Prom is an important rite of passage for every girl. The end of high school is finally in sight and the future is already knocking. It becomes increasingly important then to find that perfect dress to commemorate the end of one big step and the beginning of another. However, the event not only brings a sense of wonder and delight but also a few extra stress pimples. There is a lot of pressure to choose a dress that will stand out in the crowd but is also comfortable and affordable. We have therefore compiled an easy-to-follow guide to help you alleviate the stress of the big day.

Start thinking early.Each girl is unique in her taste, preferences, personality, and body type. The designers are eager to create gowns as individual as the girls who will be wearing them and thus provide a great many options. Perhaps too many, however. If you don’t have a clue about at least the type of dress you want, you may get overwhelmed by the choices. Thus, the first step of the process is to get a general idea of what it is you are looking for. Decide on the basics: do you want a long dress or a short one? Print or solid? Cocktail or A-line? Flip through a few magazines such as «Seventeen» and «Teen Vogue» and visit some celebrity gossip websites for inspiration. Remember, you don’t need to know exactly the dress you will be wearing but only a general idea of what you like.

Budget wisely. Talk to your parents and find out who will be paying. Are they taking care of all the expenses or do they expect you to contribute as well? Choose a realistic range for the price of the gown. Decide the maximum amount above which you will not be spending. This will make the selection easier later on as well as get the important money question out of the way.

Try them on!Here comes the most fun and perhaps the most frustrating stage of the process. Go out there and try many, many prom dresses. Since you’re armed with two important limits (the style and the budget), it should make finding the needle in the haystack significantly easier. You may want to browse boutiques and large retailers for a variety of styles. Make sure that the dress you finally decide on is not only beautiful but also comfortable. It is therefore important to ascertain that the gown is the right size and does not pinch anywhere. Remember that not all dresses will fit perfectly, so go in open minded and without expectations.

Accessorize.Even after you finally find that lovely dress, your work is still not finished. You must also choose appropriate shoes, clutch, and jewelry. Make sure that the accessories complement the color(s) and the style of your dress. They should not overtake your entire image but simply enhance it.

Hair & Makeup.You’re almost there, all that’s left is to figure out the hairdo and the makeup. Consult your local hairdresser for the style that would complement your facial features and at the same time work well with the design of the prom dress. On the other hand, do not match your makeup with the gown. Opt for a classic look (such as red lips or smoky eyes) or one that highlights your eye color and skin tone. For cheaper options, look again to magazines and the Internet. Many offer comprehensive tutorials that can teach you to do your own hair and professionally apply cosmetics.

Have fun!Remember that in the end, prom is a celebration. Approach the dress search as an adventure and a time to discover your own individual style. And then… dance the night away with smiles and laughter!