A first-timers guide to Prom: What you want to know about the final dance of the year

After months packed full with memorable events, Prom is one final way to wrap up the school year with all of your friends. Never been to the dance that all high-schoolers seem to be buzzing about? No worries, the Milestone provides everything you need to know about the big night.

For Women:

Do: Find a dress quickly

While not required, often rent a tuxedo for the night. To ensure your date gets the perfect color to accent your dress, find that dress you love as soon as possible.

Don’t: Think that a long dress is required

Chances are, when your mom went to her prom she wore a long dress, but don’t let that keep you from your perfect dress. In recent years, short dresses have become a trend. Whatever dress is “the one”- long or short- rock it with confidence!

For Men:

Don’t: Procrastinate renting a tuxedo

Renting a tux is not a must, but is common. If you do decide to rent a tux be sure to be prompt- as colors and sizes may run out due to the high demand during this spring season.

Do: Use the manners you were taught

Be confident, open doors for your date, be polite, and have a great time. Limit your cell phone use as well. A night buried in your phone is never a good time.

For the night itself:

Do: Remember that dinner is included with the purchase of a ticket

Unlike Homecoming and Mardi Gras, Prom takes place off campus at RSVP Event Center located in Loveland about 20 minutes away from McNick. Dinner and dessert is provided at RSVP and is included in the price of your ticket.

Do: Arrive to dinner on time

Although this event is reserved for juniors and seniors, tables will fill up fast! Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and those eating dinner should arrive no later than 7:30 p.m. To guarantee a spot at a table with your closest friends, arrive early.

Do: Explore places in Loveland for pre-dance pictures

Located just 10 minutes from RSVP, the Loveland Castle is a beautiful landmark and an ideal place for pictures before the dance. Nisbet Park is another scenic spot to snap pics of the event and is located in the heart of downtown Loveland.

Don’t: Pass up After-prom

If you think the fun stops when the last song at RSVP is played, think again! After changing into some comfy clothes, head back to Rocket High for a night filled with inflatables, tie-dying and more! After prom begins at 12 a.m. and ends at 5 a.m.

Tickets are $90 for a couple and $45 for an individual ticket. After prom tickets are $25 per person and are on sale at lunch in the back of the cafeteria. Sale ends April 16 for after prom while tickets to the dance are no longer on sale.