For many students at Seminole High, prom is one of the most valued events of the year. From the perfect fitting dress to the shiny black luxurious limousine, the numerous steps of preparation to make sure this day goes as planned can be very tedious, expensive, and time consuming. There are many simple and unique ways to keep the cost of prom low, while still looking breathtaking, and having an amazing time with friends and classmates.

Finding a prom dress, for many female students at SHS, is a pretty big deal. The obsessive compulsive behaviors start to kick in, and many girls begin their hunt for the dress of their dreams. They must ensure that no one from their school has the same dress as them, because, for a girl, that is the most embarrassing thing that could happen (besides ripping the dress on the dance floor or spilling punch all over the gown). Many boutiques and prom stores make sure that they do not sell the same dress twice to the same high school student during prom season.

Prom dresses can be quite expensive; designer brands such as Tiffany, La Femme, Flash Prom, Sherri Hill, and House of Wu range from $200 to $1000 depending on the style, length, color, and material the dress is made of. Spending hundreds on a prom dress for one night can really hurt one’s wallet, but thrift stores and department stores offer cheaper options for girls who cannot really afford to pay an arm and a leg for a dress. Senior Elizabeth Moore said, “I bought my dress from Macy’s in the Mall of Millennia for about $200. Spending this much money on it was important to me because this is my senior prom and I instantly fell in love with the dress.”

Booking various services before prom is also something students should consider. Nail, hair, and makeup appointments should be booked weeks beforehand to ensure that salons and spas have the time to pamper and beautify girls, and even guys before the big night.  Hotel rooms and limousines can be expensive, but sharing these services with friends and splitting the cost amongst one another helps decrease the stress of having to pay a fortune for that one special night.

For the gentlemen, tuxedo rentals should be made as soon as possible. Getting a matching vest and tie the same color as one’s date can take time to order and ship out to a location close by. Guys should plan ahead and make sure tuxedos are available and rented out before it’s too late. Being on the lookout for deals and getting things ahead of time can help make all the prom commotion go as smooth as possible.

Getting a date, or going with friends is also very significant. If the girl or guy one wants to go with is a hot commodity around campus, one must make sure to snatch him or her up quickly. Spending prom night alone is something one may want to avoid. But for those not interested in taking anyone, going with friends is a great idea. Plan it out and have fun, because going anywhere with a close knit group of friends is always a blast. Senior Corbin Albritton said, “I am going to prom with friends. It’s not important for me to have a date because I don’t have the money to spend on someone else.”

For students who do not want to go to prom or are not allowed to, still try to go out and do something fun. Many teens do not go to prom for various reasons, from cost to lack of interest. Whatever the case may be, students should still enjoy that night. Go to the movies, spend the day at the beach, go snorkeling, take a road trip, or go boating.  Just because one does not go to prom, does not mean one cannot still have an amazing time doing something else.

Nonetheless, prom is really what everyone, whether upperclassmen or underclassmen, has been waiting for. For many seniors, this event is the highlight of their senior year. Senior Erin Conrad said, “I am really excited to see everyone all dressed up and looking fancy. I am excited to see the venue and party with everyone before we all go our separate ways.”  So mark off April 28, 2012 in the school planner and attend this year’s highly anticipated “A Walk Through Wonderland” prom extravaganza. Seminole’s own Junior Class Council has organized and based the theme for the prom, off the popular novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, written by Lewis Carroll.

Held at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, the 2012 Seminole High School Prom will be a night of magical excitement with food, dancing, and so much fun. Junior Christian Colon said, “I hope to have the best time with my date and live the fullest in the moment.” Though focused on the seniors, everyone is invited.

Tickets are on sale; $75 for seniors, and $85 for underclassmen and guests. So prom prep it up, and come on out for a great night.