2015 Prom Guide

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March 31, 2015

a special supplement to

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Aiken Standard Prom Guide

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Should couples match at prom?

Matching on prom night may involve a few different style scenarios. Some couples may wear the same hue head-to-toe, while others may go no further than matching the guy’s tie or vest to the girl’s dress. A boutonniere that mirrors the colors in a young lady’s dress is another, more subtle option.

The decision is entirely up to the couple. Ultimately, the couple should be on the same page when it comes to matching. Prom is a big milestone in a teen’s life, and what teens are wearing can go a long way toward determining their comfort level. Couples choosing their prom attire may want to keep the following suggestions in mind. · Matching is a relatively recent phenomenon, so couples should not feel beholden to tradition when deciding whether or not to match. Both prom participants should be comfortable with the final decision. · Ladies should provide their dates with an idea of what they will be wearing, including the color. Ladies should be as specific as possible, including the name of the shade, as shades can vary considerably. Text or email a photo so the color can be seen with the naked eye. · Men traditionally wear black and white tuxedoes and suits so they can coordinate with just about anything the woman wears while providing a contrast that enables the young lady to stand out. A classic suit or tux can complement just about any prom gown. · Guys may want to add some subtle effects or even

incorporate some color theory into their choices.

A pocket square or tie that matches the hue of a date’s dress is an effective touch.

Guys also can choose a complementary color or one that is opposite on the color wheel, for a nice effect. For example, if she’s wearing blue, then guys can opt for gold or yellow accents. · Consider working with clothing retailers that have

coordinated color palettes.

David’s Bridal and Men’s Wearhouse often use the same terms and stock similar shades so that dates can match. Other stores may have similar arrangements.

Attire is an important part of prom. Couples who come to mutual decisions on what to wear and whether or not to match may feel more comfortable and have a more enjoyable night.

Corsage do’s and dont’s

While corsage fashion may have changed, they remain incredibly popular today. Male promgoers typically give their dates corsages before heading off for the festivities, and promgoers or others wearing corsages to formal events may want to consider the following corsage dos and don’ts.

DO order corsages at least two weeks to a month in advance so that the florist will have time to order the necessary flowers. Expect certain flowers, such as orchids and pink and white roses, to be in demand. Ordering early ensures you get the flowers you want.

DON’T forget to talk to your date about clothing color schemes and style of dress, as corsages often are matched to the gown.

Florists can customize the corsage based on the length, style and color of what a date is wearing.

DO ask if the gown has straps. This will help you decide whether or not to purchase a corsage that pins near the bodice or one with a wrist strap.

DON’T feel the need to match the corsage and boutonniere exactly. While they may feature the same flowers, it is not necessary for them to have the same ribbon or bloom.

DO go easy on your date and let him know if you prefer a certain flower or style of corsage. In addition, mention if you have any allergies to certain flowers so your corsage does not trigger an attack.

DON’T be embarrassed to discuss budget with a florist. If you have a certain price in mind, mention your budget as you look for the right corsage. Then choose an arrangement that falls in your price range.

DO experiment with handmade corsages if you

are handy. Amateur florists can try their hand at making corsages for their dates, who may be especially impressed and moved by homemade corsages. Make a corsage from fresh or silk flowers or create a “bloom” from ribbon. There are plenty of tutorials and tips for corsage tricks. Visit a craft center for more inspiration and materials.

DON’Y be shy about exploring the modern and trendy ideas in corsages.

Corsages can be a method of self-expression, and there’s no limit to their style, size and placement. Tiny blooms can be grouped together to make a corsage bracelet or a corsage ring.

DO keep corsages cool until they are used. Store them in a refrigerator to prevent the flowers from drying out prematurely.

Afterward, consider drying the corsage to save as a memento.

Aiken Standard Prom Guide

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Your Special Day Y

ou work hard in the classroom, on the sports field and in the community. You bring home great grades and stay out of trouble ­— for the most part.

It’s time to focus on you.

Prom offers a chance to do just that, and for most students, will be an experience that only comes along twice in their lives.

Fun and dancing during prom is followed by more fun ­— and more dancing — at the post-prom party, making it a night of liveliness, enthusiasm and excitementfilled activities.

Planning your special prom night is not the time to get flustered. So your budget has forced a change of plans in what hairstyle or dinner arrangements you can afford? Just go with it. The more time you spend stressing about the details, the less

fun you’ll end up having during a night that was created just for you.

Start planning early.

Many schools leave it up to individual classes to raise money for their proms. So what’s wrong with starting as soon as you get to high school?

Bring up fundraising ideas to your homeroom teacher or student council to get the ball rolling. Car washes, bake sales and cash prize raffles are great ways to secure funding that will supplement whatever the school has in its budget for your prom.

Rent a limo

One way to make prom the most memorable experience of your high school life is by pulling out all the stops. Renting a

limousine is an expensive add-on, but one that could be funded by generous parents looking to make sure you arrive and depart from your destinations safely.

Look into local rental companies, many of which feature a suite of limos to choose from. There are traditional stretch limos or trendier SUV stretch limos — ­ both of which will make sure you’re riding in style all night long.

As with most aspects of prom, you’ll want to make sure your limo company is focused on safety. Ask to see credentials, licenses and driving backgrounds when you’re scouting for services. If the company is credible, it should be happy to provide this type of information to earn your business.

Play it safe on prom night Prom provides an opportunity to make lasting memories with friends before high school ends and college begins.

While prom should be fun, that revelry should not come at the expense of safety.

Prom night is most enjoyable when it is safe and memorable for all the right reasons, and teens and parents can take the following steps to ensure prom night goes safely. · Attend prom with trusted friends. Plan to arrive to and depart from the party together. Each friend should do their best to look out for each member of their group’s well-being. · Establish an itinerary. Teens should work with their friends to plan an itinerary for prom night and share that itinerary with parents and guardians who will want to know where their kids will be before, during and after the prom. In addition to establishing an itinerary, accept curfews established by parents and make sure mobile phones are turned on to accept calls from parents who may need reassurance. Choose activities that do not involve drinking or irresponsible behavior. Once prom has ended, enjoy a movie together as a group or play a round of mini golf. Or go for a late night meal at a nearby diner.

· Choose wardrobe wisely. Long gowns and high heels can increase the risk of falls.

Keep fashion a priority but also maximize comfort and safety. Be sure you can walk around comfortably in your shoes and that your gown does not make it difficult to walk up and down staircases. · Do not carry large sums of money with you to prom. It’s best to avoid taking a lot of cash to prom, as young ladies can’t keep watchful eyes on their handbags as they cut a rug, and young men might leave their wallets in their unattended sports coats. · Do not take offerings of drinks from unsealed containers, even if they look innocuous. Teens should be wary of accepting drinks offered in unsealed containers, especially if those drinks are offered by strangers.

If a drink tastes funny, stop drinking it and report it to a faculty member or chaperone. · Don’t feel pressured to drink alcohol or do drugs. The majority of promgoers want to have clean fun as they listen and dance to music and share laughs with their friends, so students should not feel pressured to engage in risky behavior involving drugs and alcohol. If someone is pressuring you and/or your friends, walk away and encourage your friends to do the same.

· Be aware of your surroundings at night, especially when you leave the prom. Ask the limousine driver to pick you up in a well-lit area of the parking lot so you are not vulnerable to people with ill intentions. · Do not feel pressured to engage in sexual behavior. Teens should never feel pressured to engage in sexual behavior. Such pressure might be especially prevalent on prom night, but students should not feel obligated to engage in any behavior they prefer to avoid. If pressure arises, call a parent to come pick you up immediately. · Ensure that after-prom parties will be adult-supervised and are in a safe location.

Parents should chaperone any after parties to prevent teens from engaging in risky, unsafe behavior. · Take host laws seriously. Parents hosting an after-party must keep in mind that they may be responsible for the actions of their guests. Teens should never be served alcohol, so keep careful tabs on party activities and have zero-tolerance for alcohol or poor behavior.

Prom night can be a great experience for teens. By playing it smart and safe, teens can enjoy a night they will remember for years to come.

Guide 2015

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Aiken Standard Prom Guide

Expert makeup and beauty tips for prom Unlike Drew Barrymore’s character Josie Geller in the movie “Never Been Kissed,” most people do not get a prom night do-over. If you are getting ready to party with your friends, here are several quick and easy tips for beauty success. * Moisturize and treat blemishes to get skin looking its best. Start a skincare regimen several weeks before prom to get your skin in shape and looking beautiful. Exfoliation with a mild product will release dead skin cells and enable makeup to better adhere to your face. * Balance colors on your face. If you will be going for dark eyes, keep lips bare or with a soft gloss. Bold, red lips pair well with simple eyes decked in a neutral color. * Brighten or widen eyes.

Using a shimmery white powder in the corners of each eye will open up your eyes and make you appear more refreshed. * Use primers. Several hours will pass between the moment you apply makeup and the last good-bye of the night. Ensure your makeup stays put by applying a base primer. * Use waterproof or waterresistant mascara and stayput lipstick. This way your makeup will remain flawless

through all the happy tears and hugs shared with your classmates. * Use liquid liner for dramatic eyes. Liquid eyeliner will last longer and provide a smoother application than pencil products. Practice before prom to solidify your application technique. * Matte makeup is better for photos. Matte makeup generally looks better in photography than frosted colors, especially when the flashes will be going rapid-fire. * Compliment your eye color. Don’t match your eye shadow to your gown or eyes.

Use colors that will naturally bring out the hue of your eyes. Blue eyes are brightened by shades of chocolate or taupe. Brown eyes can be enhanced with shades of navy and sapphire. Green or hazel eyes will be complemented by eggplants and burgundy. * Touch up shiny spots.

Keep oil blotting tissues in your purse to keep shine at bay. * Extend the beauty to nails and toes. Sparkle polishes and nail art appliques are ideal ways to dress up nails for prom.

Prom is a time to explore all the beauty options available and look beautiful on this special night.

Guys can shine on prom night, too!

Guys may wonder how they can stand out among a sea of black tuxedoes. It’s actually easier than you would think. These young men can employ a host of strategies to ensure they stand out among fellow students and friends.

Be classic

Sometimes guys think they need to stand out by doing something like wearing a flashy color to ensure all eyes are on them. But a great way to get noticed is to choose a well-fitted classic tuxedo.

Try Blue

English formal wear purists have long thought going with a midnight blue tuxedo is a classy decision.

That’s because this color is said to look its best under evening light.

Choose singlebreasted style

A single-breasted style with a low front button can help elongate the figure, which is an asset to gentlemen who are full around the middle.

Select a slim cut

Tuxedoes tend to look more elegant the slimmer they’re cut. Therefore, choose a slim cut tuxedo that best fits your body type. A tuxedo should be a man’s slimmest, most sharply tailored garment, so be sure to have it altered

to fit this way. For bigger men, visit a store that specializes in big and tall sizes so you’ll get the attention you need.

Be pressed and impress

No matter the color or cut, a winkled tuxedo is not a good idea. Prevent wrinkling by hanging the tux in a garment bag after it has been professionally pressed.

Don’t overdo the bling

Keep jewelry to a minimum, and wear simple, elegant cufflinks.

Pay mind to hosiery

White athletic socks or thick boot socks will not work well with a formal look. Choose thin socks that are tight and one shade darker than your trousers.

Keep the jacket fastened

You’ll look classy with the jacket buttoned in photos and upon entry to the event. As the evening progresses, you may want to take off the jacket to dance and mingle.

Prom night often creates memories that last a lifetime. Gentleman can ensure they shine as much as their dance partners by selecting classic clothing that makes a statement.

Aiken Standard Prom Guide

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Guide 2015

Don’t forget these prom night provisions

Prom night Do’s & Dont’s DO attend prom with

someone you enjoy being around. Don’t pick a companion simply to have a pretty face accompany you for the evening. Aim for compatability when choosing your prom date. You do not want to be dancing all night while your date stays at the table.

DON’T set your prom night expectations too high. Prom night is a momentous occasion, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s meant to be a fun night with friends.

Aim to do a little dancing, dining and conversing with friends.

DO wear comfortable shoes or bring a spare pair of comfortable shoes along.

Fashion often precedes comfort when it comes to

formal events. However, hours on the dance floor can quickly prove painful on your feet. Do yourself a favor and dress comfortably so you will not have to make an exit prematurely.

DON’T make prom night about more than having fun. This should be an evening simply for having fun and commemorating the end of your school career rather than a night when potentially life-altering decisions are made.

DO stick to a budget so you do not overspend on prom night. It can be easy to overspend on prom.

While prom is meant to be memorable, you don’t want to begin summer vacation in debt. Now is a key time to learn budgeting strategies, which will be advan-

tageous when you’re living in a dorm and pinching pennies once college begins in the fall.

DON’T forget to take plenty of photos and videos to capture the spirit of prom. You can look back fondly on these moments and perhaps share them with your own family in the years to come.

DO have a contingency plan in place. Sometimes poor judgment on the part of others can put you in precarious situations. Make sure you have someone to call if you need a ride home at any point in the night. Bring some extra money for unforseen expenses. Keep parents abreast of your location in the event you need to contact them. Safety should be

a priority throughout the night.

DON’T feel the need to have a date, especially if you’d rather attend solo. There is no shame in attending prom alone, particularly if you have a plan to meet up with friends and enjoy the night collectively. Rather than take someone you do not particularly like and feel restricted, arrive alone and enjoy being a free spirit.

DO let loose and have fun. Don’t be afraid to cut a rug on the dance floor or wear a favorite gown or unique style of tuxedo.

Enjoy your time spent with friends and try to sample each part of what makes prom such a unique experience.

• Mobile phone and roadside assistance club card: Promgoers who are driving themselves to the festivities should be sure to bring a fully charged mobile phone as well as their roadside assistance membership card should their vehicle suffer a flat tire or another mechanical issue.

• Bandages: Ladies might love the look of their brand new heels purchased specifically for prom night, but they likely won’t love the blisters that form after a night of dancing and mingling with classmates. Pack some bandages so blisters don’t become unbearable.

• Toiletries: Couples should bring along some travel size toiletries in case the facility where the prom is being held proves lacking.

• Makeup and additional beauty supplies: Guys may not need to worry about touching up their appearance, but ladies might want to touch up their makeup or fix their hair as the night progresses. Pack some extra beauty

items and don’t forget to bring along a hairbrush.

• Extra pantyhose: Pantyhose might not be capable of handling a night of dancing without suffering a tear, so bring along some extras so you can dance the night away no matter what.

• Sewing kit or fashion tape: Dresses have a way of tearing on prom night, but such tears need not be a fashion emergency. Pack a small sewing kit or fashion tape, as well as safety pins, and your dress will be as good as new in no time.

• Cash and credit card: In the case of an emergency, couples should have some cash on hand as well as a credit or debit card.

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Aiken Standard Prom Guide