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Prom Etiquette: Planning a Perfect Prom Q & A

Frequently Asked Prom Etiquette Questions

As an etiquette consultant, I receive many of the same questions around Prom time. What follows are the most often-asked questions with my replies.

Question
When is the best time to ask my date for the prom?

Answer
Your date needs plenty of time to shop for the perfect attire. Therefore, it's best to ask your date at least two months before the date of the prom. If your date is not from your school, inform him or her of the expected formality of attire.

Question
Our group -- about 10 of us -- wants to extend our evening after the Prom. Our wish is to rent a room at a local hotel. What is best?

Answer
I can imagine that this is every parent's nightmare: teens spending the night at a hotel without chaperones. It may be best to organize an after-party at someone's home. Alternatively, your school might be interested in hosting this. A number of high schools host a closed-door all-night event after the prom. Local businesses and parents participate and donate. It's safe and fun! Inquire if this can be an option for your school. Perhaps you can organize it.

Question
Is attending the Prom with a date mandatory or may I go alone or with a group of friends?

Answer
A date isn't mandatory. In fact, attending with friends might be more fun. The added benefit could be sharing the cost of travel. Attending alone might not be as much fun, as you wouldn't have a dance partner. Borrowing a friend's date occasionally might solve that issue though.

Question
May young ladies ask young men out to the prom?

Answer
Traditionally, the young man would ask a young lady to the prom. Thankfully, this isn't the case today. If you have someone in mind, ask him. However, remember the person who initiates the date pays. Therefore, you would be responsible to pay for the tickets and his boutonnière. If you go out to dinner, you would pay for this as well. A great alternative is to attend with a group of friends. You can dine at one person's home and share the expense of transportation.

Question
Who pays for the tickets?

Answer 
Traditionally, the young man would pay, because he would initiate the date. These days, however, young ladies may initiate the date, which means that she would pay. Then again, some couples split the cost, which is becoming more common.

Enjoy your Prom!

Please Read

Anti-Clueless Advice: How To Plan The Perfect Graduation Party

Etiquette 101: How-to Plan Your Child's Birthday Party  

Graduation Party Etiquette Quiz  

  

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