Going to prom without a date can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Prom is supposed to be a fun night to celebrate with friends, so don’t let not having a date ruin it. Here are some tips to make the most of your prom experience solo.
Embrace Going Stag
First things first, don’t let not having a date make you feel bad about yourself or think that you’ll look lame without a partner. Tons of people go to prom alone every year! Remind yourself that you’re just as cool and fun with or without a date. Going stag gives you the freedom to do whatever you want without having to accommodate someone else. You can dance with all your friends, eat whatever food you want at dinner, and not have to worry about whether your date is having fun. Look at going solo as an opportunity, not a disadvantage.
Get Ready with Friends
Prom is all about getting dressed up, so make the preparation process fun by getting ready with friends. Plan a pre-prom hangout where you can do your hair and makeup together while blasting music and snacking on appetizers. Take lots of pictures together in your gorgeous outfits too. Sharing this experience with your besties will make you all feel confident and excited for the big night.
Coordinate with Your Group
If you have a solid friend group, coordinate with them! Come up with a color theme, decide on a limo or party bus you can share, make dinner reservations together at a fun restaurant, and block hotel rooms as a group for after-prom fun. Attending prom with a crew of your best friends means you’ll always have someone to dance with and you’ll make memories together.
Have an Entrance Plan
Walking into prom alone can feel a bit awkward, so have an entrance plan. Ask your friends to meet up beforehand so you can walk in together in a group. Time your arrival so you won’t be the only ones making a solo entrance. Having your friends there will take the pressure off that initial arrival moment.
Focus on Fun, Not Romance
Prom in movies is always shown as this romantic, dreamy night full of sweeping dances and kisses. But don’t feel like you NEED a date to enjoy prom to the fullest. Prom is about so much more than romance – it’s a celebration! Focus on having a fun time with friends instead of worrying about slow dancing. Turn up to your favorite songs, laugh at silly promposals, and make the most of this one-time high school experience.
Don’t Be Afraid to Dance
When a romantic slow song comes on, don’t be shy about dancing! Grab your friends and sway with them in a group to the song. Lots of friend groups do this so you definitely won’t look weird. You can also confidently own dancing solo – pick a friend or two and dance together in a circle. And when faster songs play, let loose on that dance floor with your whole crew. Don’t let not having a date stop you from dancing the night away.
Mingle with New People
Prom is the perfect place to strike up conversations with classmates you don’t know too well. Since you don’t have a date to spend all your time with, take this as a chance to mingle with new people! Compliment someone’s dress or ask them about college plans. You might just make a new friend.
Spend Time with Your Crush
If you have a crush that’s also going stag, prom is prime time to get to know them better away from the halls of school. Ask them to dance during a fast or slow song and use it as a chance to talk one-on-one. Offer to get them a snack or drink and chat while enjoying the refreshments. Simply being friendly and striking up conversation can help nurture new relationships or romances. And if they already have a date, you can always admire them from afar and dance near them!
Rock Being a Third Wheel
If you have close friends that are going as dates, offer to join them as a third wheel! Most couples are happy to include a good friend in the fun. You can head to dinner together, divide and conquer to get everyone drinks at the dance, and snap pics together in the photobooth. Lean into being a third wheel and have fun with it – it’s way better than going completely alone.
After Prom Ideas
Just because the official prom ends, the night doesn’t have to! Some great after prom ideas include:
- Hotel party with friends – pitch in for a room and have an all-night hangout
- Bonfire or pool party – many students host informal gatherings after
- Late night diner run – keep the conversation flowing over pancakes
- Bowling – some alleys do cool late night bowing specials
- Arcade – play games and win prizes with friends
- Change into comfy clothes – leggings and t-shirts for the win!
- Movie marathon – queue up some comedies or classics to relax with
- Kareoke party – belt out your favorite hits
Don’t let prom be the end – the after parties are often just as fun as the main event! Surround yourself with awesome people and keep the energy going late into the night.
Conclusion
Prom without a date is totally doable and can be super fun if you have the right mindset. Focus on spending quality time with your closest friends, letting loose on the dance floor, and making new connections. And remember that you don’t need a date to have an amazing prom experience. Embrace flying solo and make unforgettable memories!