This post is all about the best prom tips and prom hacks.
Let’s be real: getting ready for prom can feel like a full-time job.
Between the dress, the makeup trial, the group chat chaos, and the question of whether your shoes will betray you by 9 p.m., it’s a lot.
But don’t worry— we’ve got your back.
Whether it’s your first prom or your last hurrah, these genius prom tips will help you prep like a pro, slay your look, and avoid classic prom-night regrets.
Let’s dive in, girl.
1. Start prep early. No seriously, EARLY.
Don’t wait until the week before to book your glam squad, tailor your dress, or even find your date (if you want one). The earlier you start, the more options you have—and the less you’ll stress when someone inevitably cancels or messes up your hair trial.
Related: 21 Prom Essentials You’ll Regret Forgetting
2. Break in your shoes around the house
Those five-inch heels may look fierce, but if they’ve never met pavement, good luck walking to your Uber. Wear them around your house with socks, dance in them, and figure out ASAP if they’re actually wearable.
3. Create a “day-of prom” checklist
Hair appointment time? Check. Dress steamed? Check. Emergency deodorant in clutch? Check. Having a written (or digital) checklist keeps you from forgetting anything crucial while you’re hyped and half-dressed.
4. Don’t sleep on undergarments
The right bra or seamless underwear will make or break how your dress fits. Try on your full look (shoes, accessories, everything) a week ahead to make sure no surprises are hiding underneath.
5. Consider a backup dress (or emergency kit)
Rips, spills, and zipper fails happen. A backup dress or at least a mini sewing kit can save your night. If your dress is white, maybe toss in a Tide pen too. You’ll thank me.
6. Don’t overdo it with beauty treatments
This is not the week to try your first chemical peel, fake tanner, or lash extensions. Keep it simple. Stick with what you know works for your skin, and test everything in advance.
7. Eat before you leave
You will be taking 800 photos. You will be dancing for hours. You might not love the dinner. Eat something solid and satisfying before you head out—bonus points if it’s not something that stains.
8. Bring flats. Seriously.
Even if you swear your heels are comfy. Even if you’re not usually a flip-flop girl. Toss a pair of foldable flats in your bag or someone’s car. Your future feet will be forever grateful.
9. Have a plan for photos
Talk with your group about where you’ll take pics (park, someone’s house, school courtyard?). And set a time buffer—golden hour lighting waits for no one.
10. Pin EVERYTHING in place
Hairpins, double-sided fashion tape, safety pins… whatever you need to make sure nothing falls out or falls down. Always better to overpin than underpin.
11. Try your full look before the day of
Hair. Makeup. Dress. Shoes. Jewelry. Do a full dress rehearsal (at least once) so you can fix anything that’s off—before it’s too late to fix it.
12. Plan your purse like a mini survival kit
Your clutch should have the prom holy trinity: gum/mints, blotting sheets, and emergency feminine products. Add a mini perfume and you’re good to go.
13. Don’t forget about your ride
Are you getting a limo? A party bus? Someone’s car? Confirm it. And confirm it again. Triple check pickup and drop-off times. Especially if your group includes the “chronic flake” friend.
14. Assign a shoe carrier
If your group is switching to flats or sneakers later (iconic), assign someone to bring a tote bag for all the shoes. Or just toss ‘em in the backseat like a pile of broken dreams.
15. Coordinate with your date (or don’t)
Matching outfits can be cute—but only if you’re both into it. Don’t force it. If you’re flying solo or going with friends, wear what makes you feel bomb and let everyone else catch up.
16. Say yes to the corsage
Yes, it’s old-school. Yes, it’s adorable. Yes, you will love how it looks in photos. And yes, it’ll probably die by the end of the night—but so will your hairstyle, so go for it.
17. Bring backup makeup
Lips wear off. Eyeshadow smudges. You don’t need your whole vanity, but having a lipstick, blotting powder, and a mirror in your bag is clutch. Literally.
18. Skip the big purse
You don’t want to be stuck dancing with a handbag under your arm. Small crossbody or a clutch that can slip into your date’s jacket? Much better.
19. Don’t go too hard on the fragrance
Everyone’s packed into the same room. One spritz too many and you’ll be that girl giving everyone a headache. Subtle is cute.
20. Set your expectations low—and your energy high
Not every prom is Pinterest-worthy. But with the right attitude (and playlist), it can still be a night to remember.
21. Take ALL the photos
You’ll never regret having too many pics. Candids, bathroom selfies, awkward limo shots—take them all. And then back them up in at least 3 places.
22. Stay hydrated, babe
Between dancing, nerves, and all that hairspray, you’ll need water. Bring a bottle or make a pact with a friend to remind each other to sip all night.
23. Don’t wait for the night to be perfect—make it fun
Laugh when things go wrong. Help a friend fix their strap. Dance like your ex is watching (because they probably are). Prom isn’t about perfection—it’s about making memories you’ll still be laughing at 10 years later.
The Most Important Prom Tip
The most important prom tip?
Be present. Look around. Soak it in.
Whether it’s the fairytale night you’ve dreamed of or just a sparkly detour on your high school journey, it’s still your night.
And honestly, you’re going to look amazing.