11 Prom Traditions That Can Surprise You
11 Prom Traditions That Can Surprise You
Every school celebrates prom night in its own unique way. Some traditions are so peculiar and fun that they might surprise you. You might even find that your school shares some of these quirky customs!
1. Senior Only Dress Code
In certain schools, seniors have a special dress code for prom: they all wear white. This means men show up in white tuxedos, while women dazzle in white gowns. This exclusive tradition ensures that wearing white is a privilege only for the graduating class, making them stand out during the celebration.
2. Juniors’ Choice
In some places like Maryland and North Idaho, the responsibility of organizing prom falls to the juniors. They select the theme and decorate the venue, often keeping the details a secret from the seniors until the event itself. This secrecy adds an element of surprise and excitement, enhancing the special night for the graduating class.
3. Red Carpet Entrance
Imagine arriving at prom like a movie star! At a school in Setauket, New York, this dream becomes a reality. They lay out a red carpet for students to make a grand entrance, while community members gather on bleachers to watch and cheer, adding to the glamorous experience.
4. Etiquette Class
In Newark, Delaware, boys at an all-boys school prepare for prom in a unique way. They spend the day learning proper etiquette and dance moves. Additionally, they write heartfelt letters to their dates, which are presented at the event, proving that traditional chivalry is still very much alive.
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5. Make an Entrance
At a high school in Sterling, Kentucky, making a memorable entrance at prom is a popular tradition. Students have shown up in everything from hot air balloons to ice cream trucks. This competition to outdo each other adds a fun and unpredictable element to the night.
6. The Happiest Place on Earth
Ending prom night in a magical way is a tradition for one California school that takes its students to Disneyland. They have the amusement park to themselves from late at night until morning, creating memories that last a lifetime.
7. Post-Prom Party
After the formal prom ends, many schools host a post-prom party with various activities and food. These events may be optional, but some schools require attendance. Either way, they’re designed to keep the fun going safely throughout the night.
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8. Skipping School the Day of Prom
It’s common for students to skip school on prom day, especially if the event is scheduled on a Friday. This time off allows them to prepare for the evening’s festivities. However, some schools might insist on attendance during the day to prevent this from happening.
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9. Wearing Garters
A lesser-known prom tradition involves girls wearing garters, similar to those worn by brides. Customized with initials or graduation years, these garters are given to their dates during prom. This custom draws inspiration from a wedding tradition believed to bring good luck.
10. Pre-Prom Pep Rally
To boost excitement for the upcoming dance, some schools organize a pep rally on the day of, or the week before, prom. This event serves to energize the students and build anticipation for the night ahead.
11. Drawing Your Prom Date from a Hat
At Aquin High School in Freeport, Illinois, students maintain a nearly century-old tradition called Prom Draw. Boys randomly select their dates from a hat and perform promposal skits. This tradition, started in the 1920s to include orphanage children, continues today, with students voting annually on whether to uphold it.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.