This prom checklist for girls covers everything you need to know to get ready for the big night— from choosing your dress months in advance to packing a survival kit and planning post-prom activities. Follow it step by step to stay organized, reduce stress, and enjoy a confident, unforgettable prom.
The period leading up to prom with all the planning necessary is a stressful time:
According to a Harbinger survey of 135 students from May 3 to May 8 through Google Forms, only 7% of the students who went or are going to prom have felt no prom-related stress in the past few weeks, leaving 93% who have felt at least some stress leading up to prom. Of that 93%, 26% report that they feel a large amount of stress or anxiety.
That’s why having a prom checklist that guides you on what to do when planning prom can help reduce your stress.
This guide will break down the key things to tick off your to-do list across these central categories: (prep, essentials, outfit, beauty, and survival kit).
What to Do a Few Months Before Prom
Early planning matters. It helps you look forward to prom with excitement rather than nerves, and the fear that you’ve forgotten something important. Getting your planning started early, ensures you can make better choices, as you won’t be rushed.
Starting prom planning early, is the foundation for building a robust checklist that includes every important element of prom prep from dress shopping to booking appointments and arranging transportation.
This stage of prep is about building excitement, not pressure. So don’t be daunted by the things you have to do to prepare for prom; just start ticking them off one by one.
Start Shopping for Your Dress
The most exciting part of prom prep is starting shopping for prom dresses. It may be your first opportunity to wear a beautiful evening dress. Finding the perfect dress can be time consuming, so it is important to start the process early. This will give you plenty of breathing room to explore styles, browse stores, and compare options without a looming deadline (to cloud your thinking).
Shopping ahead of time allows you to place an order, make special orders, and get alterations, which are almost always necessary to get the flawless fit. From hemming to adjusting straps, these tweaks can take weeks—-so the earlier you begin, the more time there is to make sure your dress is perfect.
You should also start thinking about the styles, colors, and the latest prom dress trends which flatter your body type and reflect your personality. Think about whether you want something classic and timeless, like a ballgown, or a more modern and fashion-forward look.
There are specific times when it’s best to buy a prom dress, learn more in our article: When to Buy a Prom Dress to Save Money.
Book Your Appointments
Prom season is one of the busiest times of the year for stylists, so it’s essential to book your hair and beauty appointments months in advance of prom. If you wait too long, your favorite stylist, or the entire salon could be booked out. Booking early will give you peace of mind that your glam team will have your back when you need them.
If you’re planning to get ready with friends, coordinating appointments ahead of prom will mean you can go together, and line up sessions at the same spot.
Booking early = reduced prom panic. Rather than scrambling to find a last-minute appointment before prom, you can use the last few days of build up to relax and know that everything is already taken care of.
Arrange Transportation
Whether you’re dreaming of the classic limo, a fun party bus, a sensible carpool with friends, or being picked up by your date, arranging your transport ahead of time is key. Booking in advance ensures both availability—as rides go quickly during build-up—and the best prices for booking early.
If you’re sharing a ride with friends, splitting the cost is practical, it will make it more cost-effective and fun. Make sure everyone is on the same page on who’s riding with whom, and pick up and drop off times.
Once you’ve made your booking, that’s another essential element ticked off your list, and one less thing to worry about.
Other Prep Tips Few Months Before Prom
Start a skincare routine a few months before prom to give yourself enough time to achieve a natural glow without needing heavy makeup. Start a consistent routine of hydrating, cleansing, and using gentle masks.
Start browsing different prom themes and trends to see which resonate with you. Spend time on Pinterest, Instagram, and fashion blogs to get inspo from other prom-goers to shape your overall style, whether you go modern, classic, or fashionably bold.
Chat with friends and your date about what they’re planning to wear. Coordinating with friends and your date allows you to create a polished and cohesive look that pops in photos. You’ll also avoid any color clashes and make the night more connected, fun, and memorable.
What to Do a Few Weeks Before Prom
Good news! This is the stage where all your planning starts to seriously pay off! By this point, you will have sorted out your dress, made your beauty appointments, booked transport, and coordinated with friends.
Your focus now switches to putting the finishing touches on your outfit. It’s accessories time! Start locking in statement items like your handbag or clutch, jewelry, and shoes. If you can get all of these items together to check that they work alongside each other to create a balanced look. This is also a good time to confirm your beauty prep is in place by scheduling a haircut, practicing make up looks, or scheduling a nail appointment.
Staying on top of these finishing touches is a smart move to reduce any last-minute stress.
Finalize Accessories and Shoes
So, there are only a few weeks to go to prom. It’s time to start shopping to complete your look. Shoes, jewelry, a clutch, and other accessories are crucial to demonstrate that your outfit is intentional and balanced. Try everything on with your dress to ensure a harmonious balance of color, styles, and your comfort levels.
Check your shoes too, crucially heels can take time to break in. Wear them around the house for a while to ensure they are comfortable for walking, dancing, photos, and dinner. Trust us, you don’t want prom night to be the first time you wear your new shoes.
Beauty Prep & Trials
Scheduling a trial run of your hair and makeup will help you iron out any kinks, and ensure there are no nasty surprises on prom night. After a trial, you will be more confident about rocking your final look.
You can do these trials at home. Shape your eyebrows, do a facial, or apply some light tan. For added confidence, do some salon tests too. Starting at this point will ensure your skin and overall look will feel polished come prom.
Confirm Appointments & Plans
Call the salon and makeup parlor to ensure your booking is registered in their system, and that they’re expecting you at the right time and date.
You’ll also want to double-check your limo, party bus, or carpool arrangements will arrive on time without a hitch, or risk being late to prom.
Also, make sure you have your prom tickets ready and close to hand.
With all of these essentials arranged and confirmed, you’ll be one step closer to prom, and feel secure and ready to party!
Other Prep Tips Few Weeks Before Prom
If you’re planning an elaborate promposal, or pre-prom photos of your arrival and prep, finalize those ideas now.
Prepare an emergency kit of small items—lip gloss, safety pins, mints—you’ll thank yourself on prom night.
Coordinate with your squad, syncing plans with friends such as meeting spot, photos, and dinner will help everything run smoothly on the night.
Consider what you’ll do in the aftermath of prom. Start discussions with friends, or your date, about post-prom activities from parties and school events, to late-night diner visits.
The Day Before Prom
Eeeek! The day before prom, this is the time nerves set in for many girls, but not you—with your handy prom checklist you’re organized and ready to rock.
The day before prom should be reserved for final checks and prep. By handling these small but essential tasks, you’ll head into prom confident and relaxed.
Prep Your Outfit
Start laying out your dress, shoes, jewelry, and clutch together in a spot you can’t miss. Look for any loose threads, wrinkles, or missing accessories. Pack extras like safety pins, and fashion tape, just in case of emergencies.
Pack Your Prom Survival Kit
Your prom survival kit has your back to stop last minute scrambling. Pack a small bag or clutch with essentials like lip gloss, powder, hairpins, mints, phone charger, band-aids.
Self-Care and Rest
A light skincare routine—face mask, exfoliating, and moisturizing—without any new treatments that could irritate your skin, combined with a solid night of sleep, will ensure you’ll look and feel refreshed.
Other Prep Tips a Day Before Prom
Confirm logistics: travel bookings, meeting spots, and after prom reservations.
Make sure you have your prom tickets ready, any cash you need, and that you’ve made digital payments for any services you’ve booked.
Sync up with your friends or date about key timings for the next day.
Prom Day
Yes! Prom day has finally arrived, it’s time that all your preparation comes together.
This quick checklist makes sure nothing important is forgotten:
- Start getting ready early so you don’t feel rushed.
- Eat a balanced meal and drink water to stay energized.
- Take plenty of photos with friends and family before heading out.
- Double-check you have your tickets, ID, phone, money, and survival kit.
- Wear comfortable shoes (or bring a backup pair).
- Confirm transportation and meeting points with your group.
- Most importantly, relax and enjoy every moment of your night.
With all the admin sorted, you can actually relax, focus on having fun and making memories. Don’t forget to bring your confidence, you’ve got this!
Plan Your Post-Prom Activities
The lights have come on, and the dancing has ended, but prom ending doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.
Many friends continue to celebrate after prom has ended. Some keep it casual with movie nights, others go more adventurous with a late night ice skate, and then couples enjoy romantic intimate date nights.
Looking for ideas? Check out our fun things to do after prom guide.
Stay Confident and Enjoy Prom
By following our prom checklist for girls, you’ve made sure everything is covered, from prep to logistics on the big night.
Stick to this guide to reduce stress, stay organized, and feel confident every step of the way.
Remember, prom isn’t about obsessing over tiny details, it’s about celebrating, having fun, and making memories you can look back on for years to come.
You’ve done all the hard work, your look is ready, your travel is arranged, and you have your ticket in hand, all that’s left is enjoying the night you’ve been dreaming of.
FAQs
What do girls need to do for prom?
For prom, girls need to organize their outfit, coordinate accessories, hair and makeup, plan travel, and make plans with friends. Follow our checklist to learn what to do when.
What do I need to bring to prom?
You’ll need to bring your ticket for entry. Then consider packing the following prom survival kit essentials in a clutch: your phone, keys, mints, cash, makeup, safety pins, portable chargers, and bandages for shoes.
When should I start getting ready for prom?
Start getting ready for prom 2–4 months before the event. This allows you to pick up a dress, secure hair and makeup appointments, and book travel.
