Top 10 Prom Tips and Memories

Though it has only been a year since my senior prom, I feel as though it has been ages. So many things have changed now that I have graduated and gone off to college. Now all I have to savor are the memories of that special day/night with my best friends and the love of my life. Prom was one of the most unforgettable highlights of high school for me, and I want to share it with you, as well as to give you my tips on how to make your prom just as incredible.

*My Top 10 Prom Memories and tips:

Picking the perfect dress- This part actually turned out spectacular for me. I went one day with a good friend to shop for dresses and we searched the entire day, but went home empty handed. I was very discouraged and disappointed, so the next week I decided to go with my mom. We headed off to the mall, and as soon as we walked into the first store, I saw my dress. It was hanging there in all its elegance, it was long, green, and beautiful with an open back and flowing material. It was the first dress I saw, the first I tried on, and the one that I walked out of the store with smiling brightly. Now I know it doesn't work quite so well for other people, but just know that picking that perfect dress is all about what you like. You need to be comfortable and feel beautiful. If a dress does that for you, then you will feel amazing.

Getting dressed up- Everybody knows that the pampering for prom is one of the biggest events. Every girl wants her time to shine, and so she takes the day of prom to get herself done up from head to toe, yes literally. On my prom day I remember waking up way too early to go to a hair appointment. I had been researching for weeks online, looking for the perfect idea of a hair style. I wanted something that would make me stand out, and so I got a head full of curls, pulled up halfway, pinned down by what seemed like at least 100 bobby pins. My hair stylist did a tremendous job, and my hair turned out perfect. I then rushed to a nail appointment to get a pedicure and manicure with my younger sister. It was great to get to spend that little bit of time with her on that special day. Next, we went home to do my make up and make a few final adjustments before I put on my dress and awaited my boyfriend's arrival.

Taking pictures- I personally am a girl who loves to take pictures. I think that pictures and words are the only things that can truly capture a single moment in time. On my prom day, after I got all done up, my boyfriend arrived, and of course, he told me I was gorgeous. This boosted my confidence level and allowed me to stand proudly beside him for the millions of pictures that followed. It started in my house, which moved to my backyard, and then to beautiful area where we met all of my friends. This is where the picture taking began, and it continued up through the rest of the night, and on into the next morning. I absolutely think it is important to take pictures on your prom day and night. These pictures will bring back the memories, and you can share them with loved ones, passing them on to your children as they begin the journey to their own prom night.

Riding in the limo- Now, I have to admit that at first I was skeptical about riding in the limo. I thought it was a little absurd to pay so much money just to ride in a crammed up car with a lot of people for no reason. However, riding in the limo turned out to be a ton of fun. I was in there with several of my best friends, and it was a great chance for us to be able to talk, hang out, and enjoy the time together.

Going out to dinner- My friends and I went out to a very nice dinner with our dates. The restaurant had dim lights, which were met by the glow of candles surrounding the room. It was very romantic and beautiful, and I loved being there. Of course the food was awesome as well, and I got to eat in good company.

Dancing with the boy I love- For me, the actual prom dance was incredible. I am one of the lucky ones, though, who has already found true love. Lucky for me, the boy I am in love with was my prom date, and we were able to share this wonderful night together for his senior prom as well as mine. I remember both times sharing a special dance with him that was amazing. I think everyone should share a special dance with someone at prom, whether it is a boyfriend, girlfriend, or just a best friend. This is a great chance to feel loved and to love wholeheartedly and be in a great moment with another person.

Cherishing the actual prom and the friends I grew up with- An important thing for me at prom was to spend time with people who I thought I might not get the chance to really hang out with much after graduation. I was able to dance with and talk to friends that I had grown up with and who were very special to me. It was also a way of saying goodbye and wishing others the best in their lives.

Taking it all in- After the prom dance, my boyfriend and I wanted to take time together to cherish the moment. We went outside to the school parking lot where no one was around, and he played our song, "It's Your Love" by Tim McGraw, in the cd player. He then took my hand and we danced to the song out under the stars, gazing in each others eyes. It was truly one of the most remarkable moments of my life, and I will never forget it.

The Breakfast- After prom, and after spending that special time with my boyfriend, we went to the breakfast, which was hosted at a good friend of mine's house. There, we met up with all of my best friends, and ate a gourmet breakfast prepared by all of our moms. We were all able to let loose a little and hang out over the meal, enjoying each other's company and talking about the night and what was still to come.

The After-party- Whether this literally means "party" or just hanging out with friends, I think the after party is great. My boyfriend and I ended up going to one of my friend's house with a few other couples, and there we were all able to hang out and talk about life. It was great and helped to wrap up the whole days events. It was great to just spend time with my best friends and the boy I love, and it was truly a night I will never forget.One last tip: *Once the prom is over, and it's all said and done, take the time to put everything together. Take all of your pictures and put them in a cute scrapbook. Write captions beside them so that you will never forget, and so that one day when you look back at it, you can once again cherish the experience.