The Do's & Don't's of Planning Your Homeschool Group's First Prom

Source

Do rely on your committee members because without them you are nothing. Sorry if that hurts your ego, but it's true. It's impossible to plan a prom by yourself. Well, maybe not impossible. It is impossible to plan an *amazing* prom by yourself. Different ideas, talents, strengths, and resources are crucial. I've been incredibly blessed with the committee I get to work with. It also helps to have a mom who's willing to paint for hours and contact the venue after you've given up hope. :)

Don't try to do the music list in one sitting. Attempting to do so may result in losing all motivation for months at a time. Having Spotify on in the background while doing more productive things will work wonders. Plus, you're being super efficient. ;)

Do scour Pinterest for hours on end.

Don't spend so much time on Pinterest that you end up in the weird part of the internet (taco cake pops, anyone?)

Do walk up and down the party aisles of Wal-Mart and the Dollar Store. Spend as much time as necessarily going through any GoodWill you happen to drive past. Not only will you find some awesome deals (five pounds of Mardi Gras beads and a wooden birdcage for 50 cents, for instance), but you burn all the calories you consumed appetizer taste-testing.

Don't spam your friend's Facebook feeds with prom updates/questions. Especially if the majority of your friends won't be attending prom or aren't even homeschooled.

Do be prepared for concerned parents and students. I promise that they aren't mad at you or what you're trying to do. 'Prom' tends to have negative associations, and it's important to take into account everyone's concerns. A homeschool prom isn't (and shouldn't be) a public or even a private school prom. Homeschoolers already do things a little differently, prom will be the same way. (And that's seriously fantastic! Where else would you find a prom during which there will be rocking out to Cotton Eyed Joe, Disney, and Broadway? That's what I thought ;) )

Don't take your committee members for granted. This is pretty much the same as what I mentioned before, but it's important, so I'm saying it again.

Do research places that sell reasonably-priced, modest (or easily alterable) dresses or dress patterns. This is one of the most difficult parts of the whole prom experience. Unfortunately, it's not very easy to find modest dresses, but it is possible, and when people ask you for dress shopping recommendations, you'll have someone to direct them.

Don't wait until last minute to alter your dress. Even though everything will turn out fine, the fact that you have a dress-code-breaking dress in your closet will gnaw at you. ;) This should probably go for buying your shoes, purse, jewelry, etc. Things will get hectic and in the whirlwind of planning the actual prom, you may forget that this is also your prom.

Do relax. Everything will be fine.

Don't freak out at any point. Everything will be fine.

It's actually really fun to plan a prom. Especially with the right committee and attendees.