The Prom Countdown Begins!

With Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School's May 14 junior prom mere days away and their senior prom on May 28, the pre-bash shopping clock is certainly ticking. Both events are sure to be nights to remember—if only party-going teens can get through the pre-prom prep.

For both girls and guys, the first hurdle is navigating the intricate nuances of teenage friendships and relationships in order to secure a date, after which the flurry of activity to find the perfect dress/tuxedo, make-up, hairstyle, manicuring, corsage, and mode of transportation takes over full throttle. All in all, it's an anxiety-inducing drama worthy of its own reality show. Luckily, Patch has come to the rescue with this handy prom survival guide.

The Dress

In the chick flick "What Women Want," Mel Gibson once commented, "They say it's all downhill after the dress." Most girls will agree that the dress is the most major decision to be made post-date choice. Dress choices run the gamut from simple to sophisticated, with price tags to match. Even at this late date, it's still not too late to nab that frock that screams "you."

Westfield's Lord & Taylor held their "Promapalooza" sale earlier this spring, but there are still racks and racks of designer dresses on the floor at a 15% discount or even lower clearance mark-downs.

Mademoiselle, a formal wear store in Westfield, is offering a $25 discount on prom gowns until May 30^th. They are also currently running a discounted shoe sale at $10 per pair.

Custom dresses and off-the-rack formal wear (with free alterations) are also available at Seng Couture in Fanwood.

Want to save some green while being green? The NJ chapter of Wish Upon A Hero, in conjunction with their Clothes Angel Program, will hold their 1^st Annual Eco Prom Dress Swap on May 15, 2010, from 11:30 am until 3 pm at the South Plainfield Senior Center (90 Maple Avenue, South Plainfield). Dress prices run from $10 to $40. Shoppers should bring a dress to swap in exchange for a voucher toward a dress of their choice.

What about non-traditional or one-of-a-kind prom dresses? Students can make a dress out of duct tape and enter the 10^th annual "Stuck at the Prom" scholarship contest. In order to be eligible for the grand prize, couples must attend their prom wearing complete attire (and accessories) made from duct tape. Duck's web site also features a nifty prom checklist and advice for parents and teachers.

The Tux

While blue ruffled pirate shirts might work for Napoleon Dynamite, a classic penguin suit is probably the way to go for SPF's posh party. These long-time Scotch Plains tailors offer rental services: Formals by Luigi, Victor's Custom Tailor,  and Nick Del Negro.

Flowers

Facing the age-old dilemma of pinned corsage versus wrist corsage? Don't know what exactly is a boutonniere? Let the local experts steer you right: Apple Blossom Flowers & Candy (Scotch Plains), Scotchwood Florist (Fanwood), and Einhorn's Florist (Scotch Plains).

Glamming It Up

"Look like a star for your prom" with Exclusive Salon & Spa's prom-themed beauty packages. The Fanwood site offers hair up-dos and prom make-up starting at $70 and $45 respectively.

Mani/pedis are also available at Anton's Salon & Spa (Fanwood), Shalom Nails (Fanwood), Diva Nail and Spa (Fanwood), and Bijou Nails (Scotch Plains). 

Transportation

Driving is definitely the most economical way to attend the prom, but sometimes group-organized limos can help cut down on the cost of what would otherwise be a pretty steep bill: City Limousine Service (Fanwood) and ALS Limousine Service (Scotch Plains).

Student-Parent Contract

Both proms require students and their parents to abide by a contract stipulating that students will not consume alcohol before, during, or after the prom—and that parents refrain from serving alcohol to minors before, during, or after the prom. Students are also warned that they will not be allowed to leave the prom for any reason and that they are not allowed to return to their car.

After all is said and done--including the embarassing family photos that have been snapped--there's just one thing left for everyone (parents and students alike) to do: forget the hype and savor the moment. High school only happens once...until you vicariously live it all over again through your children.

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SPFHS Junior Prom: Friday, May 14, 7-11:30 PM, at The Westwood (Garwood)

SPFHS Senior Prom: Friday, May 28, 7-Midnight, at The Pines Manor (Edison)

For more information about Eco Prom Dress Swap, contact: Beth Derby at 856-459-7528 or beth_derby@wishuponahero.com.