10 Things That Can (and Probably Will) Go Wrong on Formal Weekend | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things That Can (and Probably Will) Go Wrong on Formal Weekend

If your formal goes anything like mine did, the bus company might even leave you and 150 others stranded at the dance.

10
10 Things That Can (and Probably Will) Go Wrong on Formal Weekend
Maggie Barrett

1. Having no food.
If I'm being honest, most fraternity boys aren't the greatest at planning and organizing. They're so excited for the weekend ahead, food is the last thing on their minds. Where the weekend's meals are coming from is completely unknown. Some people think it's every man for himself, others think someone will buy it all and everyone will chip in when they get there. Rarely is it discussed beforehand. This typically ends in couples snacking on Hot Pockets and frozen pizzas all weekend or having to work out all the grocery trips and splitting checks. There is nothing smooth or efficient about it.

2. Consequently buying way too much food.
Because partying and planning don't usually go hand in hand, buying too much food is another common mishap. A few members will take it upon themselves to buy food, usually on separate occasions. This ends not only in people not paying or getting left out, but in piles of leftover hamburger buns, condiments, egg cartons and bacon—things that obviously can't be salvaged. Another factor adding to the excess of food at the end of the weekend is the fact that you'll inevitably end up going out to eat for at least one meal, if not two (depending on whether you call in that late night pizza or make it to a waffle house in the morning).

3. Sleeping arrangements.
Once you arrive at the location of your formal you will most likely be surprised and disappointed to find that you're stuck on a crappy futon or couch in a room with two other couples.

4. Getting no sleep.
Because the house has exceeded maximum capacity and half the house will stay up blasting music all night long, I can almost guarantee that you won't be getting more than five hours of sleep a night.

5. Bad weather.
Most of time, formal is located at a beach. Half of the fun is getting to lay out during the day and hang with your friends. Unfortunately, the weather can put a damper on things if it's too cold or too rainy.

6. Sunburn.
If it is nice out or you try to brave the overcast weather, you're pale, pre-summer skin will get burnt and you will look and feel like a miserable lobster for pictures and the remainder of the night.

7. Someone always goes too hard.
There's always those few guys or girls in the house that go way too hard and have to be taken care of. Whether they get injured from being reckless or have too much to drink, they're going to need some assistance.

8. No privacy.
We've established how unfortunate squeezing over 20 college students into a four-bedroom house is when it comes to sleeping arrangements. In addition, it's nearly impossible to find any time to yourself. Even getting a chance to shower in the bathroom is a rare occasion. Then, add 10 girls cramming into two bathrooms to get all dolled up and ready for formal. It just doesn't end well. You can count on having no alone time and sharing everything all weekend long.

9. Dance malfunctions.
Once you finally make it to the dance, something will go wrong. Whether your dress is too long and it gets stepped on all night, you leave your phone on the bus or your date loses his cummerbund, there's going to be something damaged or left behind.

10. Having to pay the safety deposit.
At the end of the weekend, as everyone packs up and cleans the house from top to bottom, you realize how many things have been broken or damaged. As soon as the landlord comes through to check the house, you'll be forced to pay the safety deposit that your broke college budget simply can't afford.

Despite all the mishaps and series of unfortunate events you had all weekend, you'll never forget all of the inside jokes, new friends and hilarious moments. All it takes to have a great time is to simply go with the flow, enjoy the company of one another and allow yourself to have a good time.

Your weekend may not include all of the scenarios mentioned above, but they are sure to include a version of these adverse situations. In the end, if you go in with an open mind and a positive attitude, you're sure to make some amazing memories.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

14355
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2850
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1715
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments