Formals. They are otherwise known as the more adult and fun college versions of proms. If you thought you hung up your prom dress for good after high school or that you would not wear a long dress until your wedding day, think again. Formal season is now in full swing and if you are getting ready to attend your first formal, here is your ultimate checklist of things to do for the big day.
1. Figure out your date situation well in advance (whether you are bringing a date or going as someone's date).
2. Buy your dress well in advance and try it on (or, make sure a dress you already have still fits).
3. Get your dress tailored well in advance if need be.
4. Make sure you are financially ready for the costs of formal months before the event.
5. Pay for your ticket and your date's ticket (if applicable) on time.
6. Book your hotel room (if applicable) on time and secure who you will be sharing a room with. Many hotels require the person who books to be 21 so plan accordingly.
7. Schedule your hair and makeup appointments well in advance or ask a friend to do your hair and makeup if you cannot.
8. Have all of your jewelry ready for the big day (earrings, necklace, rings, bracelets, etc.).
9. Buy and try on your shoes ahead of time! Make sure they are comfortable and wear them around the house to break them in if need be!
10. Have a makeup look and hairstyle in mind before the day of the event.
11. Figure out what you will carry to put your phone, tickets, money, etc. into.
12. Plan out the day of the event beforehand. Who are you driving with? Where are you getting dressed? What time do you want to arrive and check in (consider traffic too)? What time are you doing your hair and makeup?
13. Steam or iron your dress and keep it hung up until it is time to put it on.
14. Get your nails done as close to the date of formal as possible so they do not chip or break. DO NOT wait until the day of formal to get them done though. Do not forget about getting your toes done as well if you are wearing open-toed shoes!
15. Remember to eat something the day of formal besides the dinner.
16. Stay hydrated the day of formal as well.
17. Be smart about alcohol and never drink and drive.
18. Coordinate you and your date's outfits ahead of time so you both look nice.
19. Do not forget to get your eyebrows done a week before formal!
20. Bring an outfit to wear to bed and for the next day when you check out of the hotel. Pack an overnight bag the night before formal with all of the essentials.
21. Make breakfast or brunch plans for the day after formal.
22. Pay anyone you owe money to back as soon as possible for formal related things.
23. Find out what the dinner will be at formal and plan accordingly.
24. Bring some makeup to formal for touch ups!
25. Be safe and look out for your friends.
26. Find out if you need to bring cash to formal for anything.
27. Plan to tan!!!!! Formals are in the Spring when everyone is really pale from the Winter! Start your tanning plan a few weeks before the event (but do so safely by getting a spray tan or using something like Jergen's Natural Glow). Make sure you do not look orange either!
28. Exfoliate, do face makes, stay hydrated, moisturize, or even get a facial in the weeks before formal so your skin is at its best.
29. Bring a portable phone charger to formal because you may need it!
30. If you want to tone up or lose a few holiday pounds before formal, starting the week before is too late. Start eating healthy and exercising weeks before formal if you really want to lose some weight. Do so in a healthy way of course.
31. Be extra careful at dinner to not spill anything on your dress! Utilize those napkins!
32. Take lots of photos!
33. Have a lot of fun and enjoy the night!
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
