Planning for your school prom

In their prom dresses are, from left, Natalie Hall, Alice Sumner, Sarah Husbands, Natasha Rikunemko, Lizzie Thompson, Emma Faulkner, Sophy Ridley, Livvie Tipping and Abbi Russon

The school prom has only taken off in Britain in the past decade, but has been the mainstay of the high school in America for more than a century.

Today it seems every secondary school has an end-of-school prom and the event has taken on huge significance in the life of those about to embark on college life.

The prom is more than just an excuse for teenagers to wear a fabulous dress – or pick their first suit, travel in a limo and generally empty their parents' wallets.

It really is an emotional time, marking the end of school years and the time when many come to an end of five years at secondary school, leave behind the building and the teachers, and head for university.

It often brings a realisation that they will also be leaving long-term friends who are heading off to other colleges or into the world of work, and that they are embarking on a new and scary phase in their lives.

It is no wonder that the prom is often the only thing on the minds of youngsters – what to wear, who to take, how to get there and, for some, how they can "acquire" alcohol for the soft-drinks-only night.

Proms had a much more genteel start in the well-to-do colleges of north-east America, beginning as a way of instilling social etiquette into the youngsters.

This year the American prom is having a huge influence on events in Shropshire and Mid Wales, with fashions including dresses with a very 1950s American prom feel and also extravagant fairytale dresses of the 21st Century.

The word prom came from the "promenade" of guests at the beginning of a formal ball.

American high school proms, which began in the early 1900s, were simple affairs. But in the 1920s and 1930s they became more important, and by post-war America of the 1950s, were elaborate, expensive events with stylish prom dresses and a battle to be seen with the best prom date.

Thirty years later teen movies helped the American prom take on cult status, the ultimate coming-of-age event, which remains today.

Spending on the American prom has soared out of all control and glamorous ballrooms are now prom-night standards.

Britain has, thankfully, kept a rein on the most decadent of spending for the prom, although girls do hanker for that all-important dress, and those who are lucky enough to turn up in limos are envied by those on the school coach to the function.

Many describe the event as "the best night ever", a testament to the hard work of those who have organised the event, teachers, parents and others that make sure the school prom is a great night out.

So how can you ensure the night goes without a hitch?

We asked some teenagers from Shrewsbury Sixth Form College who have their prom behind them to give some advice to those looking forward to this season's 'do'.

Prom Date

The main tips were about that dreaded prom date. Fine if you have a girlfriend or boyfriend, but what if you don't? Our experts suggested making a pact with a mate to be each other's 'date' for the night. The big 'no no' was asking someone else's girlfriend or boyfriend to be your prom date! Why not pledge between a few of you to go along as a group, be the first on the dance floor, and promise yourselves you will have a great time?

What to wear

Make sure you know your budget from the start. That way you won't set your heart on your dream dress only to find your parents rule it out as too expensive.

Try several styles and colours – the dress that looks good on the hanger may not suit you.

Finding a good bra is a must. Many prom dresses need a strapless bra and you need to know that it is going to stay in place. Make sure 'corset' style backs are secure – lads will not think twice about undoing the ties.

Lads, matching the colour of your tie with your prom date's dress always looks good.

And whatever you do, remember a corsage for your date, again matching the dress.

Try your make-up and hairstyle in advance, and remember, a big dress will take a big hairstyle, but keep make up as natural as possible. If you are wearing your hair up, don't wash it for a day or so, or it will not stay up.

Getting to the Prom

If you are thinking of hiring a limo – get it booked early. There are only so many to go around.

Think of alternatives, what about a converted fire engine, or arrive in the cab of a huge lorry?

'Pimp' your parents' car with ribbons and bows.

Make sure you know where you are meeting your carriage to the ball and ensure there is plenty of time allowed for photographs outside the vehicle before you leave.

Alcohol

We all know that it happens, even though you wont have alcohol at the event itself. Don't ruin your big evening by getting drunk – YOU WILL REGRET IT.

Camera

Don't run out of battery or memory and make sure your camera and other valuables are safe during the evening.

And, most importantly, do make sure that you send in your prom night pictures to us at ShropshireStar.com. You can send your pictures by clicking on this link, and we will put the best images on the website.

From left: Anna Shore, Aiden Cookson, Stuart Armstrong, Callum Buck, Peter Asbey, Robert Staples and Charlotte Robinson