For many high school seniors, Prom is more than just a dance. It’s a milestone. From extravagant dresses, makeup, hair, to planned out send offs. With budgets getting up thousands of dollars and months of preparation.

For some, Prom is about the experience, dancing, celebrating and making memories. For others the dress is the highlight of the night.

“I’m very excited because I actually planned ahead for Prom, so I have everything in order and I know I’m going to look my best because I didn’t do anything last minute,” Senior Londyn Williams said. 

“I feel like Prom is about the dress. Of course, it’s about partying, being with friends and everything, but the dress and looking the part is the most important part for me.” 

Other students emphasized the importance of the event for seniors. 

“I think it’s a big deal because it’s once in a lifetime. It’s the last time to go to prom, you know . . .  You only get to experience this one more time,” Senior Shaniya Jamerson said. 

Jamerson said she’s excited for the big night, but has one fear.

“I really hope it’s not boring,” she said. “That’s it for real. I hope the music is not boring.”

Prom has always been a special event, but the event has grown into an even bigger occasion over the years. 

“It’s more extravagant now. People are coming way harder than they did back then,” Senior Jadah Aikens said. 

Jamerson agreed.

“I feel like once people started spending more money on it, it just became a trend,”  she said.

Students are going very big on Prom. It has become a trend. From social media influence to friendly competition over who has the best dress, students are putting more effort than ever into their Prom looks. 

“I’m looking for something that’s going to fit my personality and something that’s just gonna scream my name,” Aikens said.

Williams is looking for something timeless.

“When I look back, it will still be in my style and in style… I am also looking for something that catches attention, and definitely stands out from any other dresses,” she said. “I’m probably not going to be able to move as much as I want, but I kind of feel like the way I look matters more than comfort.” 

Although Williams is spending quite a bit on her dress, she knows the memories will be priceless.

“Prom is such a big deal because it’s one of the last things that we have memories of for our senior year,” Williams said. “It’s a big thing. And it’s one of the things that we won’t forget. It’s one of the memories that will stick with us throughout our life.”