Teenagers who have reached the end of their junior year can have a lot of fun at junior prom. Dress up, get together with friends you don’t see often, and generally just have fun without the extra pressure of being at your senior prom.
What Is Junior Prom?
There may not be an official junior prom at every school. In small high schools, there is usually only one prom, and students from all grades are invited. In a large high school, senior prom may be open only to graduating seniors and their guests, and junior prom may be open to underclassmen.
It can be a lot of fun just to get together with your friends and have a fun night out if your school has a junior prom. It takes some of the pressure off the evening knowing you’ll have even more fun next year when it’s your turn to rule the school.
Junior Prom Attire
In the same way as the senior prom, the junior prom is all about formal attire. Girls usually wear fancy dresses, and guys wear suits or tuxedos. Getting dressed up for prom is a fun experience for teens. Get your hair done at the salon, select the perfect accessories, and celebrate in style.
Girls have it harder than guys when it comes to prom because they cannot rent their clothes. If you can, shop sales for prom dresses, which can cost several hundred dollars. For a prom dress that is completely different from what everyone else is wearing, try vintage clothing shops.
You don’t have to dress like everyone else just because fancy dresses and bling are everywhere. With a totally unique outfit for junior prom, you can really let your individuality shine.
Getting a Date or Going Solo
The most nerve-wracking part of junior prom, or any other school dance, is finding a date. Try working up the courage to ask your crush if he or she will accompany you to prom if you are not attached and want to attend.
Consider making junior prom a group event. Many teens attend with their guy and gal friends, where there are multiple unattached individuals. Then, everyone can enjoy prom without having to worry about finding a date.
You can always go by yourself if all else fails. A stag do is more common than you might think, and you’ll have a great time even if you’re alone.
Before the Prom
You can easily turn your junior prom into a full-day event. It might be fun for the girls to meet up and get their hair and makeup done together or to meet up at a friend’s house where there are lots of mirrors and everyone can get ready together.
A group of guys can make prom day special by going bowling, hanging out by the pool, or doing some other activity together before the big night.
Most people go out to dinner before prom. Those dating at prom can take advantage of this opportunity to go out to a fancy or romantic restaurant and have a more grown-up date than you’re used to. It’s fun to go somewhere unexpected in your fancy clothes if you’re attending the prom in a group.
Think IHOP, your favorite diner, or even a funky Mexican restaurant. It’s all about having fun and turning heads when other patrons see well-dressed young people.
After the Prom
It is common for parties after prom, particularly senior proms, to involve alcohol or drugs. Schools sometimes set up drug-free programs so students can hang out after the prom in a safe environment.
Decide what you want to do after prom beforehand. It is especially important if you are dating someone and are feeling peer pressure to take your relationship further than you are comfortable with. It doesn’t mean you owe someone anything just because you went to prom with them.
When you feel uncomfortable, call your parents, an older sibling, or a trusted adult to pick you up if you don’t have a car.
A Night Full of Memories
Junior proms are a lot of fun and are filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy your night of dancing!