The curing iron is hot, the hair spray stings your eyes and the aroma of perfume fills the room.  The phone won’t stop ringing and your room is a mess, these are all good indicators of a night to remember.  After all the final touch ups your reflection reveals a modern day princess, even if your feet already hurt.  Your date arrives and mom is shooting the camera with a new kind of fury.

    Once you make your grand entrance you stop by the photography booth because the photographer is going to capture your beauty without the illusion that a table lamp is growing out of your head.  Yes, it’s really important to take those few minutes to really capture all of the effort and excitement of that special day.  You can rely on dad to make you look like you are attending a satanic ball with red beaming eyes if you want as well but for a minimal fee and the added benefits of the group discounts, I don’t think you will regret it.

Guest Author: Stacy

On the prom day make sure that all of the vendors that you might have to get last minute stuff from are open! Such as florists, dress shops, tuxedo places etc. Be sure to make a list of what you need so you don't forget anything!

If you need a Checklist use ours:

Girls 2011 Prom Checklist

Guys 2011 Prom Checklist

And Remember Have Fun!!!

Cher!

Top 10 List of Prom Fundraisers for 2011!

1. Sell Candy Bars
2. Car wash
   
3. Bake Sale
4. Flower Sale
5. Magazine Subscriptions
   
6. Raffles
7. Tricky Tray Auction
8. Discount Cards for local Businesses
9. Donations from local businesses during a set time & sale
10. Prom Fashion Show (local businesses) can showcase their prom dresses, shoes, tuxedos, djs etc

BONUS: Saving the best for last !  Do an Amazing School Dance, not a budgeted one!

Why? well think about what you are raising money for (Prom) which is a Formal School Dance.  So if you have a poorly planned school dance fundraiser for your prom, it may actually hurt your attendance. 

Why? Well Students may think you hired the same bad DJ for Prom and decide to save their money, may just think they wasted $5-$25 bucks and get mad or annoyed, or will lose confidence in your committee and decline from attending the Prom

There are many other Fund-raising ideas keep an eye out here for new ideas, and if your school tried something different, new or amazing post a comment here so others can benefit from your experience!

Cher!

For Prom Ideas Click here!

Your Prom Committee's Choice of Photographer is not always an easy decision. 

You have the guy that keeps annoying you because he did last years Prom.  You know that he just expects to book it because he did it in 2009, But maybe he isn't right for your Prom!  

Here are the "newer" cooler options:  Semi-Pro Photographer, Candid Photographer, Red Carpet Photographer, & On-Site printing for your Guests. I will give you a brief Description and a few Benefits below!

Semi-Pro Photographer - Will Shoot your Event Usually without the use of Lights, or Backdrop and will  use a "Natural Backdrop" Such as a Foyer, outdoor area or Fountain in you Venue.  The use ALL Digital and can post photos online for Purchase or add on Site Printing. Benefits: Usually Younger Photographer, less stress, fun Photos, usually not standing in long lines, less cost for prints after online! Look Here

Candid Photographer - Is exactly that will shoot Buddy & Group Photos in the Party again without a Backdrop usually with just on-camera Flash.  They will blend in the party and stay out of the way!  They also will get awesome crowd shots and show you how much fun you had dancing! Benefits: They are Spontaneous & catch the moments any portrait will miss! No lines, less cost for prints after online!

Red Carpet Photographer - This is similar to a Semi-Pro Photographer but adds a Hollywood Backdrop (which may also be customized) A Red Carpet, Small Strobes for Red Carpet Feel, & Stations with Velvet Rope!  Benefits: Hollywood Feel, Different, Customized, Very Fun!, Less Cost for Prints online! RED Carpet Prom

On-Site Photo Printing - This can be used with any of the above Photography Services and can also be customized to have a Border with your Prom Theme, Year & Prom Colors Printed on each Photo!  Benefits: School can Pay upfront for Prints, OR Students can pay for Prints (if you choose), Students get print at event - no waiting, Online as well to order more prints for a fraction of the cost of a Pro! Link

Professional Prom Portraits - Traditional Prom Photos includes Lights or Photo Strobes, Backdrop, Props to fit theme, only for couples, Photos MUST be purchased by students for an additional fee to Prom and mailed to them later.  Benefits: Traditional Style since Grandmas Prom, Formal Poses, Students Pay direct to Photographer.

Some if not most Proms have a Combination of the the above Photographers & Services ... Most Commonly A Portrait & Candid Photographer.  Check out this Link for all above Services! 

Good Luck & Remember this is a once in a lifetime event do NOT trust a parent or yearbook committee student/adviser to do the job, use a Pro or Semi-Pro to make sure they capture your moment!

Cher!

Awesome Prom Photography!!

How to Pick the Perfect Prom Dress & Coordinate! 

Prom is one of the most important nights of your life.  So of course, you want to look as fabulous as you can!  Here are some tips to make sure you are at your most beautiful.... 

1. Search early –  start looking for a prom dress at least 4-6 weeks before your prom. You may want to start by searching the internet to get an idea of available styles, price ranges and colors.  This will help ensure that you get a chance to browse, see everything that's available and will help in the event that your dress has to be ordered and/or altered.  That said, don't have your dress altered too far in advance in case your weight fluctuates.

2. Budget –  Figure out how much you (or your parents) are willing to pay for a prom dress so that you can shop accordingly.  If necessary, check with the store at which you're shopping to see if they do an installment or layaway plan.

3. Hair & Makeup - When you're out looking, wear your hair and makeup similar to what you're planning on for prom so that you can get an idea of how the whole look is going to come together.  As well, you may find a dress that just begs for an up-do when you had planned on wearing your hair down.. so keep an open mind!

4. Under Where? - Wear the proper undergarments – make sure you're wearing the bra, underwear and hosiery you're thinking about wearing so that you can see how the dress is going to fit.  If you're really not positive what style you're looking for, you may want to wear a bra that's adjustable from strappy to strapless. 

5. Style – Assess which styles are most flattering to your body type, and determine which colors are most flattering to your skin tone. Take a trusted friend to get an honest opinion.  

6. Variety –  Even if you have a really definite idea of your dream dress, try on a variety of dresses to compare. Don't just stand in front of the mirror.... sit in the dress, try a few dance moves.. make sure that the dress is going to be comfortable for you as well as make you look smokin' hot!  Check out the fabric to make sure that it flows, looks good on you and that it doesn't turn into one giant wrinkle the first time you sit down!

7. Accessorize! - If you have certain accessories that you just MUST wear, bring them with you. If you buy your shoes and accessories after the fact, try on the whole ensemble to make sure it “works” well in advance of your big night. Make sure that your shoes, earrings and other accessories are going to be comfortable all night and that they look great with your dress!

8. Getting ready –  Depending on the dress you've chosen and how you're planning on wearing your hair, determine whether you should do your hair and makeup first, THEN put on your dress.. or put on the dress (making sure to cover up with a sheet or smock) and then do hair and makeup.  Nothing worse than putting on your dress and discovering you smeared makeup on it! Yikes! (Also note.. test out your deodorant in advance by wearing it with a black top or tee if you're wearing something sleeveless or strapless. Big white marks.. not so hot!)

9. Have a Great Prom Night!

Joli Prom dresses start with a brilliant design, born from leading designers who understand what it takes to bring a dress to life, to bring out the flirty, elegant, classy and energetic you!   Please visit our website at www.yourjoliprom.com for our complete collection, prom tips and more.. and follow us on Twitter @joliprom to find out all the latest!

Written by our Guest Author Beth from JoliProm!  She is willing to give away Joli Bags (pictured) to the person that can RT this the Most!

Cher!

Club Prom Experiences & Super Sweet 16's!

Cher!

This ranges from Up-Lighting a wall to an entire room, & can combine glowing columns around your virtual night club.

To see an entire article just on uplighting click here

The best way to write this article is to show you how cool some of the effects can be with photos!  All the Effects are lit with safe LED lights that can be set to 1 color or to scroll through 10 colors depending on your style & theme.

Most Rental Companies that have these rent out no larger than 8 foot because of ceiling restrictions & stability.  Over 8 foot requires them to be weighted down with sandbags plus other safety precautions.

This combined with use of standard up-lighting will transform your plain dark room into a lounge  atmosphere like no other! 

Smaller cubes like in the photo to the right are custom per event & the light fixtures as well, most companies will not have these but the photo shows you what is possible with a little light and creativity. 

Most companies will rent these columns for a few hundred dollars including the LED light fixture! They setup in minutes but the memories & photos last a lifetime!

Good luck & Have fun!

Cher!

To recreate being on the red carpet at a huge premier, celebration, Prom or Sweet 16 takes a lot of planning!

This blog will cover the parts of planning a red carpet theme party including where you can put your rented red carpet runner, vendors, pictures & ideas for taking an event like this to the next level!

A few things to think about when planning:

• Red Carpet & Paparazzi
• Dress Code
• Custom Backdrop for Photographer
• Food & Drinks
• Cutouts of Celebrities & Decor
• Club Disc Jockey & Club Light Show
• Plasmas & Montages
• Invitations & Favors

Red Carpet Rental 

This is the key to the whole theme, so don't get a cheap felt red carpet.  Get the real deal a 3-4 foot  Official Hollywood Red Carpet, and if you have the budget stanchions & Velvet ropes to make it official!  Many Entertainment & DJ companies will have these.  If not check your local party rental stores.  Beware they will charge a delivery & setup/breakdown fee plus travel.

Dress Ideas!

Dress to impress!! You and your guests should be dressed comfortably fashionable, looking sexy, without being too formal (unless its a Prom). Guests should be allowed to add their own style to the night! This will help them get into the theme. The host should look amazing,  Anything you would want to wear when getting stormed by the paparazzi!

Photographer & Custom Backdrops

Photographers are super important for pulling this off & your Grand entrance. Make sure your friends bring their digital cameras is important as well! Hiring a Professional photographer & Possibly an assistant is an important aspect of the event. Make sure to tell your photographer details so they know what is going on. When your guests arrive have the photographer take a formal photo on your red carpet. A Great addition to the carpet is a Custom backdrop, you can get them with your Club DJ's name on them or even get it customized to say you name & theme, or logo if you have one!  This is True Red Carpet Stuff and will make your photos that much more professional! Make sure you photographer captures the rest of the night & dancing (candid) shots as well as the formal ones!

Menu & Drinks

Food should be Pass-arounds during "mocktail" hour. These can be continued throughout the night. We always suggest a Buffet instead of a formal sit down dinner with teens because it will give them more time to dance. Meals should be avoided until after formal Photos so everyone is looking their best at the beginning of the night!

Drinks are an important part of the red carpet, if you want to go formal then try sparkling apple cider also you can do frozen "mocktails" in martini style glasses at a formal "bar area". Soda & Water can be served at the tables as well.

Decor

Make sure your red carpet is long enough to reach the entrance so once a person arrives they can walk all the way in on a red carpet, make sure you measure the distance before you order the carpet.

Life size celebrity cardboard cutouts can be a great way to have guests arrive & have photo ops with.  Hiring an extra MC from your DJ company to interview guests on the red carpet can be a fun way to create a memorable evening!  If you hired a Videographer make sure they know to catch that as all of your friends arrive.

At a real Red Carpet event, planners place strobes facing the Celebrities to simulate photos being taken. This helps get the energy level up so it always looks like friends are getting their photo taken, & it looks  great! Ask your Dj company to provide these if not you can buy them at party stores!

Stanchions & Velvet Ropes are also necessary to keep your friends & guests in the Spotlight. Have your guests arrive and make their way down the carpet. At the end have them pose for a Picture, pickup a drink, & join the guests to welcome your other friends as they arrive. Encourage them to take pictures & cheer! Then when you arrive, all your guests are ready & waiting right there for you to get the perfect picture & give you an standing ovation!

A Great new Decor Item is Up-Lighting, where you can change the color of your room with LED lights placed around the room, or light up 8 foot spandex columns & have them fade different colors!

Club DJ & Lights

High energy music is the most important factor to pulling off this type of event. Get your entertainment company to setup  speakers outside, and play your music as guests arrive. Hire a Young Club Style Disc Jockey that knows your crowd and is willing to play all the Top hits and remixes!  This will make or break your Red Carpet Party.  If your friends have an awesome DJ and a $10 red carpet what do you think they will remember?  Make sure the DJ has a great light show to set the mood for dancing, many will have club style lights that they can bring in and setup for you.  This will let the venue lower their lights & make the event more realistic.

Plasmas & MTV Videos

Most Entertainment companies have Screens or Plasmas they can build into your package.  This is an important element to your red carpet party!  A Few things you can do on the Screens:  Photo Montages, MTV Videos, Live Photo Slide Shows, Live Dance Floor Cams, Video from the Red Carpet, Custom Messages with your name/logo etc, Pictures & Slide Shows!  In 2010 & Beyond Video is an important element at any event! (Be Sure not to lump this in with your Decor or DJ budget)

Favors, Invitations & Giveaways

Custom Favors are amazing try a Photo booth or Photo Printer with a custom printed border! Giftcards can be great or some type of custom glass or favor. Custom Candy can be a great addition as well, buy personalized chocolate bars & put your picture on them! Invitations should have all the party info and be custom made.  Giveaways should fit your theme but can also be glow items, blinkies or LED's

Last Ideas

A Red Carpet themed party can be an awesome event, there is no right or wrong way to do it! The glamor of the evening, fun music, photography, & videos can make it an awesome experience for you & your friends.  Remember, have fun, do it big & be a star for the night!

Other Party Themes:

• Black-light Party
• Glow Party
• Pretty in Pink
• Under the Stars
• Mardi Gras or Masquerade
• Black & White
• Red Carpet Premier
• Hollywood Sweet Sixteen
• Luau

Cher!

Here are a few basic subcommittees you will need to help make your Prom night a success:

Fundraising Committee - Responsible for planning & running Fund-raising.

Chaperone & Security Committee - Responsible for hiring Security & finding Chaperones to volunteer.

Entertainment Committee - Finding the Best DJ (or band), as well as any other entertainers for the evening

Audio Visual Committee - Securing Videographer, Video Screens or Plasmas, creating a slide show or gathering photos for the slide show.

Photographer Committee - Hire the Photographer. Be sure to look at proofs, check references, & compare packages.

Themes & Colors Committee - Responsible for selecting the themes & colors for the Prom Decor. This can be done by voting, or using the school colors.

Decor Committee - Find & purchase the decorations for Prom. (after the themes & colors are selected)

Favors Committee - May be combined with Decor Committee. They select & order favors that will be used as part of the table decor but taken home by guests.

Menu Committee - Pick Sit-down or Buffet Meal.  Plan the menu for the evening, giving two choices for main course. We suggest Buffet if you want your guests to have more dancing time. (Also have your caterer setup several 2 sided buffet stations to expedite the flow of guests)

Royal Court Committee - Organizing the balloting & voting system for selecting the Court & how the court will be announced & given their crowns. 

Clean Up Committee - Responsible for cleaning up after the Prom is over (may be for a DIY Prom only).

This should help you make the Prom a success & cut the huge task down into smaller easier to do tasks!

Good Luck & Have Fun!

Cher!