With prom season behind us, it’s time to reflect on this period. For many, prom means a lavish night of going all out: hair, makeup, dress, shoes, nails, a nice dinner and even the prom ticket itself. According to Visa, families in the US spend up to an average of $1,139 on prom. This is a tradition that marks a milestone in many teenagers’ lives, the culmination of high school years, and a representation of independence and growth in a person’s life. But how has it changed over the years? Has it always been this big of an event for high schoolers and their parents alike?
The answer is no. In recent years, prom has morphed into something even bigger. Students invest heavily in everything from extravagant “promposals,” transportation and fashion to the actual ticket itself. The increased prevalence of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok likely contributes to this pressure on prom attendees to show a picture-perfect evening. The desire to impress others and document the night online has led to heightened expectations, often turning what should be a joyful experience into stress.
Originally, prom was a formal dance organized by schools to represent the societal norms of becoming more polished and mature as students made the journey from childhood to young adulthood. Schools would use the opportunity to teach social etiquette to students and to celebrate the end of the school year. It was often held in school gyms and was much more focused on the celebration of coming together as a community. In recent years, however, schools have shifted away from holding dances in the gyms and towards nicer facilities. For example, Bend High held its prom at the Riverhouse this year. This change is just one reflection of the wider shift towards extremes, where people feel like they either need to present perfection or nothing at all. Over time, prom has dramatically evolved past any resemblance to its origins, as societal norms changed and pressure grew on students.
Overall, this is not to say not to enjoy your prom night. However, taking the time to remember why we celebrate this time of year can take some of the pressure off and remind students that it is ok to not go all out for this one night of your life. No matter what you do, we can all keep in mind that this night is truly about making lasting memories, having fun with your friends, and celebrating the end of this important chapter in your life!
