Prom season is only three weeks away, and students should begin preparing now if they have not already started.

Step 1: Girls should begin planning their Prom outfits based on their dresses. Some of the most popular and relatively local places to find Prom dresses include XO by Sophia, Windsor, Von Maur, David’s Bridal and Bloved. XO by Sophia is popular but among the most expensive out of the group. Sophia’s has many designer Prom dress brands, like Sherri Hill. Bloved, located in Seymour, is similar to Sophia’s for price and selection. Windsor, Von Maur and David’s Bridal could be considered less expensive options.

Step 2: Girls should decide what kind of jewelry to wear. Windsor, Icing and Claire’s in the mall have lots of options. If students want something more high-end, Von Maur has a large jewelry department. Prom jewelry is only typically worn once or twice, so going the cheaper route might be wise.

Step 3: Choose hairstyles based on the dress. For example, strapless dresses often look great with hair put up. Many girls can do their own hair, but if that is not an option, local hairdressers can do Prom hair. This might cost $60-$70 but saves girls from having to do it on their own. Another great option is going to a local beauty school and having a future professional do hair for a very low cost. The key is making those appointments now.

Step 4: Figure out who to go with can be important. Taking photos is a fun part of Prom. Many students take photos in their backyards and at local parks. Many of these places are free to get into as well. Plan for wait time in case other Prom-goers have the same location idea.

Step 5: Corsage and boutonnieres should be ordered way in advance. Each corsage and boutonniere is custom-made to fit the student color theme; making these take time. Popular places to get corsages and boutonnieres are Steve’s Flowers and Gifts, McNamara, The Flower Market and Flowers by Eva. All are around the same cost, but prices fluctuate based on type of flowers, colors, ribbon, etc.

Step 6: Do beauty treatments. Sometimes, students want spray tans before the dance. Spray tans fade over time and can get splotchy if not taken care of properly, so getting them two or three days ahead of time could be important. Chain companies can run promotions on spray tans but not often, but getting in when so many people want appointments for Prom can be challenging.

Step 7: Another fun idea is to make a music playlist for everyone to listen to while getting ready or while traveling in the car. Spotify has options to share playlists and add songs from everyone’s playlists.

Step 8: Personally, I would get my eyebrows threaded a week before Prom. Waxing is also an option, but I prefer the look of threading. My favorite place to go is J.S. Ibrows & Spa. It is inexpensive, and the ladies there always do a great job. I also have gotten a lash lift and tint there, which turned out amazing. Other popular places to go include Bare Wax Spa, The Naked Monkey and independent estheticians in Greenwood.

Step 9: Plan ahead to steam dresses the day before or day of Prom to ensure all wrinkles are out and dresses look perfect.

Step 10: On the day of Prom, girls can plan fun activities before getting ready. Some of the most popular include brunch and building bouquets. Bouquets have become popular the last few years, and they are a great addition to a Prom look. Flowers can be purchased at Walmart, Kroger, Trader Joes and other local grocery stores. They all cost nearly the same price and should not be crazy expensive; it just depends on what flowers girls want.

Step 11: Finally, after lots of planning, students should plan a few hours to get ready. Friends often gather at one person’s home to make pre-plan more fun.