It’s finally that time of year-football and homecoming! That means it’s time to get everything sorted out for the annual homecoming dance. It is quickly approaching on September 21st for 8th and 9th grade and September 28 for 10th, 11th and 12th grade. Hopefully with my quick six step Girls Guide to Homecoming, the process can be easy and fun!
STEP 1: FIND A DATE
In order to get into homecoming in the first place, you need a date! Whether that be a friend or your boyfriend, a date is absolutely necessary. If you don’t really know any guys, talk to your friends and they can help set you up with a date. Keep in mind, you can go to other homecomings besides St. Paul’s! You could go to Jesuit, Brother Martin, Rummel, Catholic High, etc.
Photo by: Sophia Mangano
STEP 2: FIND A DRESS
If you are going to an Archdiocesan or SPS homecoming, you will need a beautiful long dress. Be unique! Shiny, sparkles, sequins, pastels, velvet, neon, floral, ruffles, satin, flowy, fitted, the options are endless! While shopping, keep in mind the dress should not be too low cut, backless, or have a slit more than four inches above the knee. A few dress stores I love are The Red Carpet, Columbia Street Mercantile, Revolve, Lulus, and Lucy in the Sky. Make sure you get cute comfy shoes to match your dress!
STEP 3: BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENTS
If you are anything like me, getting your hair and nails done for homecoming is non-negotiable. For my hair, I love going to the Air Dry Bar. For my nails, I love Madelyn’s in Covington. I like to get my nails done one or two days before homecoming day so they look pristine. I get my hair done at about noon on homecoming day to allow plenty of time for me to do my makeup. You may also want to get your makeup done! If by the time September rolls around you find yourself looking and feeling a little pale, you might want to book a spray tan as well. I highly recommend Get Your Bronze On. You also need to pre-order the boutonniere for your date. You can also coordinate the colors of the corsage and boutonniere to your date’s tie.
STEP 4: MAKE YOUR PLANS
Since it is technically the boys’ dance, they (in actuality their moms) will probably be making all the plans. Make sure you coordinate everything with your date! This includes the before party, pictures, dinner, the after party and rides for one. Make sure all parties you go to are at a safe and comfortable environment and never be embarrassed to say no. If you feel uncomfortable maybe suggest another plan or even just go enjoy the night at home after the dance.
STEP 5: TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES
You are never going to want to forget your high school homecomings! Make sure you get lots of pictures in your beautiful dress! Get pictures of you with your date, your parents and most importantly, your girls! Boys are temporary, girls are forever so pictures with your girls are most important. Also make sure you get the classic corsage and boutonniere pinning pictures. Don’t forget solo shots of you in your beautiful dress!
STEP 6: LIVE IN THE MOMENT
These are the nights you will remember and the stories you will tell! While yes, pictures are fun, live in the moment! Go dance, laugh with your friends, and enjoy the high school experience! There are only so many times in your life where you get to dress up with your friends and dance so enjoy the night while you can! Don’t worry about your phone or focus too much on pictures!
Homecoming is arguably one of the most memorable high school events. It is a day filled with sparkles, flowers, fun, and dancing. Be safe, have fun, and enjoy these fun nights while you still can!
Not So Simply,
Sophia
