What is Prom exactly?

What is the average prom like at an average American high school?

• Hello, everyone. I've got a kinda weird question: What's the average prom like at any typical American high school? I got asked to go this year (I'm a sophomore) :) And I'm wondering if proms are all different depending on the school, region, etc. I will explain what it's like at my school: **Prom is "for" the juniors and seniors. If you're a freshman or sophomore, you can only go if you're asked by a junior or senior. The guys generally ask the girls very far in advance, usually a few months. Sometimes they just ask, other times, they find a really cute, thoughtful way to ask. They find a fancy car to drive their date to the prom in (and there's a valet at the school, where the prom is held). The girls generally find very formal dresses months prior to prom (sometimes before being asked!). The guys get their vests (whatever it is under their tux :P) to match their dates' dress, and the boy also purchases the girls' flowers. The girls make hair, nail, facial, makeup, and tanning appointments in the days and weeks before prom. On prom day, (there are usually groups of couples) the group will go to one of the people's houses for parents to take pictures, etc. Then, the boys drive the girls in the fancy cars they've rented/borrowed to the school where there is a "Grand March" (Generally at 4 PM, I think?); The gymnasium is decorated to the year's theme & there is a "runway." Family and friends (open to the public) come to watch. The lights are dimmed and there is a spotlight and low music. One couple at a time walks out, and their names are announced by emcees- everyone claps and cheers and takes pictures, (and more pictures when the grand march is done) etc. Then everyone who's not attending the actual "prom" leaves. Then, the real fun begins! There is a dinner that is held in a different gymnasium, catered by a restaurant. After the meal, there is usually an hour of entertainment (last year it was a hypnotist). Following the entertainment, there is a dance (like any prom's dance portion I'd guess..). But wait- that's not all.. From the time the Grand March ends to the time the dance ends, people have transformed the Grand March area into the "Post-Prom" area. There are teams, each made up of 3 couples, and there are inflatable games, bingo tournaments (for sweet prizes ;)) and lots more games, etc. When Post-Prom is done, the prom has met its end. Usually, it would be around 4-5 am the next day (which would be a Sunday.)** I'm really excited to go to prom, since it sounds like so much fun! :) So, I started to look at prom stuff online, and (from what I've found) for a lot of schools, it sounds like it's simply a formal dance, like 8-12 and that's it. Maybe I'm wrong, but maybe what I've heard is true, and my school is lucky to have such a fun night? Thanks for your help! And I know this was long, I'm sorry :P

• Answer:

  Girls wear dresses that look more appropriate for bridesmaids (think puffed shoulders), nice corsages, and elaborate hairdos, and boys wear rented tuxedos in a variety of colours, and some people rent limousines. There is dancing food, and drink at proms, and some school have "prom queens and kings".