Prom season is officially here, and if you’ve been dreaming of the big night since the moment you entered high school, then you probably cannot wait to start planning all the details. Things are starting to get real — and tbh, there’s a lot to get done on the prom prep checklist.
Just think of all the components that go into slaying the dance floor, IG photoshoots, and the after-party. There’s the dress and suit, the corsages and boutonnieres (do you DIY or buy?), the hair and glam, and of course, the nails. You cannot forget the logistics, either. Where will pre-prom pictures take place? How will you get to the venue? Limo, party bus, parent drop-off, or Uber? Who will be your date? And what are you doing after the dance? Obvi, there’s a lot to figure out before prom night is here.
To help you stay organized and make sure you don’t forget a single detail, we’ve created the ultimate prom checklist. Screenshot the agenda below and you will be all set for a super fun prom night you’ll never forget.
What to Do a Few Months Before Prom
Yes, planning for prom begins a few months out. You want to give yourself enough time to find a dress or suit, and you want to secure those hair and makeup appointments before the nearby salons are all booked up. Here’s everything you should do a few months before prom night.
Go shopping for a prom outfit
It’s time to find the look of your prom night dreams. Get inspired and check out dresses, suits, and sets online and on social media. Once you have an idea of what you might like, go out and try some ’fits on at local department stores, where a large selection is carried. You can also visit nearby boutiques and vintage stores, where custom and unique options can be found. If you opt to get your prom outfit online, order your look on the early side so you can exchange, get another size, or alter if needed.
Book appointments
If you’re planning on putting your prom glam in the hands of professionals, you’ll want to book appointments for a makeup artist, hairstylist, and nail artist early on, as there’s a chance spots will fill up quickly — especially if any nearby schools are hosting prom on the same day.
It’s also important to secure any other appointments you may need for the night of. That could mean a photographer (if you plan on getting one), a limo or party bus so you can ride safely and in style, or a dinner reservation if your prom isn’t providing food.
Get your tickets
It’s a fact that you cannot get into prom without a ticket. Depending on your school, prom tix will go on sale at different times, but you may want to get them sooner rather than later. Sometimes, the price of the tickets will go up as you get closer to prom.
What to Do a Month Before Prom
The big night is getting closer. Now is the time to decide where you’ll take prom pictures, where you’ll head after the dance, and how you’ll accessorize your look.
Make pre-prom plans
Whether you’re heading to a friend’s house for snacks and photos, or meeting at a nearby park for an ~ aesthetic ~ photo background, start the prom group chat and figure out the pre-prom plans. That way, you have time to buy any supplies you need, and if you’re getting a ride to prom, you can tell the party bus, limo, or driver where to pick you up.
Make post-prom plans
Some groups of friends head to someone’s beach house or rent an Airbnb the weekend after prom, while others head to someone’s basement for a big sleepover. You might also decide to just do a big bonfire or pizza party before heading to your own homes. Discuss with your group to figure out what you want to do, so you can get continue the party after the dance. You may want to consider stopping by the school-sponsored post-prom for a quick hello, too — there’s usually free food 😉.
Make sure your prom outfit fits like a glove
Now is the time to ensure that if you need any alterations to your dress or suit, you’re making an appointment at the tailor with plenty of time to try it on and make sure you feel great in your ’fit.
Break in your shoes
This may be your first time spending an extended period of time in heels or dress shoes, so it’s important to break them in a little. To avoid blisters and pain that can put a damper on your special night, wear them around the house here and there. Trust us, you’ll be glad you’re not slipping on brand-new, never-been-touched heels as you dance the night away.
Pick out your jewelry
Your bling may be your last priority when it comes to your prom look, but don’t let it slip to the wayside. You don’t want to be stressing out over what accessories you’ll wear when you’re already running late for pics.
What to Do Two Weeks Before Prom
It’s crunch time. Over the next couple of weeks, make sure no details have gone unnoticed.
Confirm appointments and reservations
We know, it’s annoying, but just call and confirm that all of your appointments and reservations are for the right day and time. You do not want to be heading to the hair salon the day of prom, only to find out you accidentally made the appointment for a week later, and they can’t squeeze you in. Trust us — it’s best to play it safe when it comes to your big night.
Do glam trial runs
Don’t let a bad makeup job or hairdo ruin your prom night — do a trial run beforehand. If you’re getting your beauty professionally done at a makeup counter, by a makeup artist, or a hairstylist, have them try out some looks a week before. If you’re planning on DIY-ing your look, practice the look as many times as you can before the dance. This way, when prom day arrives, you will know exactly what look you want and how to do it.
Our Fave Beauty Products for Flawless Prom Makeup
caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
Mac Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base
Order a boutonniere or corsage
Head to your local florist to order all of your prom floral needs. Whether it’s a boutonniere, corsage, or handheld bouquet, order it ahead of time for day-of pick up, and consider matching the flowers to you and your date’s outfits.
Make sure you have all the necessities
There are a lot of random things you may need on the day of prom — tights or socks, a special bra depending on what kind of dress you’re wearing, heel pads so you can comfortably dance all night, underwear that won’t create panty lines, and a purse or small clutch. Make a list and make sure you have everything you need.
Those Random Prom Essentials You Forgot You Needed
Skims Naked Dipped Thong
Epic Elements Boob Tape
NuBra Women's Feather Lite Bra
If possible, start getting some rest
You’ll want to be fully rested for a night of fun and dancing, and chances are, you’ve had a busy few weeks with finals and other end-of-year activities. Make sure to prioritize sleep the weeks before the big night. You’ll feel the difference when you’ve got enough energy to stay out on the dance floor all night long.
What to Do Day of Prom
Prom night is here! But before you get dressed and slip on your prom shoes, there are a few errands you need to check off the list.
Pick up the flowers
You won’t want to disappoint your date by forgetting their boutonniere, bouquet, or corsage from the florist. Grab it on the way home from school or your hair appointment to save a trip.
Go to appointments
This may seem obvious, but you may be so busy on the day of prom that you forget to leave for your hair appointment — and accidentally show up an hour late. Local salons are often super busy on prom days, so make sure you show up on time for *everything.* That way, you can get in and out as quickly as possible.
Pack your purse
Make sure your purse is filled with all of your prom night necessities. We recommend gum or mints, extra bobby pins in case your ’do falls out from all the dancing, and some blotting paper (it’s going to get hot on the dance floor), along with your ID, house keys, wallet, and some emergency cash. Throw it all in a cute purse and you’ll feel like Mary Poppins, giving out tampons, deodorant, and spritzes of perfume to your friends.
What You NEED in Your Prom Purse
LIFE SAVERS Wint-O-Green Breath Mints
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Facial Sheets
GOODY Bobby Pin Box With Magnetic Top
Pack an overnight bag
If you’re spending the night at a friend’s house or the weekend by the beach, make sure your overnight bag is ready to go. Even if you stop at home after prom, you may not have time to throw a perfectly packed bag together and will possibly forget something important in the rush. While you have a minute, gather up some items you’ll need (like toothpaste, PJs, and clothes for the next day), as well as a few fun additional items (like a board or card game).
Get Your Sleepover Party Essentials
Ankis White Fuzzy Slippers
What Do You Meme?
We're Not Really Strangers Card Game
What to Do Night of Prom
OK, now the night is officially here. Here’s one important tip to remember on prom night.
Stay safe and have fun
The only thing you need to do while at prom is have fun! Enjoy yourself, make memories with your besties, and take plenty of pictures that you can look back on for years to come. Also, remember to stay safe. The evening might be a special one, but all the same rules regarding consent and the legal drinking age of 21 still apply.
Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. On her off time, she's probably watching Ru Paul's Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed.
Abby is an editorial assistant at Seventeen, covering pop culture, beauty, life, and health. When she's not busy watching the latest true crime docuseries, you can find her strolling through Sephora, thrifting the perfect dress, or jogging with her pup.
Leah Campano is an Associate Editor at Seventeen, where she covers pop culture, entertainment news, health, and politics. On the weekends, you can probably find her watching marathons of vintage Real Housewives episodes or searching for New York City’s best almond croissants.
