The Ultimate Prom Pre-Party

Red Carpet Welcome

Roll out the red carpet on your walkway so that as dates arrive, they’ll get into the Hollywood glam spirit. (Plus, it makes for a great photo opp!)

His And Hers

One guy can’t figure out how to put on his boutonnière. Another girl is having a VPL moment. (That's "visible panty lines" in teen-speak.) Be ready for anything by creating primping rooms—one for the ladies and one for the gents.

Almost Paradise

In the living room, pop in a DVD of the best prom movie of all time: Footloose. As parents wait for the styling to end and the pictures to begin, they can reminisce about their bygone high school days.

Perfectly Polished

If you can, encourage all the girls to get ready at your house. To eliminate the frantic rush of errands and last-minute beauty primping, hire a manicurist to do quick mani-pedis for the young divas.

Picture Perfect

Inevitably, mascara will smudge and lip gloss will fade even before the big night has begun. Designate one mom to play a makeup artist for quicks touchups during the photo session.

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Raise A Glass

Celebrate the night with a specialty cocktail—non-alcoholic of course. Every teen wants to feel grown on prom night, so don’t rain on her parade with lame-o Shirley Temples. Try toasting with Faux Kir Royale (raspberry syrup and sparkling apple cider) in a champagne flute garnished with fresh raspberries.

It's A Snap

Parents snapping Polaroids is so 1992. Personalized disposable cameras is so 2000. Why not kick things up a notch by hiring a photo booth company like Snap Yourself to help capture the pre-party shots? (For a DIY option, download fun photo booth apps on your smartphone.)

Let's Rock

Set the mood with some fun, upbeat tunes. Don’t try to be too hip with a collection of pop anthems, though. Instead, go for ’80s nostalgia by bumping some A-ha, Michael Jackson and The Rolling Stones. Score extra points for playing the soundtracks to films such as Breakfast Club and School Daze.

Sweet Temptations

Chances are kids will be too excited to nosh before the big night. But the promise of post-prom treats may just lure them back in time for curfew.

Fresh Idea

For a simple and easy addition to your pre-party, place bowls of peppermints around the house. Guys and girls can stash them away for later.

Prom-Aid

As a much-needed parting gift to your teen, put together mini tool kits with a few emergency items: bandages, a safety pin, the number to a cab company and Aspirin. If a dress strap breaks or a dance-induced blister forms, your kids will thank you.