It's formal season, and that means one thing: stress. The thought of formal evokes images of girls crying over dates and dresses and boys fratting it up in their tuxes. The lead up to formal is always incredibly overwhelming, but somewhere it all comes together smoothly into a night you may or may not remember. It's an interesting time of year, that's for certain. For anyone who hasn't lived it themselves, a lot goes into preparing for formal and the following list only covers a portion of it.

1. The dress

Finding a dress is one of the most difficult things on the list. They're either too long, too short, too expensive, too tight, too loose or too ugly.

2. The date

The most awkward part of the whole situation is finding a date. It's a big deal for commitment-phobe guys to agree to going to a sorority formal. To top it off, they can't fathom spending the money on a tux that could potentially go toward alcohol.

3. Shoes

The best part. Self explanatory.

4. Jewelry

Accessories are key to a flawless formal look, but don't overdo it.

5. Tanning

Try to look sun-kissed, not like an oompa loompa.

6. Nails

Getting a mani/pedi is the most relaxing part of the process. Just don't go crazy with the designs.

7. Reservations/plans

No one wants to be the planner, so you'll inevitably end up being the one to coordinate the whole night. Just don't procrastinate, or you'll be sorry.

8. Dinner

Don't be the girl that orders salad, otherwise you won't last the night and your date will end up holding your hair as you vomit on his rented shoes.

8. Execution

The day of, enjoy yourself and don't forget the secret to eliminating stress: day drinking.