The Great Promenade

We all have our embarrassing stories and awkward memories from high school. The awful perms and bizarre fashion are always fun to laugh at, but one memory that always stands out from your High school times is Prom.
 
Whether you want to remember your prom or not, it's hard to forget when movies, tv shows, and literature continue to depict "The Perfect Prom". 

Now I know, I know, many of you probably had a magical night that went down in the books. But Prom is not like it was back in the 80's. Due to the quantity of media hype the event gets, Prom is an entirely different experience for many teen girls. 

One of the biggest influences on "The Perfect Prom" is the ever-present use of social media. These days if you don't post a picture of you and your date before the dance you mine as well not go. It sounds harsh, but for most this has become an essential part of the experience. 

Going to ridiculous lengths in cost and time to find the perfect dress and forcing your date to match is too common now. Prices range from $200 to $600 on a dress you are going to where once, just to create the flawless look.
 
By the time the girl has finished her check list of finding the dress, scheduling a hair, make-up, and nails appointment, found a friend group to go with, snagged a date, planned out where pictures will be taken, made reservations for the dinner party, and bought shoes to match the perfect dress, the actual dance seems like an after thought. 

Although Prom by itself is a glorified school dance, it is a great experience. What happened to laughing and dancing with friend on the dance floor? Prom is a chance to have fun, celebrate the year's end and make some great memories. 

Whether you are in High school, or the parent of a high schooler, focus on what really matters. Spending unnecessary amounts of money on the perfect dress and building up stress takes away from a great experience. 

The Prom will be just as magical without "The Perfect Dress".