Is prom a night of fun, celebrating youthfulness and being surrounded by your peers or is it just an event rooted in aesthetics? The pressure of having the perfect date, an expensive dress and a full face of makeup can be overwhelming. For the past generations, prom has lost the meaning of being an enjoyable night, instead centered around appearance and a stylistic mindset.
It is unclear how and where prom originated; although, Ivy league schools in the United States started hosting banquets or balls during the 19th century. These parties were created in order to celebrate graduates and their teen years, however they were less extravagant than they are now. Prom in high school started as a casual dance, often located in a school gymnasium. According to HISTORY Education, similar balls occurred in Europe between the 18th and 19th century, referred to as debutantes. These events were less focused on looks and more centered on accomplishments and the concept of moving on. While debutantes are still around, they are directed towards upperclass families and include a multitude of factors that are not part of prom in high school.
Compared to prom now, this dance has changed a considerable amount. Students put months of planning into a dance that lasts only a couple of hours. Some girls start shopping for dresses in the fall, months before the big night. Prom dress shopping is not just going to one store and finding the perfect dress; it may take multiple stores to find the one, which is extremely timely. Depending on the style of a dress, they may not have enough of a certain size. This makes it rather difficult to try on dresses because one may have to try on a variety of sizes. One may have to go to multiple stores or even buy online, which is just as problematic because of return policies. Most online stores that sell prom dress, either have a full money back policy or store credit, which can be difficult because one can only use the store credit at that prom dress store.Some girls are worried that they might have the same dress as another peer of theirs, or even that they may wear the same color as someone else.
Makeup and hair appointments often have to be booked months in advance. These appointments can also cost a significant amount. Attendees have to plan beforehand what hairstyle and makeup will match their dress. Some even have to pay for pre-trials for their hair and makeup. Many prom guests choose to get a spray tan to enhance their complexion. Students may have to plan their spray tan around their hair and makeup appointments, which can also be a lot of work. Not only are makeup and hair appointments booked, but also nail appointments need to be made, which can cost a considerable amount.
Finding a date is one of the most problematic factors of prom for many. While not necessarily true, many feel as though they need a prom date to go with. Most students do not want a date to hang out with, but more so for pictures. They want the look of having a date but do not actually need someone to spend time with. Social media plays a big part in prom, because everyone feels they must post on Instagram or TikTok. Pictures are so important at prom. Everyone wants to capture the important moments at this dance: the people, the outfits and the dancing. People often get so caught up with taking pictures that they are unable to actually enjoy prom.
Prom has changed drastically over the years, with students focusing more on looks instead of the actual meaning of prom. Attendees are so focused on how they are being perceived instead of enjoying the moment. While it still includes dancing, it is no longer focused on having fun and celebrating being in high school, like its original meaning.
