Dear Susie,

I’m confused. Prom is coming up and I need help. Should I try and get a prom date? I feel like all my friends have one, so I feel like I should get one. And my group is so stressed about plans and stuff. We don’t know where we should take pictures or where to eat before. Even though it’s so far away I’m already stressing. Can you help me with my plans for prom?

Thanks,

Prom Planner

Dear Prom Planner,

I know that prom can be a stressful time because you want to have a successful night, but it also isn’t a thing to worry about too much. Prom is supposed to be a fun night with your friends, so put that as a priority for the night. A date may be good to bring depending on what you want. A date can be a more of a drag especially if they’re from another school, but if you really know the person it could be an even better night. However, do not force a date to happen just because all your friends have dates. Your friends will be busy with their dates, so make sure to have at least one friend to hang close to that also doesn’t have a date. Pictures can be very challenging to figure out because you have to take in account of the weather, the lighting, distance, timing, and making sure the place you want to go to is available. In the past for me, there were many challenges with pictures because the places we went weren’t open, they wouldn’t let us take pictures there, or the lighting was terrible. Usually outside lighting is the best, but make sure you do it before the sun sets. Some places that have good gardening, a bridge, body of water, or a nice view are the best to take pictures for the background. For dinner pick a place that has a good location, is pretty nice, and has food that everyone likes. It is important to make a dinner reservation as soon as possible to ensure that the restaurant will have space for your group. Usually what I like to do is to have dinner after pictures, so you’re more fresh. All pf this planning can help the day of prom go more smoothly and be less stressful if planned ahead and planned well. It is your night, so make it the best it can be!

Sincerely,

Susie