The Origins Of Prom And Putting On Prom Dresses

Prom dresses are certainly a winner when used for the prom. They look classy and can make any woman look better. But when did the traditions of going to the prom actually start? Proms of the 21st century tend to be fancy affairs dominated by designer dresses, expensive stretch limos, and incredible competition for a place in the prom court. Famous books and films nowadays increasingly give attention to prom themes, and teens may spend several weeks planning and getting ready for the all-important evening. With all the value attached to the proms of today, it appears somewhat surprising that the event has existed in all of its elegance only since the 1950s.

While formal dances for teenagers were common as early as the late 19th century, proms began to take on today's iconic status in a teenager's life only as America recovered from the Great Depression as well as World War II. In the 1920s and 1930s, the high school prom became a slightly more sophisticated night with all the creation of vehicles and luxurious items, and secondary school seniors began to wear brand new party clothes to their proms. During the '50s, with the post World War II economy flourishing, prom was raised to a higher standing, and prom courts, prom dresses, and junior as well as senior proms grew to become grander. Lots of proms shifted off campus to hotel ballrooms or other locations.

Guys usually wear black tie (a dinner coat and bow tie), sometimes with brightly colored cummerbunds or vests, although any sort of formal wear could be worn. Traditionally, ladies gave boys complementing boutonnieres to be worn on the tuxedos. Ladies traditionally wear formal gowns or dresses adorned with a corsage given to them by their date. A lot of guys also match the shade of their tie to their partner's gown. Frequently, guys and ladies will dress in line with the theme of the prom - for example, pastel suits for a Miami Vice-themed prom.

Popular prom activities involve eating, dancing, the crowning of a prom King and Queen, and mingling. In some instances, high school students gather money for their class prom through fundraising within the four years they attend their secondary school. High schools in or close to big cities may rent ballrooms at pricey hotels or, to be unique, venues such as a pleasure cruise boat. Students normally group together to use limousines to their proms. Oftentimes costs are reduced by using the school gymnasium, which strains the decorating team to somehow hide the gym smell and drab surfaces. Music played during the dance part of the event is normally the genre(s) most popular with the participants.

Prom dresses could help you get the Prom Queen's title. During their fairly brief history, proms grew from simple events in Sunday dress to extravaganzas where competition for the best prom dress, the best date, and the best prom court distinction got center stage. Prom evening is among the most important and expected times of a teenager's high school life. Attractive gowns and handsome tuxes are only the start of an amazing night to recall.