparing an outfit
It’s a little late to be buying or renting a dress or suit, but there is still time. Stores in the mall like Windsor and Dillard’s are popular, as well as stores like Men’s Wearhouse, but online shopping on Amazon is always an option when in a time crunch. Shoes and accessories can be found similarly, and all of the above could be found at a closeout or thrift store with a little luck, like Stuff Etc, TJ Maxx or Ross.
Don’t forget about a corsage, boutonniere or maybe even a bouquet. Even without a date, some flowers could spruce up the outfit. Local florists like Every Bloomin’ Thing and even grocery stores like Hy-Vee, Walmart and Trader Joe’s usually have flower arrangements to buy.
2. Getting ready
Getting ready doesn’t have to be a chore, especially with friends. Some groups get ready at one friend’s house with snacks, music or maybe a movie. Some have traditions of making bouquets together or singing karaoke. Getting ready as a prom group beforehand adds some time to bond and hang out, and there are so many ways to do it.
3. Packing
Spending the time preparing ahead of time reduces the amount of stress night-of. Here’s some examples of emergency kit items:
- Band-aids
- Stain remover pen
- Tissues or wipes
- Deodorant, make-up, fragrance, etc. for touch-ups
- Change of clothes and shoes for the afterparty
Finally, remember to bring the ticket. Tickets are being sold during lunch the week leading up to prom for $25.
4. Dinner and pictures
WSS has compiled a list of seven local restaurants and three photo opportunities to hit before the dance. Travel throughout Coralville and Iowa City with this map to plan dinner and pictures before the dance.
5. Prom and the afterparty
This year’s prom is themed “Glowing and Glamorous” and will be on Saturday, May 4, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on 300 E 9th St. Tickets for prom are being sold during lunch this week for $25. The afterparty, “Afterglow,” is open to all juniors, seniors and registered prom dates, even if they don’t attend prom, at West High from 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
