Nancy’s recent blog about her daughter attending the prom inspired me to write this blog. Next Monday both my daughter and step-son will be attending their prom. Their preparations for the event could not be more different.

My daughter’s preparation began in early January. At that time, a Facebook page was posted wherein every girl attending the Oceanside prom would post a picture of the dress they had purchased so that no dress was duplicated. Sydney started putting pressure on me to take her to purchase a dress as soon as the page was created. My response to her daily inquiries was always the same, as soon as she knew she was going, i.e. she had a date, I would take her dress shopping. Once the date was secured, we went dress shopping. Shopping for the dress was actually a fun experience-although we had to be mindful of the dresses already posted-but we did order it from a store forty minutes away from my home. That meant many early Saturday morning trips to the store for fittings. Of course, the moment we ordered the dress, it’s picture happily joined the many others on the Facebook page.

Following the purchase of the dress, much more shopping had to be done. We had to buy shoes, proper undergarments, a handbag, and decide on what jewelry she will wear. After that, appointments had to be made for a manicure, pedicure, her hair, and make-up. And, of course, a swatch of the dress had to be given to her date so his shirt can match her dress.  Hope for nice weather this week because she and her friends will all be outside tanning to achieve that proper sun kissed look for the prom.

With my step-son, Ryan it was a much different experience. About three weeks ago, he asked my husband to take him for his tuxedo. Sydney obtained the material swatch for him from his date’s dress for his shirt. Ryan rented a tuxedo at a friend’s store in Oceanside. He’s going to wear the black shoes that he already has. On the day of the prom, he’ll take a shower, put on his tuxedo and shoes, and be ready to go.

Who knew it could be that easy?