What to Do If All Your Friends Have Prom Dates But You Don't
by Maggie Parker, Teen Vogue
Photo: Jacob Sutton
You don’t have a prom date, so what? That just gives you more time to spend with your friends living it up as a high schooler one last time. That is, unless, your friends will all be occupied with theirown dates…No one likes to be the third wheel, but on a night you’ve been praying goes perfectly and hoping to create memories you will reminisce about for years to come, it can seem particularlydaunting. So instead of fighting over your BFF’s attention, try these prom-saving tips for flying solo:
1. Reconnect: You’ve spent four years in this school and you’ve met a lot of different people along the way. Prom is the perfect time to reconnect with the classmates you giggled with during freshmen Spanish. While you may not have remained close til the bitter end, you bonded with them for a reason, so grab an old pal who isn’t busy with a date and hit the dance floor for one last hurrah.
2. Reach out: Before prom, befriend all of the plus ones who will be joining your group on prom night. This way, when your friend steps away to use the bathroom, you don’t have to worry about awkward silences with their date, and when she gets back, the three of you can have a blast together.
3. Focus on the fashion: The great thing about going stag to prom is that you don’t have to worry about matching your date’s tux, tie, or dress. Use all the energy your friends are putting into finding the perfect shade of periwinkle, and instead create a jaw-dropping look that reflects your individual style. When you walk into the venue, you’ll have a serious Cinderella moment and all eyes will be on you.
Related: 16 Prom-Perfect Flats You Can Dance All Night In
4. Strike a pose: While your friends are figuring out their potentially-awkward poses with their dates, take advantage of the camera and your amazing outfit to stage your own photo shoot. They’ll probably eventually forget about that cheesy photo with what’s-his-name within the first year of college, but you will cherish the professional pics that capture your style and energy forever.
5. Drive the limo: Well, not literally. But the limo ride to prom is almost as important as prom itself, so offer to organize the car so that you have the final say in who rides with your crew. This way you make sure the pre-prom parade includes the people that matter most to you.
6. Make a request: Every group of friends has an anthem that acts as a siren alerting them to gather. Whether it’s “Roar” by Katy Perry or “Heartbeat Song” by Kelly Clarkson, march right up to the DJ booth and demand (politely) that he play your jam. As the first notes are belted out and your girls unite on the dance floor, you’ll be guaranteed at least one friends-only moment of the night.
7. Milk the slow songs: When the DJ plays a heartwrenching ballad, ditch the dance floor to reapply your lipstick in the bathroom. Or make some rounds; you may spot someone cute you had no idea even went to the same school as you. Hey, you might not have arrived with a date, but that doesn’t mean you can’t leave with one scheduled for next week…
8. Enjoy the show: Sit back and grab the popcorn because prom is always accompanied by some crazy date-related drama. Revel in the fact that you have nothing to worry about except for yourself—the only thing that matters is that you have one heck of a good time.
More from Teen Vogue:
Your Ultimate Prom Beauty Checklist
15 Gorgeous Prom Dresses Under $250
19 Prom Clutches To Carry Your Stuff In Style
25 of Our Favorite Short Dresses for Prom
