South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine Featured Treasure Box Atlanta in the 2016 Issue. Read more below to find out!
Published | By Rhonda Hudson
Decisions-Decisions! As prom season approaches in Atlanta’s South Fulton community, many decisions have to be made. In this evolving era of technology and social media, teen proms have become more than a high school tradition. Prom Night has morphed into the social event of the season where Instagram is king. Most young ladies and gentlemen are gearing up for the most extravagant “Promposal” or the event of asking a potential date out to the prom with hopes that their creative ideas to ask the big question will be captured on social media and go viral. Regardless of new trends in accepting and attending the ultimate date night, there are a few etiquette guidelines that will help make planning the event less stressful and drama free for teens and parents. Below are just a few.
Create a Prom Budget:
Financing the prom can cost a small fortune without proper planning and communication. The question is who pays? Traditionally, the gentleman paid for all expenses including tickets, limo, pictures, and dinner. Today, whoever is asking, whether gentleman or young lady, should pay for the prom tickets. The other cost should be agreed upon among the families well in advance in order to mitigate confusion.
Choose the Date:
No longer does the young lady have to wait to be asked to the prom. Today, young ladies ask gentlemen and groups of friends attend the prom together. Rule of thumb, after a prom invitation has been accepted, go out on a date prior to the prom in order to become acquainted with one another in a social setting outside of school. In addition, families should meet to agree upon prom night expectations, curfews and schedule. Be mindful that once an invitation to the prom has been accepted and plans are made, teens should keep their word and stick to the date.
Discuss Prom Attire:
Prom attire may vary from school to school. Masquerade, Mardi Gras and Hollywood are a few popular prom themes that may dictate the attire. Prom invitations should address the theme and become the guide to what to wear. When deciding the color schemes of the dress and the tuxedo, parties should discuss in advance before purchases and rentals are made in order to avoid mismatch attire. Flowers are an integral and symbolic part of the attire. Gentlemen should order corsages two weeks in advance and pin on the ladies’ left side of the gown; ladies should order boutonnieres two weeks in advance for gentlemen and place on the left lapel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Executive Director, Rhonda Hudson The Treasure Box School of Etiquette
