Avoiding Potential Prom Night Emergencies

In a perfect world, everything about prom will go smoothly, and all of your hopes and dreams for prom night will come true. Unfortunately, prom emergencies happen sometimes. While pimples, stuck zippers, flyaway hair, and puffy eyes are easily fixed, what happens if your car breaks down, you find out that your prom dress is not school approved, or your prom date dumps you before the big night? Being prepared for any prom emergencies will help you relax and enjoy the good times knowing that you are ready to quickly resolve any prom night issues. So get back to having a great time at prom without the stress with this handy collection of problem-solving tricks.

Pimples, Perfume, Puffy Eyes - Oh My!

So much hype surrounds prom night and that even a tiny obstacle can suddenly seem like a world-ending catastrophe. But fear not! Prom is a magical night, and believe it or not, there are simple solutions to almost every dilemma. Skip the stress and drama while keeping a positive attitude with these easy fixes for common prom night problems.

Gum Grossness: It's prom night, and wouldn't you know you accidently sat on a big wad of chewing gum in your beautiful new prom dress. Or, perhaps you've stepped in gum that is now stuck to the bottom or your gorgeous prom shoes. What do you do now? Don't worry, as this is a problem that is easily fixed. If the gum winds up on your beautiful prom dress, ice is sure to do the trick! If possible, place the ice in a plastic bag so that you don't end up soaking wet. Rub the bagged ice over the gum until the gum freezes hard. After a few minutes, the no-longer-gooey gum can be easily removed. Catastrophe successfully averted! Now, for the gummed-up prom shoes. If you can't easily scrape the gum off of your prom shoes, ice can save the day again! Put the ice in a plastic bag and place the shoe on top of the ice cubes, gum-side down. Press the ice against the gum until the gum freezes, which may take a few minutes. Once the gum is frozen, use a dull butter knife to scrape the gum off the shoe. All fixed! Time to get back to having the night of your life.

Perfume Overdose: What if you're all dressed up and realize that you've gone a little overboard on the perfume? Even worse, what if your prom story includes a date that is allergic to fragrances? When it's too late to get a bath and start all over, a quick solution is to take a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and dab over the perfume so that the smell will evaporate faster.

Puffy Eyes: So happy about prom that you could cry? Or, perhaps you are so excited that it was hard to sleep the night before prom. Either way, if you find yourself the proud owner of a pair of puffy eyes before prom, don't fret! A quick and easy fix is to place two metal spoons in the freezer for a few minutes and apply them underneath your eyes to reduce the puffiness before applying your prom makeup.

Zapping Zits: Oh no! What if you suddenly have pimple problems with prom night approaching? Here are a few things that you can do when annoying pimples decide to pop up right before the big night. If you have the time, one solution is crushing an aspirin and applying it to the area to reduce the redness and swelling overnight. Applying ice is a great way to quickly reduce the redness, swelling and inflammation of pimples. Simply wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth. Hold the wrapped ice on the pimple for a few seconds, lift and wait a few minutes before repeating the process. If the pimple persists or decides to show up on prom night, you can try a concealer. First, clean the area around the pimple. Select the perfect shade of concealer and use a tiny amount to cover the pimple. With a small make-up brush or cotton swab, feather brush around the sides until the concealer blends in perfectly. Bring your concealer along for any necessary touch ups at prom.

Zipper Woes: Stuck zipper? Carefully avoiding the prom dress fabric, smooth graphite from a pencil, candle wax, or soap over the problem area. Also, you can unstick the most stubborn zippers by soaking the fabric surrounding the zipper with Windex, but be sure to spot-test the fabric first on a hidden, inner layer to ensure that there will be no discoloration.

Prom Spills and Stains

While the food at prom may look, smell, and taste amazingly delicious, it certainly loses its appeal the moment that food tries to become part of your prom attire! What should you do when your gravy decides to add a drip pattern to your prom dress or your deodorant chooses to jump ship from your arms to that gorgeous satin bodice? When you encounter a spill or stain on your prom dress at the venue, there is no time to get the dress to the dry cleaner. Hopefully, you've already prepped your prom clutch with a stain removal pen or wipes, but if not, here are some tips for a quick fix when dealing with stains while attending a formal event. For more advice on treating stains before, during, and after prom, you can also check out the Dress Care section of the Prom Guide.

Deodorant Marks: Deodorant worries can be easily avoided with a sleeved dress, or minimized by using brands that become clear once applied. If you end up with a deodorant stain on your prom dress, however, the problem is easily treated. A clean nylon stocking, gently rubbed against the stain spot, can quickly remove the marks.

Juice or Soda Spills: More often than not, when you're out on the dance floor, there's going to be someone cutting loose with a drink in hand. If soda or juice finds its way onto your prom dress or suit, don't worry. Just blot up as much of the spill as possible with a clean cloth. It's very important that all of the sugar be removed from the stained area. If not, the fabric will yellow. Dampen a sponge or cloth with ordinary water and lightly brush outward from the center of the stain. Flush with water, if possible, before applying an absorbent dry cloth or paper towel to the area until the stain is completely lifted.

Thick or Oily Stains: If the prom spill is thick or oily (like that sneaky, pesky gravy), carefully lift the residue off using a flat, blunt object like a butter knife or credit card. This avoids smearing more of the spill into the fabric of your prom dress. Then, grab a napkin, paper towel, or cloth and gently dab away as much of the stain as possible. If available, sprinkle a little cornstarch, baby powder, or salt on the stain to absorb more of the liquid from the fabric. Leave it on for a minute and then lightly brush it away. At this point, if you packed a stain removal pen or wipes, you can use one for even better results, or simply use club soda or water if you did not. Continue to blot with a clean paper towel until the stain disappears.

Weatherproof Your Prom Preparations

Most proms are held in the spring and that could mean all kinds of different weather, depending upon where you live. No matter what the weather has in store for you, seeking a professional driver for prom is a smart decision. Nothing beats the experience of a responsible adult behind the wheel so that you can relax and enjoy the ride. Hopefully, on the night of your prom the weather will be perfect, but even if the forecast predicts scorching heat, icy cold, snow, or rainy conditions for your special night, it's possible to weatherproof your look. From the hairstyle you choose to the accessories you wear, if you plan properly, it's easy to step out in style while keeping positive in the face of mother nature.

Snow: If you reside in a colder region that's prone to wintry precipitation around prom season, you'll want to make sure both your wardrobe and your transportation plans are as weather-proof as possible. Finding additional layers for colder weather that also match your prom dress gives a unique opportunity to add extra personality and flair to your look. Consider a fairytale-esque cloak for warmth and charm if you have a ball-gown-style prom dress, or a faux-fur jacket that adds a lavish touch to a mermaid gown. When it comes to transportation, a professional driver may be better equipped to handle weather conditions than your date or bestie. However, it's still best to contact the transportation company to see how they handle snowy conditions and to have a backup plan if your limo plans fall through. Love your friends, but not their skills behind the wheel? Since inexperienced drivers can become dangerous when roads are icy or snow-covered, see about having an adult or guardian help with your travel plans.

Rain:If the forecast is calling for rain on prom night, be sure to take an umbrella, jacket, wrap or some kind of coverage. Even if it's sunny and beautiful as you exit the limo, while you are dancing at prom, the weather might change. Be sure to have an alternative plan if you wanted to have your pictures taken outdoors. Prom pictures in front of a fireplace are beautiful too. Taking these precautions before prom will keep you dry and lovely even as you make your way to prom after parties or family celebrations.

Humidity: If the air is muggy on prom night, humidity can affect your hair. There are different approaches to this problem. For fine hair, it's better to choose an updo hairstyle in the face of poor weather, as all of the curls that you've worked so hard on are sure to droop. Thicker, coarser hair tends to become frizzy instead of falling and may require a frizz eliminator or smoothing oil products to replace the moisture that the humidity removes.

Cold/Dry Conditions: If you live in a cold or dry climate, you know how much the weather can damage your skin. If you take proper steps before prom, you can take action against the cold and protect your skin against dry and itchy conditions. Take warm, not hot showers while using a gentle soap. Use a moisturizer to combat the elements, and drink lots of water. These steps should provide you with glowing, healthy skin on your special night. When prom night arrives, the cold and dry conditions can also cause static cling on your dress. Static can be tamed by using a dryer sheet to pat down the dress so that the fabric flows freely away from the body. A dryer sheet can also calm flyaway hair caused by static cling. Further smooth the flyaway hair with help from a tiny bit of lip balm.

Hot/Sunny Conditions: If "scorching hot" describes the weather on the night of your prom, it's better to shy away from fabrics that easily show sweat, like silk. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, rayon, or linen for your prom dress. Heavy fabrics, like polyester and spandex tend to cling to your skin and trap sweat. Although dresses and shirts in lighter colors like white, beige, and yellow will keep you feeling cooler in the heat, it's best to stay away from colors like light pink or gray, since they tend to show sweat the most. Some guys can rock a fedora and sunglasses that perform double duty as they keep the sun out of their eyes and handsomely frame the face. Also, be sure to wear sunblock. You need only to be out in the sun for a short time to get a sunburn that is sure to ruin whatever plans you have for after prom. Hopefully, the prom venue will be air conditioned, but these tips are sure to make you more comfortable while you are getting outdoor pictures taken or making your way to prom.

OMG! Someone Else is Wearing My Prom Dress!

So you've found the perfect prom dress and even joined a social media group so that you can post your dress choice, thereby calling, "Dibs!" What if the duplicate dress is purchased by someone that didn't join the same social media group? Even with the best of intentions, a classmate may show up at prom wearing your dream dress. It's best to take a light-hearted approach when twinning occurs. Everyone craves originality, but it's also said that imitation is the best flattery! Have a good laugh with her and take some selfies with your prom dress twin! Remember, it's not about what you wear, but about having fun with your friends. Laugh it off and smile for photos. You'll be glad you did.

Breakups and Social Drama at Prom

Sometimes things just don't work out the way you thought they would at prom. Relationships end for many reasons, some good, some bad, and some on prom night. Social drama before, during, or after prom does not have to be a catastrophe or ruin your formal event experience. Keep a good attitude and it just may end up being even more fun to go to prom by yourself or with a group of friends. Anything can happen on this magical night, and a lot of it is up to you.

Beyond Breakups: Breakups before or during a big event may seem like a dating disaster. If you break up before prom, just go stag or with your besties. Dancing the night away with friends can be even more fun than going with a date. Meet new people, and maybe leave with someone new. Who knows, you may get back together with your original date. It's all up to you.

Prioritize YOU: Is your prom date paying more attention to friends or dancing with others? Nobody puts you in a corner! Expand your horizons, have fun, and if your date eventually comes back and asks for a dance, it's totally up to you. You can choose to give your date a dance and see where it goes, or refuse and get back to your friends. You don't have to go the moody, jealous route. If you're feeling uncomfortable, it's okay to let your prom date know that you need a little space. Maybe you can meet up later and enjoy the rest of prom together. If not, you may want to find an exit strategy. Most importantly, it's your night too, so do what will make you happy.

Hands Off: If your date is too handsy and you're not okay with it, or you've been served the ‘but everybody's doing it' line, speak your mind. You don't owe your date a thing, so make your personal boundaries clear. If prom becomes uncomfortable and you're not happy with the way you are being treated, you certainly don't have to stay with your date or at the venue. The number one reason that people don't confront their dates is that they don't want to hurt their feelings. But, what about your feelings? Don't put your date's feelings before your own.

Dress Code Emergencies

When looking for a prom dress, your first thought may be to shop with your besties, but you may want to get your parents' approval too. Often the experience of shopping for a prom dress becomes even more enjoyable when you involve a parent. Some parents foot the bill for the prom dress, so it's only right that they would want to be a part of the exciting selection process. If you know that a parent will have the final say in your prom dress choice, it's best to have them there so that they see what styles are available before they critique your choices. It's easier to get approval by establishing a budget beforehand and making compromises as you go instead of surprising your parents with your prom dress selection on the big night.

School dress codes are even more important when searching for your prom dress. Even if you get your parents' consent, you must be sure that the prom dress that you have chosen meets the guidelines that make it acceptable at your school. Sometimes a dress code announcement declares that a backless dress, cut-out gown, or exposed-midriff dress is inappropriate. Don't let dress code drama ruin your special night. Make sure you know the rules set by your school concerning the do's and don'ts of selecting your prom dress before you make the purchase.

Some schools require students to send photos of their dresses before prom for approval. Sending the photos allows the school to deal with issues of appropriateness discreetly, rather than publicly turning a student away on the night of the big dance. Other schools have an official prom dress code listed online or posted at the school. Be aware of your school's prom dress code so that you can enjoy your evening and show off your perfect prom dress on the big night.

Transportation Emergencies

If getting a ride from a parent or guardian is completely out of the question, the best bet is to rent a car service for the ride to and from prom. You may want to share the cost of a car service with other couples to save money. Lining up a limo or car service eliminates so many potential problems that could occur on prom night, from poor weather to engine problems. You don't want your prom story to include arriving late to dinner and losing out on sitting with your friends because your beater car broke down.

Carpooling with friends is an easy way to save money, and as long as the car is in good shape and your friend that drives is reliable, chances are that everything will be fine. But what if your ride leaves without you? Or what if you keep to the prom promise, but your driver makes poor decisions that make the ride unsafe? Peer pressure can be intimidating, but if your ride is obviously under the influence and refuses to let someone else drive the car, don't take any chances. Be smart and get a ride from a sober, responsible friend or relative. Even smarter, make a pact with a parent or another adult before the prom so you don’t feel stranded. You'll alert them to come pick you up, no questions asked, guaranteeing you a safe ride when you need it. Make sure your phone is charged in case you need to send that text or make that call. Whether your car breaks down or the driving circumstances become risky, having a backup plan in place with a trusted adult is not only a comfort, but also a lifesaver.

Trouble at Prom: Emergency Kit

Emergencies happen at prom, but if you are prepared, your formal event can still be the magical night of your dreams. Prep your prom bag or clutch with a few essentials to handle any issues that might pop up. Below are a few things to tuck away in your clutch or dress pockets for prom emergencies. They might just save the night. Most of these prom emergency kit suggestions are personal items to remember or products that are inexpensive enough to be found at the dollar store. Last but not least, don't forget your banquet or prom tickets and be ready to have the night of your life!

Fully-Charged Cell Phone: Perfect for pictures and videos, phones are also crucial for calling for help if your car breaks down and you need an alternate ride home.

Extra Cash: Whether you need to get gas or just a bite to eat, having cash on hand is a plus.

Gum, Breath Spray, or Mints: This is a great idea, especially if dinner includes garlic bread.

Lip Stain and Mini Deodorant: There's going to be a lot of dancing, jumping around, and flirting going on, so touch ups may be needed!

Pressed Powder: Use this to remove the shine from your nose for beautiful prom pictures.

Clear Nail Polish: Stop an unsightly run in stockings or tights with clear polish.

Stain Remover Pen: Be ready if dinner includes spilled gravy or a friend bumps into you with a drink in hand.

Band Aids: Brand new high heels + dance floor = blisters. Having band aids handy? Priceless.

Roll-up Flats: These are easily-packed lifesavers if you break a heel or just can't take another step in your prom heels.

Nail Files, Tampons, and Floss: Perfect for treating hangnails, dealing with Auntie Flow, or removing the last bits of that delicious dinner from your teeth, these items are often must-haves for countless prom emergencies.

Double-Sided Fashion Tape, Safety Pins, and Mini Sewing Kit: You can repair small tears in your prom dress or hide your bra strap so that it doesn't show.

Bobby Pins, Hair Elastics, and Mini Hairspray: These are great products particularly if the weather turns bad and your hair decides to do it's own thing.