A comfortable prom is a fun prom!

Forget the dressing up and getting your hair done – one of the most important parts of enjoying your prom night is actually being comfortable! After all, it’s hard to enjoy yourself if your feet are hurting or your dress is pinching. Your prom night is a once in a lifetime event, so you want to make sure you’ll enjoy it. Consider the following tips when you’re getting ready so that you’ll look great – and feel comfortable – at your prom.

Make sure your dress and shoes are the right size. This may seem very simple, but you’d be surprised by how many people get this wrong. Try on your dress and shoes before you purchase them, and then again a week before the prom. You can gain or lose a surprising amount of weight in just a few weeks – if so, trying things on ahead of time will give you a chance to get emergency alterations or a new pair of shoes if necessary.

Choose whether or not to carry a clutch. While a clutch can be the perfect accessory for your ensemble, it can be a hassle to carry it around for hours. Check to see if there will be a place to check your coat and clutch at the prom venue. If there is, carry only a few touch-up items inside and leave everything of value at home.

Pick accessories that are comfortable. While a long dangly pair of earrings may look beautiful when you first try them on, make sure they don’t pull on your lobes or make them sore after a few hours. You’ll also want to try wearing your necklace before prom to make sure it doesn’t easily tangle in your hair. This advice goes for any hair accessories as well. Make sure they don’t stick you or pull at your hair – otherwise, you’re in for a long night! Make sure your transportation is arranged in advance. You should definitely plan to have someone you trust take you to the prom and pick you up – it can be very embarrassing standing outside in your formal dress or tuxedo wondering why your ride isn’t arriving. You’ll also want to make sure your ride isn’t drinking at the prom, as it can be an uncomfortable situation telling your friends that you have to find another way home.

Consider any situations you’ll be placed in during prom. If your prom is held in a hotel, understand that it’s common for students to reserve rooms. Make sure you don’t go into any rooms where you could end up in uncomfortable or peer pressure situations. Prom should be a time for fun, not for being forced into doing something you don’t want to do.

Stay in safe areas. Don’t go outside with your friends into areas that aren’t well lit. Every year, hundreds of accidents and crimes happen on prom night. Staying safe is one of the best ways to ensure that you’ll be comfortable during prom.

Clearly, feeling comfortable at your prom covers many different aspects of the night. You’ll want to be safe and physically comfortable while dancing and having a good time. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure your prom night is an event you’ll be able to look back on with fond memories.