Prom season is here! University Academy’s prom is tomorrow at Lula Southern Cookhouse. It starts at 8 p.m., and the theme is “A Night in Rio.” While all juniors and seniors are able to attend, some seniors are planning to go all out since it’s their last prom. Many students are whirring with excitement and on countdown to go.
There are many different types of dresses to choose from for an event like prom. According to PromGirl, the top three dress trends for the 2026 prom season are floral or animal print, bows, and a ruffled dress.
While the search for a prom dress could be quick and simple, other times it takes longer. Sometimes people can’t find dresses as easily because they’re picky, don’t know exactly what they’re looking for, or just can’t find what they want.
UA senior Brooke Williams said, “I did not know what I was looking for at first glance, but after many stores, I knew exactly what I wanted.”
Williams’ mom even went looking for a dress for her in a couple of stores in North Carolina and Illinois. She plans to keep her dress secret until tomorrow so it can be a big surprise.
As some people plan on going all out, renting fancy cars with a driver is popular. This option is likely expensive, but it might be worth it. Williams plans to do this, and while it might seem like a lot, she said she has seen much bigger where she’s originally from in Chicago, Illinois.
For those who attend prom with a date, coordinating colors might be desired. But for students attending on their own, they have a task to try to stand out by doing a bit extra.
Senior Khy’Air Tounzell-Turner said he plans to go to prom by himself and wants to stand out by having the perfect touches on his suit “from head to toe.”
Tounzell-Turner plans to wear a black and cream suit with gold buttons. He said he got it tailored and altered so it would fit just right.
Not only does prom preparation include shopping ahead of time, it also requires planning accessories and booking appointments. Accessories can be the key to a perfect prom look. For girls, considerations include hair appointments, nails and make-up. But for boys, it’s mainly just a haircut and accessories.
Prom is for the memories, but some people also have goals to accomplish. Whether it’s getting good pictures, being the best dressed, or winning the title of prom king or queen, there are many fun things to keep in mind.
Williams said, “I am looking forward to finding out who the prom queen and king are. I’m also looking forward to the time after prom where the seniors get to spend time together.”
Tickets will not be sold at the door, so attendees should plan ahead. A solo ticket costs $50, while tickets for a couple cost $80 for the pair.
