How to Plan for Prom - Step-by-Step Prom Planning Guide

Planning for prom can be a daunting task, but if you're organized, you can bet on smooth sailing! PromHeadquarters.com has created the perfect prom planning checklist to guarantee that your extra-special night goes off without a hitch. Make sure to check back at PromHeadquarters.com every month leading up to the big day to ensure that you're on track for the perfect prom night free of budget worries, wardrobe snafus and date disasters! Each month we'll provide valuable details to make sure that everything is taken care of before you step out on the town on prom night.

Quick tips to consider before making your prom planning checklist:

Researching your prom dress preferences can take time, so make sure you start early.

The best online prom dress retailers - yes, we're talking about Prom Headquarters - provide quick dress delivery and some immediate delivery options. However, you'll still want to get started early in case you need to accommodate for returns or major alterations.

• Speaking of alterations, they take time. Make sure to get your prom dress to your seamstress at least six weeks in advance, as this is the busy season and you'll want to accommodate for several try-ons.
• Get accurate measurements if you plan to order your prom dress online so that you can reduce your risk of returns or a drawn-out alteration process.
• Go into prom dress shopping with an open mind. Even if you've got a very firm prom vision, you should look at a wide variety of styles before pulling the trigger. Be sure to shop the huge selection of prom gowns from Prom Headquarters so that you can rest assured that you've found your perfect match.

Five Months Out:

• Research prom styles and narrow down your look.
• Choose a couple of prom gown designers that you love.
• Decide whether you want a long evening gown or a short cocktail dress.
• Make a budget that includes the prom dress, alterations and beauty.

Four Months Out:

• Order your dress.
• Receive your dress.
• Research hair and makeup styles.
• Determine whether or not your dress needs to be altered.
• Make dress returns, if necessary.

Three Months Out:

• Order your shoes and accessories.
• Decide on hair and makeup styles.
• Have your first dress fitting.
• Book your limo (last-minute transportation can be a real headache!).
• If you plan on asking a date, now's the time.

Two Months Out:

• Book an appointment at the beauty salon for your hair, makeup and nails.
• Secure your prom group.
• Decide on a restaurant.
• Decide on photo locations.

One Month Out:

• Pick up your dress.
• Make dinner reservations.
• Determine a meeting time and place.
• Choose beauty details, like nail and lip colors.

Month Of:

• Pick up your altered prom gown and make sure it fits perfectly.
• Stock your prom bag with essentials (lip gloss, emergency hair pins, etc.).
• Do a complete dress rehearsal with shoes, undergarments, hair and makeup to ensure there are no wardrobe snafus.
• Practice walking around the house in your prom shoes and dress.
• Wear your prom heels on concrete to scuff up the bottoms a bit and prevent slips on prom night.
• Sure up your after-prom plans.

Day and Night Of:

• Have your nails done or do them yourself.
• Have your hair done or do it yourself.
• Have your makeup done or do it yourself.
• Put on your dress, accessories and shoes.
• Double-check your prom bag to make sure you have everything you need.
• Make sure your camera and phone are fully charged.
• Meet up with your friends or your date.
• Take photos before you leave.
• Go to prom and have a blast!