Laugh or Cry....HS Senior Prom 2009 Long Sorry

[MichelleVW]

Yesterday the girls and I went into Dallas to see Rent. After the show we were driving through Downtown Dallas and saw a bunch of prom kids. I love seeing the girls in their dresses, they all look so beautiful!!

 

[Dixie Luvr 98]

Check in started at 5:45 then they had coronation of the court at the school Then they were bussed the approx. 25 miles to country club where prom was being held. (This helps to eliminate drinking and driving and kids wandering off during the course of the evening. Last year it was on a riverboat. ) They had a meal then dancing. No organized after prom activities.

It was incredibly windy here yesterday evening. My daughter's hair was in beautiful loose curls before she stepped outside! I give her credit for laughing it off Glad we hadn't opted to pay for an updo this year.

 

[mskani]

This happened several years ago, but around prom time, I always get a sickening feeling in my stomach. My dh's nephew decided at the VERY LAST MINUTE that he wanted to go to his prom. When I say LAST MINUTE, I'm talking that the prom was at 8pm and he decided at 12pm that he wanted to go.

I guess that my mistake was when I asked him six weeks before this date whether or not he was going to prom and if he was we (dh and I) would like to help

Prom time rolled around and we hadn't heard from him so we figured he wasn't going. I took off early that day to take my kids (then 9 & 7) to the movies. Shortly after we got outside to get in the van, one of the teachers came running up to me--halfway out breath to catch me to tell me that my dh was on the phone stuck at work and it was important. This of course had me a little anxious. (I had left my cell in the van, so I had missed several calls from him.)

I ran back to the office and my dh explained that dn really really wanted to go to prom and that he needed our help. I'm thinking to myself--this is NOT IMPORTANT!! Finally my dh essentially pleaded with me to help him out as his sister (dn's mother) was unwilling. I agreed. I was to pick him up from the train station and try to rent him a tux. As I have never rented a tux before, I didn't know that you have to go in several days in advance. DH called back and said to buy him a suit. He had wanted to buy him a suit for graduation anyway, so this would kill two birds with one stone. I took him to the Men's Wearhouse and explained to the salesguy that this kid needed everything: shirt, jacket, pants, vest, tie, shoes, socks and belt. I'm sure that he tried to sell me some underwear too!! After the alterations were done and by the time that we got out of there, I had spent over $700!!! Next, I had to get his haircut. I took hiim to the nearest barber who didn't have anyone in his chair and paid for that--$15. I rushed him to my house, where he showered and got dressed. He looked GREAT!!

While this was going on, dh had to call dn's school (it's an alternative school) and make sure that dn would be able to pick up his ticket at the door. Principal assured dh that it would be okay and that dh could pay for it when we showed up with him.

My next feat was to then drive him back to Chicago (by now it was rush hour) to take him to his mother's house so that she could see him. My dh met us there and we put $80 in his pocket--enough for cab fare back home and after prom activities. We then drove him downtown and went upstairs to the ballroom to meet his principal and pay for his ticket. His principal spoke highly of him and happened to mention that he was on track to graduate as long as he completed his project. WTH?!! Heck by the time prom rolls around, there should be no question as to whether or not you're going to graduate. Anyway, we wished him goodnight and told him to have a great time! He gave me a big hug and thanked me. I felt like the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. We even called him Cinderfella that night.

Fast forward a few weeks later, we were waiting for the time and date for the graduation so we could get the day off. We get a message: He's not graduating!! I was Apparently he didn't complete his final project.

Fast forward to the next year: he was definitely graduating this time. Would you believe that this joker wanted to go to prom again?! This time, he called us TWO days in advance. He had the nerve to ask us to rent him a car (are you crazy?!). After dh read him the riot act, he had to ask him why he just had to go the prom again. His answer: "Because I didn't really have a good time last year." To which my dh told him congratulations on finally finishing high school hung up!!

To his credit, he still wears the suit and it still looks good on him.

 

[golfgal]

Check in started at 5:45 then they had coronation of the court at the school Then they were bussed the approx. 25 miles to country club where prom was being held. (This helps to eliminate drinking and driving and kids wandering off during the course of the evening. Last year it was on a riverboat. ) They had a meal then dancing. No organized after prom activities.

It was incredibly windy here yesterday evening. My daughter's hair was in beautiful loose curls before she stepped outside! I give her credit for laughing it off Glad we hadn't opted to pay for an updo this year.

I love her dress. Her date is a twin to a good friend of our 14 year olds'.

 

[luvsJack]

This happened several years ago, but around prom time, I always get a sickening feeling in my stomach. My dh's nephew decided at the VERY LAST MINUTE that he wanted to go to his prom. When I say LAST MINUTE, I'm talking that the prom was at 8pm and he decided at 12pm that he wanted to go.

I guess that my mistake was when I asked him six weeks before this date whether or not he was going to prom and if he was we (dh and I) would like to help

Prom time rolled around and we hadn't heard from him so we figured he wasn't going. I took off early that day to take my kids (then 9 & 7) to the movies. Shortly after we got outside to get in the van, one of the teachers came running up to me--halfway out breath to catch me to tell me that my dh was on the phone stuck at work and it was important. This of course had me a little anxious. (I had left my cell in the van, so I had missed several calls from him.)

I ran back to the office and my dh explained that dn really really wanted to go to prom and that he needed our help. I'm thinking to myself--this is NOT IMPORTANT!! Finally my dh essentially pleaded with me to help him out as his sister (dn's mother) was unwilling. I agreed. I was to pick him up from the train station and try to rent him a tux. As I have never rented a tux before, I didn't know that you have to go in several days in advance. DH called back and said to buy him a suit. He had wanted to buy him a suit for graduation anyway, so this would kill two birds with one stone. I took him to the Men's Wearhouse and explained to the salesguy that this kid needed everything: shirt, jacket, pants, vest, tie, shoes, socks and belt. I'm sure that he tried to sell me some underwear too!! After the alterations were done and by the time that we got out of there, I had spent over $700!!! Next, I had to get his haircut. I took hiim to the nearest barber who didn't have anyone in his chair and paid for that--$15. I rushed him to my house, where he showered and got dressed. He looked GREAT!!

While this was going on, dh had to call dn's school (it's an alternative school) and make sure that dn would be able to pick up his ticket at the door. Principal assured dh that it would be okay and that dh could pay for it when we showed up with him.

My next feat was to then drive him back to Chicago (by now it was rush hour) to take him to his mother's house so that she could see him. My dh met us there and we put $80 in his pocket--enough for cab fare back home and after prom activities. We then drove him downtown and went upstairs to the ballroom to meet his principal and pay for his ticket. His principal spoke highly of him and happened to mention that he was on track to graduate as long as he completed his project. WTH?!! Heck by the time prom rolls around, there should be no question as to whether or not you're going to graduate. Anyway, we wished him goodnight and told him to have a great time! He gave me a big hug and thanked me. I felt like the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. We even called him Cinderfella that night.

Fast forward a few weeks later, we were waiting for the time and date for the graduation so we could get the day off. We get a message: He's not graduating!! I was Apparently he didn't complete his final project.

Fast forward to the next year: he was definitely graduating this time. Would you believe that this joker wanted to go to prom again?! This time, he called us TWO days in advance. He had the nerve to ask us to rent him a car (are you crazy?!). After dh read him the riot act, he had to ask him why he just had to go the prom again. His answer: "Because I didn't really have a good time last year." To which my dh told him congratulations on finally finishing high school hung up!!

To his credit, he still wears the suit and it still looks good on him.

I can totally relate to this because it sounds soo much like something that would happen with my younger ds. Only difference is one of my aunts, my mom or my bil would end up paying his way the second time; because they always felt bad for him and his "bad luck". They never seemed to realize that he was usually the making of his own bad luck! They just saw that sad hound dog look on his face and felt bad for him.

(in spite of them, I have finally gotten him grown and responsible--at least most of the time)

 

[MELSMICE]

but look how nice they look in pictures..

The kids do wrist corsages round here - not larger bouquets like in the picture you show. They are very pretty, though.

I don't see a reason for them to have a big elaborate corsage on their wrist when a nice understated one will look just as pretty.

 

[diskids2]

Our started between 6:30-7:00 and they had dinner there. Grand march was at 4:00. They let prom-goers out of school early. I have no idea WHY they didn't go with a Saturday night prom, but whatever. I'm sure a day out didn't kill them. But geez, what about those poor kids not going to the prom? Talk about adding insult to injury.

I put this pic up in my prom thread, but here's my son and his GF (she's such a sweetie). And one of him alone in a candid moment.

Very handsome!

 

[diskids2]

Check in started at 5:45 then they had coronation of the court at the school Then they were bussed the approx. 25 miles to country club where prom was being held. (This helps to eliminate drinking and driving and kids wandering off during the course of the evening. Last year it was on a riverboat. ) They had a meal then dancing. No organized after prom activities.

It was incredibly windy here yesterday evening. My daughter's hair was in beautiful loose curls before she stepped outside! I give her credit for laughing it off Glad we hadn't opted to pay for an updo this year.

She has a great smile!

 

[MrsPete]

I'm sure many of you have gone through your child's Senior Prom and right now I'm in the thick of it and I dont know whether to laugh or cry!

Let me just say.......Why is it so STRESSFUL!

Respectfully, I'd say that making a dance stressful is a choice. I've been teaching seniors for years, and the prom-goers tend to fall into two categories:

Category 1, the gotta-do-it-big group: These are the girls -- I say girls because this tends to be a girl thing -- who think that they COULD NOT go to the prom unless they had THE DRESS (plus accessories) as well as professional hair, make-up, nails, and tanning. This is the group who obsesses for weeks and weeks over who should share a limo, where to eat, etc., etc., etc. Girls in this group tend to have moms who are willing to pay big-money to help them have "the prom" -- even if they really don't have the money -- and some moms even seem to be living vicariously through their daughters. This group thinks that EVERYONE approaches prom with the same fervor with which they do, and they are completely unaware that other people don't seem prom as anything less than an epic event.

Category 2, the laid-back group: This group DOES care about prom, but they don't obsess about the details. Girls in this group do shop for "the dress", but they are more practical about their outfits past that point. They're fine with wearing a pair of shoes they already own, and they may not even bother with a purse. I'd say half this group goes for professional hair, but they don't bother with all the rest. I'd guess that half of this group arrives in a limo, but they probably didn't spearhead the ride themselves -- someone else probably asked them to join a group. This bunch thinks it's a hoot to get all dressed up and go eat for free at McDonald's.

Kids may fall mid-way, or they may lean more towards one end of the spectrum.

When I hear them talk about prom the next week, the laid-back group usually seems to have had a better time. My theory is that the kids who go "all out" build the event up in their mind to the point that the reality cannot match their dream prom.

 

[MELSMICE]

Respectfully, I'd say that making a dance stressful is a choice. I've been teaching seniors for years, and the prom-goers tend to fall into two categories:

Category 1, the gotta-do-it-big group: These are the girls -- I say girls because this tends to be a girl thing -- who think that they COULD NOT go to the prom unless they had THE DRESS (plus accessories) as well as professional hair, make-up, nails, and tanning. This is the group who obsesses for weeks and weeks over who should share a limo, where to eat, etc., etc., etc. Girls in this group tend to have moms who are willing to pay big-money to help them have "the prom" -- even if they really don't have the money -- and some moms even seem to be living vicariously through their daughters. This group thinks that EVERYONE approaches prom with the same fervor with which they do, and they are completely unaware that other people don't seem prom as anything less than an epic event.

Category 2, the laid-back group: This group DOES care about prom, but they don't obsess about the details. Girls in this group do shop for "the dress", but they are more practical about their outfits past that point. They're fine with wearing a pair of shoes they already own, and they may not even bother with a purse. I'd say half this group goes for professional hair, but they don't bother with all the rest. I'd guess that half of this group arrives in a limo, but they probably didn't spearhead the ride themselves -- someone else probably asked them to join a group. This bunch thinks it's a hoot to get all dressed up and go eat for free at McDonald's.

Kids may fall mid-way, or they may lean more towards one end of the spectrum.

When I hear them talk about prom the next week, the laid-back group usually seems to have had a better time. My theory is that the kids who go "all out" build the event up in their mind to the point that the reality cannot match their dream prom.

Great post regarding prom.

You are "spot on"!!!

 

[minniecarousel]

Holy crap! glad I had boys.

(I just read the OP - didn't read any other posts, sorry if I'm duplicating someone else's response!)

 

[Kirby]

Here's a picture of my little girl on prom night last Saturday.

 

[diskids2]

Here's a picture of my little girl on prom night last Saturday.

Beautiful!

 

[diskids2]

Respectfully, I'd say that making a dance stressful is a choice. I've been teaching seniors for years, and the prom-goers tend to fall into two categories:

Category 1, the gotta-do-it-big group: These are the girls -- I say girls because this tends to be a girl thing -- who think that they COULD NOT go to the prom unless they had THE DRESS (plus accessories) as well as professional hair, make-up, nails, and tanning. This is the group who obsesses for weeks and weeks over who should share a limo, where to eat, etc., etc., etc. Girls in this group tend to have moms who are willing to pay big-money to help them have "the prom" -- even if they really don't have the money -- and some moms even seem to be living vicariously through their daughters. This group thinks that EVERYONE approaches prom with the same fervor with which they do, and they are completely unaware that other people don't seem prom as anything less than an epic event.

Category 2, the laid-back group: This group DOES care about prom, but they don't obsess about the details. Girls in this group do shop for "the dress", but they are more practical about their outfits past that point. They're fine with wearing a pair of shoes they already own, and they may not even bother with a purse. I'd say half this group goes for professional hair, but they don't bother with all the rest. I'd guess that half of this group arrives in a limo, but they probably didn't spearhead the ride themselves -- someone else probably asked them to join a group. This bunch thinks it's a hoot to get all dressed up and go eat for free at McDonald's.

Kids may fall mid-way, or they may lean more towards one end of the spectrum.

When I hear them talk about prom the next week, the laid-back group usually seems to have had a better time. My theory is that the kids who go "all out" build the event up in their mind to the point that the reality cannot match their dream prom.

Well I guess my DD has chosen to make it stressful then! I'll let you know how it turns out once its over. Also, while it is stressful...it's fun. I guess I'm a believer that hard work has its rewards. Maybe you could equate it to "stressing" out over an AP exam. Maybe kids fall into two categories....one the kids who will "stress" out and study because they want to do well and the second those that "are more laid back" and just wing it. Can you tell I'm annoyed?

I do have a few other things to say. First, I posted this thread to be fun...talk about the differences in proms around the country....since it was prom season I thought it would be fun. And for the most part it has.

However....while the majority of the posts have taken on this flavor, I have had to read quite a few things that, IMHO, were just plain not nice....

A. Although generalizing....Mom's may not have the money and tend to live through their daughters....NO...I had my prom thank you....this is hers and for the record, I DO have the money

B. I"m not a better mom then someone else because I am doing this for her....I NEVER said I was a better mom....just a mom.

C. My daughter is not a worse daughter then someone elses.....nothing to say except quite rude!

I'm sorry....I have been answering these as nicely as I can....but this is ridiculous. Why do people think they have the right to say things like this.

 

[ms.yt]

Well I guess my DD has chosen to make it stressful then! I'll let you know how it turns out once its over. Also, while it is stressful...it's fun. I guess I'm a believer that hard work has its rewards. Maybe you could equate it to "stressing" out over an AP exam. Maybe kids fall into two categories....one the kids who will "stress" out and study because they want to do well and the second those that "are more laid back" and just wing it. Can you tell I'm annoyed?

While I agree that some of the posters in this thread have been a little rude, you really can't be seriously comparing stressing over an exam to stressing over having every little detail "perfect" for prom.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Respectfully, I'd say that making a dance stressful is a choice. I've been teaching seniors for years, and the prom-goers tend to fall into two categories:

Category 1, the gotta-do-it-big group: These are the girls -- I say girls because this tends to be a girl thing -- who think that they COULD NOT go to the prom unless they had THE DRESS (plus accessories) as well as professional hair, make-up, nails, and tanning. This is the group who obsesses for weeks and weeks over who should share a limo, where to eat, etc., etc., etc. Girls in this group tend to have moms who are willing to pay big-money to help them have "the prom" -- even if they really don't have the money -- and some moms even seem to be living vicariously through their daughters. This group thinks that EVERYONE approaches prom with the same fervor with which they do, and they are completely unaware that other people don't seem prom as anything less than an epic event.

Category 2, the laid-back group: This group DOES care about prom, but they don't obsess about the details. Girls in this group do shop for "the dress", but they are more practical about their outfits past that point. They're fine with wearing a pair of shoes they already own, and they may not even bother with a purse. I'd say half this group goes for professional hair, but they don't bother with all the rest. I'd guess that half of this group arrives in a limo, but they probably didn't spearhead the ride themselves -- someone else probably asked them to join a group. This bunch thinks it's a hoot to get all dressed up and go eat for free at McDonald's.

Kids may fall mid-way, or they may lean more towards one end of the spectrum.

When I hear them talk about prom the next week, the laid-back group usually seems to have had a better time. My theory is that the kids who go "all out" build the event up in their mind to the point that the reality cannot match their dream prom.

I guess my DD and her friends have their own category.
They aren't stressing over the dresses or any of the other things.
Everything just cost money. $300 for a prom dress is the norm in New York. I had to force her to go shoe shopping last week as her prom is in 3 weeks. She wasn't even thinking about it.

I guess it all depends on where you live and what is "normal" for your area.

 

[diskids2]

While I agree that some of the posters in this thread have been a little rude, you really can't be seriously comparing stressing over an exam to stressing over having every little detail "perfect" for prom.

Oh, I'm definitely serious because people are INDIVIDUALS and they each choose what they want to stress over.

Also, if you felt people were being rude....may I nicely ask...why didn't you speak out then?

BTW...I've asked the mods to close this thread as I don't like the direction it is going....and I hope they honor my request...sorry to all who enjoyed it....I know seeing the pics and hearing the stories was fun for me.

Everyone enjoy your prom experiences in the way you wish too!

 

[ms.yt]

Oh, I'm definitely serious because people are INDIVIDUALS and they each choose what they want to stress over.

Also, if you felt people were being rude....may I nicely ask...why didn't you speak out then?

BTW...I've asked the mods to close this thread as I don't like the direction it is going....and I hope they honor my request...sorry to all who enjoyed it....I know seeing the pics and hearing the stories was fun for me.

Everyone enjoy your prom experiences in the way you wish too!

To be honest, I didn't speak out about any rudeness because your original post made your daughter sound a bit like a spoiled princess, and you seemed to perpetuate that attitude while at the same time wanting to complain about it here. You're free to do what you want with your own child, of course, but I don't have to come and defend you, either. People are going to disagree on forums, that's how they keep getting visitors. For instance, I can still respectfully maintain that to compare stress over something like an AP test to stress over getting the perfect shade of toenail polish for prom night is like comparing apples to really superficial, spoiled oranges.

 

[~disneydiva~]

I'm sure many of you have gone through your child's Senior Prom and right now I'm in the thick of it and I dont know whether to laugh or cry!

Let me just say.......Why is it so STRESSFUL!

I try my hardest to calm my daughter's concerns and I remind her that while this is a special occasion it is a time to have fun and not get so crazy! It falls on "closed" ears.

So as I celebrate this time (prom is June 10th)...I'll share some of my journey with you now..........

Shopping for a prom dress - five different times, countless store, many many prom dresses and we got the very first one we tried on for the amount of $229...naturally we needed a special undergarment for it....cost $80....and the alterations.....got the dress to the seamstress...haven't gotten bill yet...can only imagine.

Shoes.....who thought this would be so much fun Ok this time we only went to three shoe stores before we figured out that she wanted shoes dyed to match the dress. Trucked over to Central Ave. in Yonkers (which is clear across Westchester County for me - but hey I'm a devoted Mom) and got shoes she liked....yipeeeee! Cost $90 plus $10 to dye them. (Oh but did I mention she can pay another $10 after the prom and get them dyed to black and won't they look great with jeans....ummmm ok) Got the swatch from the seamstress and went to drop the shoes off to get dyed at the Yonkers shoe store where we bought them (across the county I go....) only to find out they are closed on Tuesdays....totally my fault I should have checked. Went back on Wed....fought the traffic and got there at 6:05pm...store closed at 6....so I'll try again on Saturday...but I'm ok....I love my daughter

Limo......5 girls with dates decided to get together and rent a limo. $240 per girl. Ok...I breathe....got the $100 deposit from each girl...went to limo place and booked it....all set....just have to get the other $140 from each girl next week. Oh wait Karen is not coming back in the limo....OK that's nice....Limo owner needs a note from or to speak to Karen's mom....he's responsible for her if she goes down in limo....I dont blame him....DD says you adults are so overprotective....yes....we are.....can you say "look in the news!"

Prom Tickets....Hammerstein Ballroom NYC....$125 per ticket. Daughter's BF paid for his prom...now it's her turn....I loved it when he paid....Seriously, fair is fair. School asks that they make tables of 10. No problem.....5 girls in the limo with dates.....5 girls at the table with dates....wait what did you say.....Sue's BF doesn't like Janet's BF (names changed to protect the innocent).....they'll deal with it All ten tickets should be purchased together.....do you hear ten pairs of feet scrambling for their money??

After Prom: Pre sale on tickets to dance clubs and comedy clubs....Limo owner says everyone must go together...can't leave kids at one club.....ok ok we get it......and we agree.....now if we can just get 10 teens to agree on an after party....cost per ticket at the moment $40 each.

Breakfast.....Oh who's taking me........."Oh Mom, plezzzzzzzzzzzzze".....Do you really need to go to breakfast when the after prom parties end at 4 am? Again, "Oh Mom, PLEZZZZZZZZZZZZZE". Ok fine....I'm ancient...I forgot. Cost who knows.....

Makeup - $100 to have someone come to our house on prom day to do the makeup....ok actually not bad.....$200 to buy the makeup she liked. NO comment!

Hair - Appointments made for the week before for a trim and highlight and then the day of for the styling. Wash the hair the night before and let it air dry.....Can't I just put it in a ponytail for her...I'll curl it....Well you already know the answer "PLEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZE" Trim and highlight usually runs $150 and the styling cost....unknown

Wildwood NJ trip after Prom......3 nights.....5 girls....I have no idea of the cost and right now I don't want to know.....LOL!

We haven't tackled....jewlery yet.

Well thanks for listening....I feel better now......Where's that priceless MasterCard commercial when you need it!

Wow! Sounds stressful and fun! I think its great that you and your daughter are making the most of her prom!

 

[diskids2]

To be honest, I didn't speak out about any rudeness because your original post made your daughter sound a bit like a spoiled princess, and you seemed to perpetuate that attitude while at the same time wanting to complain about it here. You're free to do what you want with your own child, of course, but I don't have to come and defend you, either. People are going to disagree on forums, that's how they keep getting visitors. For instance, I can still respectfully maintain that to compare stress over something like an AP test to stress over getting the perfect shade of toenail polish for prom night is like comparing apples to really superficial, spoiled oranges.

Actually, my daughter is no where near a spoiled princess as she works for what she gets. I wonder do you have children? And as for comparing stress over AP's (which she doesn't stress over...having taken oh let's see 5 so far in the last two years)...I have ever right to use that comparison especially when I am comparing apples to really rotten bananas.

But thank you for your opinion even though I disagree with it. And possibly in the future you might want to think before you speak and be rude to someone you don't even know. If you have anything else to say feel free to PM as I will not continue to engage in this type of behavior with you any longer.