Junior Prom

What is Junior Prom?

Not all schools have an official junior prom. If you attend a small high school, odds are there is only one prom and students from all grades are invited to attend.

If you go to a larger high school, there is usually a senior prom that only graduating seniors and their guests are invited to, and a junior prom that underclassmen can attend.

If your school has a separate junior prom, it can be a lot of fun to just get together with your friends and have a fun night out, anticipating that you'll have even more fun next year when its your turn to rule the school.

Junior Prom Attire

Like the senior prom, girls dress up in fancy dresses and the guys usually wear suits or tuxedos. Prom is a fun reason to get dressed up, go all out, get your hair done, go out for a fancy meal, maybe even rent a limousine with some of your friends to celebrate in high style.

Guys have it pretty easy when it comes to prom because they can always rent their clothes, but it doesn't work that way for girls. Shop sales if you can, or check out vintage clothing shops for a prom dress that's completely different from anything anyone else is going to be wearing.

Just because fancy dresses and bling are everywhere doesn't mean you have to dress like everyone else. The junior prom can be a time to really let your individuality shine when you go all out with a totally unique outfit.

Getting a Date

Probably the most nerve-wracking thing about junior prom, or any other school dance for that matter, is finding a date. If you're not attached to someone when prom time rolls around and you still want to attend, try to work up the courage to ask your crush if he or she will go with you.

If you can't work up the nerve to ask the object of your desire, try making junior prom a group affair, attending with a group of guy and gal friends, where there are multiple unattached people. This way everyone gets to enjoy the fun of the prom without the pressure of having to find a date.

If all else fails, you can always just go by yourself. You'll have a great time even if you didn't bring anyone with you.

Before and After

Your junior prom can easily become a whole-day affair. Girls might want to go out and get hair and makeup done together, or head to one friend's house where there are lots of mirrors and everyone can get ready together.

Guys don't have as much prep work for prom, but a group of guy friends can make prom day special by going bowling, hanging out by the pool or doing some other activity together before the big event.

Directly before going to prom, most people go out to dinner. For those who are dating someone at prom time, this can be a good opportunity to go out to a fancy or romantic restaurant and have a slightly more grown-up date than you're probably used to.

For those attending the prom in a group, a fancy dinner can be fun, but it's even more fun to go somewhere unexpected in your fancy clothes. Think IHOP, your favorite diner or even a funky Mexican place. The idea is to have fun and to turn heads when the other patrons see a group of well-dressed young people walking in.

After prom, particularly senior prom, there are often parties that may involve alcohol or drugs. Sometimes schools set up drug-free programs so students have a safe place to go after the prom where they can still hang out.

It's a good idea to decide beforehand what you want to do after prom. This is especially important if you're dating someone and you're feeling that prom night peer pressure to take your relationship further than you might be comfortable with. Just because you went to prom with someone does not mean you owe him or her anything. If you're uncomfortable with what's going on around you, call your parents, an older sibling or a trusted adult to pick you up if you don't have your own car.

Prom is a lot of fun and will give you a night full of memories to last the rest of your life. Have fun dancing the night away!