7 Prom Etiquette Tips (2024)

The pandemic kept us living under strict restrictions but now, we are finally getting back to normal and just in time for prom! A prom is undoubtedly a milestone event in any teen’s life. For some, it is their first interaction with a formal occasion.

It is a night characterized by laughter, happiness, and timeless memories, especially with your date, and etiquette brings it all together. The following 7 prom etiquette tips will guarantee you and your date have a memorable and well-mannered evening.

1.Punctual

Don’t be late for your prom date or any special event. It’s bad manners to keep someone waiting, and if this is your first outing, it will leave a bad impression on your date and their parents. Try to arrive at least 10 minutes early!

2. Attire

Choose formal yet age-appropriate attire. Though a night of fun and excitement, it is still a school event with teachers present who can and will send you home for dresses too raunchy or too revealing. You can never go wrong with a well-fitted garment.

3. Corsage/Boutonnière

While many things have come and gone, this time-honored tradition has stood the test of time. When purchasing either, ensure it compliments your date’s outfit. Place the corsage onto the girl’s left wrist or right if she is left-handed. Girls can pin boutonnieres to the lapel of their dates. Take it further and coordinate your outfits to make corsages/boutonnière stand out even more. Corsages must be purchased in advance, collected in the afternoon, and refrigerated until you meet your date.

4. Transportation

The prom logistics are just as crucial as the event and should be finalized prior to the evening. As a show of maturity, most prom-goers opt for alternative transportation apart from their parents. This could be group ridesharing, a fancy limo, or a dedicated driver. Don’t forget that whoever is the designated driver must refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages.

5. Respect The Parents

The utmost respect must be shown to your date’s parents when interacting with them. It is customary for parents to want to speak with the date to go over ground rules, take photos and wish the couple good luck for the evening. Respond with, “Yes sir or yes ma’am” unless otherwise told, and always be polite.

6. Dining Etiquette

While none is born knowing their salad fork is separate from their dessert fork, proms are announced months in advance and give you ample time to brush up on your dining etiquette skills. All aspects of prom are formal, including the dinner, and prom-goers must employ the correct table manners while dining. Guys, let your date choose her preferred seat and pull out her chair. Girls, be gracious and pleasant and appreciate your date being a gentleman. For both: Napkins must remain on your lap, elbows must always be off the table, and when in doubt, use your silverware from the outside in.

7. Compliment Your Date

Never miss a chance to tell your date how amazing they look. This helps boost confidence and reassures them, which will definitely make the evening go smoothly. Smile and interact with your date pleasantly and have an evening to remember.

Now that you know the fundamentals, have fun and enjoy every minute of the night.

7 Prom Etiquette Tips (2024)

FAQs

7 Prom Etiquette Tips? ›

Guys, open all doors, including the car door for your date. If you're traveling in a limo, guys allow your date to enter first. At dinner guys, let your date pick her seat pull out her chair and allow her to order first. Girls, be gracious and pleasant in your behavior, allow your date to be a gentleman.

What is proper prom etiquette? ›

Guys, open all doors, including the car door for your date. If you're traveling in a limo, guys allow your date to enter first. At dinner guys, let your date pick her seat pull out her chair and allow her to order first. Girls, be gracious and pleasant in your behavior, allow your date to be a gentleman.

What to do and not to do at prom? ›

School Prom Do's
  1. Choose Comfortable Dress and Footwear. ...
  2. Take some Touch Up Makeup in a Bag. ...
  3. Have Fun. ...
  4. Take Pictures. ...
  5. Say Thanks to Your Teachers. ...
  6. Greet Everyone. ...
  7. Don't be Dramatic. ...
  8. Avoid to Dance.
Mar 23, 2020

What are you supposed to do at prom? ›

A: Besides dancing, there might be a meal, photo opportunities, contests, and the crowning of a prom king and queen. Q: Can my child attend prom if they're not a senior? A: This depends on school policy. Some schools allow juniors and even first- and second-year students to attend, often as the date of a senior.

Who pays for the prom etiquette? ›

The person who asks someone to prom is responsible for paying for the night's expenses, traditionally. However, it is more common now for couples to share the costs of the evening, as proms can be very expensive.

What is not appropriate for prom? ›

o Prom attire should reflect more a formal family occasion (like a wedding) rather than a night on the town or at a dance club. o Dresses that are too revealing, are skin tight or form-fitting, expose midriffs or cleavage, or are too short in length are not appropriate.

Is it appropriate to kiss at prom? ›

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. Avoid open-mouthed make out sessions, touching in private areas, licking or biting, and groping.

How do you stand out at prom? ›

Here are some tips for finding the perfect unique prom dress:
  1. Look for interesting fabrics. One way to make your prom dress stand out is to choose a dress made from an unusual fabric. ...
  2. Go for an unusual style (i.e. unique characteristics) ...
  3. Consider asymmetrical necklines. ...
  4. Wear an iridescent prom dress.

Is it awkward to go to prom alone? ›

Going to prom alone is absolutely okay! In fact, it can be a great experience. Going solo has many benefits, and no one should feel ashamed or embarrassed about attending without a date. It's a night to make memories, not start sowing the seeds of a would've, could've, should've garden.

Do you give gifts for prom? ›

You can help alleviate all the stress by giving them a special prom gift. And there are plenty of affordable items to choose from. If they plan on wearing a cottagecore-inspired prom dress, they'll definitely appreciate a flower corsage and boutonnieres set. You also can't go wrong with jewelry.

What is prom short for? ›

Although prom in its precise definition is short for promenade dance—a formal dance party for high school students held toward the end of the school year—there are several other activities that typically take place on prom night, including group photo sessions, dinners and afterparties.

How can I be the prettiest at prom? ›

Let's look at the prom tips you need to know about.
  1. Style Your Hair. Your options here depend heavily on your hair's length, texture, and desired result. ...
  2. Get That 'Glow' ...
  3. Get Your Brows Done. ...
  4. A Bright Smile Is Powerful. ...
  5. Wear A Button-Down While Getting Ready. ...
  6. Prime + Set. ...
  7. Find The Perfect Dress For You.

Who pays for the corsage at prom? ›

Traditionally, the guy pays for the corsage and the girl pays for the boutonniere, as each person is gifting the flowers to their date. However, it's common for couples dating for awhile to choose their flowers together or for one half of the pair to place the order for both to ensure the flowers coordinate.

What is the boy responsible for at prom? ›

While some couples will go dutch, the gentlemanly thing to do is to pay for the prom tickets for you and your date. Yes, it may seem like a lot of money, but your date is likely spending much more money (and time) on the perfect dress, hairstyle, makeup, manicure, pedicure, etc.

How much does the average person pay for prom? ›

How Much Does Prom Cost in Total? Costs of attending prom are not the same for every girl as it varies per region. You can spend $150 to $2,000 or more attending the event. However, on average, a girl will spend about $900 – $1000 on their big night with all the abovementioned costs.

What is the guy supposed to do for prom? ›

7 Things All Guys Must Do Before Prom
  • The Promposal. Back in the day you could simply ask your favorite gal to prom and be on your way. ...
  • Purchase Tickets. ...
  • Make Dinner Reservations. ...
  • Arrange Transportation. ...
  • Buy A Corsage Or Flowers. ...
  • Rent A Tuxedo or Press Your Dark Suit. ...
  • Groom.

Who are you supposed to go to prom with? ›

Most people go with their girlfriend. Some opt to go with their best friend or friends and others go alone. The good thing about going with your friends is that you will have a lot of company. You can all dance together and have a blast.

Are you supposed to go to prom with someone? ›

Spoiler alert: Nope. Going to prom alone is the ultimate power move. Heading to prom alone or with a group of friends can actually end up being way more fun than tying yourself down to one special (or, in a lot of cases, not-so-special) someone.

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