Are you ready to start planning your perfect prom night? Prom is one of the most unforgettable moments of high school. It’s worth putting in effort to make it amazing. If you start planning a few months in advance you’ll have plenty of time to find a gorgeous dress, finalize your prom group and make awesome plans for before and after prom. The checklist is long, but try to have fun with it! Remember that the time and energy you spend preparing will pay off when prom finally rolls around.

1.Planning Your Dress

Start with the dress. Finding your prom dress is one of the most fun parts of prom planning, but it can also be the most stressful. There are endless options to choose from, so it’s best to start looking for your dress a few months in advance so you have plenty of time to find the perfect one for you. Check out some magazines for inspiration and shop for a dress that works with your signature style, whether it’s classic preppy, romantic vintage, or modern and edgy. The important thing is to find a dress that makes you feel great. Try on your dress, and make sure it fits like a glove and you feel good in it. If needed, take your dress to a local tailor for alterations. However, alterations can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks so you definitely need to plan ahead on this one!

2.Take Care of your Skin

Take extra care of your skin in the days and weeks leading up to prom. Exfoliate and moisturize daily and be hyper vigilant in fighting off any zits or pimples that may try to emerge. I would not recommend trying any new products on your face until after prom. Also, do not forget to tweeze your brows or schedule an appointment to get them waxed or threaded at least 2-3 days before prom to give time for any redness to go away.

3.Break in those New Shoes

Break in those new shoes. Strut your stuff in your new 6-inch stilettos everywhere and anywhere you can; even around the house. Trust me, you will thank me later, and you will have killer calf muscles! Consider getting some cushion inserts for the pads of your feet if your shoes hurt while you are you are breaking them in. Keep in mind it is better to know in advance if you will need band aids, non-slip sole grips, or pad cushions. It is better to be safe than sorry, so take your shoes for a test drive.

4. Find jewelry and other accessories.

Once you’ve got the dress nailed down, it’s time to add the details that will make your outfit look complete. Pick jewelry and other accessories that accent the style of your dress without being overpowering. Don’t forget to pick out a bag or clutch that matches your dress! It should be big enough to hold essentials like makeup, your cell phone and keys. If your prom is in early spring, it might still be chilly outside. Choose a coverup or shrug to put over your shoulders in case you get cold.

5.Schedule your Hair Appointment

Schedule your hair appointment in advance, as you’re competing with everyone else in your city at your local salon. Don’t forget to bring several pictures of styles you like to the appointment.  If you plan on doing your hair yourself or are having a friend do it, make sure you practice not once, not twice, but several times! I also recommend gathering all the supplies you need (bobby pins, elastic bands, teasing comb, etc.) and putting them in a Ziploc bag so they can easily be found on prom day.

6.Figure out your Transportation

Will you be taking a limo to prom, driving your own cars, or getting dropped off? Figure out what you want to do several weeks ahead of time so you won’t have to worry about it as the day approaches. Talk with your date and your friends to decide the best course of action. If you want to rent a limo, figure out how much each person in the group will owe (including tip). Make reservations with limo company, and make sure everyone knows where and when to meet the limo before the night begins.

7. Practice your Makeup

Check out beauty videos to find ideas for how to do your makeup in a way that matches the rest of your style. Some girls use prom as a good excuse to go out all with sparkles and color, while others like a toned-down, classic look. Play around with different ideas until you settle on a look that makes you feel awesome and looks good with your dress.

• Smoky eyes are sexy and classic.
• A bold red lip will turn heads.
• You may want to consider contouring your face.
• Decide on your nail color, too.

Get it? Got it? Good. If you can check everything off of this list, then you can breath and relax because you ready for prom! However, if you can’t check everything off of this list, you better get going, as time is of the essence!