Ideas for Prom Venues

If your prom committee is down for holding your dance someplace other than the school cafeteria or gym, consider these prom venues. Even if the location seems a little un-prom-like at first, remember that any space can be spruced up with decorations.
Outdoor Pavilion. A covered pavilion at a park or the beach can make for an enchanted evening, just make sure you live in a place where the weather isn't unpredictable. Outdoor prom venues can be risky if you live in a rainy area!

 

Convention Hall. You might picture concrete and big, empty rooms at the mention of a convention hall, but these spaces are the ultimate blank canvas. If you need the space and are all about decorating, consider it.

 

Historic Landmark or Castle. Pick a scenic and historic location to create a historic evening. Depending on the location, you may only be allowed to decorate minimally.

 

Farm. As long as you stay clear of animal stalls, farms with gigantic barns could make pretty memorable prom venues. Throw in a gorgeous landscape backdrop and you've got an ideal photo location, too.

 

Hotel. No, not Motel 6… think an upscale hotel with a large ballroom and fancy decor that will compliment your formal attire.

Suggestions for Prom Gifts

Receiving prom gifts from your date or even your parents is a fun tradition. Some gifts are traditionally exchanged by prom dates, while others gifts could easily come from a parent who wants to help commemorate the occasion. Gifts don't have to be expensive because "it's the thought that counts." A small gift with the right intention can be even nicer than something expensive. Here are some gift ideas to consider:
Corsage and Flowers
It is customary to give your date a corsage or boutonniere for prom. Most girls opt for wearing a wrist corsage with a flower, while guys wear a single flower (known as a boutonniere) that is pinned on their suit. Guys can also surprise their date by bringing a bouquet of flowers or roses.

Jewelry
Jewelry can make prom night a special event. Some parents might opt to give their daughter a necklace or earrings. This can be tricky, though, because many girls will have their jewelry all planned out for the evening. If you are giving a necklace or other piece of jewelry as a prom gift, ask ahead what she might like and offer to let her choose.

Renting a Limo
One idea for prom gifts is the gift of experience, such as surprising your date with a limo ride. To do this, don't tell her ahead of time, and pretend that you'll be picking her up in your beat up car or even having an older sibling drive you. This prom gift will definitely be appreciated. You might also consider getting a group of friends together to pitch in on the cost for a limo.

Digital Camera
Parents might find that prom night is the perfect time to give their son or daughter a new camera to take to the dance. This is a great idea, especially if you can spend a few minutes figuring out the settings for darker light and showing him or her ahead of time. A smaller sized camera is the best choice for slipping into a pocket or purse, and a carrying case is helpful.

Kristen Stewart on Being Invited to a Prom!

On The Road star Kristen Stewart was all smiles on The Daily Show discussing when she first read the Beat Generation book, her progressive schooling and being invited to a prom. And on being asked if Kristen was able to experience other standard American school institutions, such as prom, she answered: "I kind of got to design my curriculum, somewhat, it was cool. It was independent study." But, she said, "I was invited to a prom at one point. I was like who's going to show up to a prom? The school barely existed!...

Looking effortlessly cool in a striped Beckley dress topped with a Band of Outsiders blazer with the sleeves rolled up, Kristen was happy to talk about the first time she read On The Road and her progressive school, explaining: "I saw On The Road on the reading list as a freshman, that's how I read it for the first time. That probably says something about the school I was going to. I think it's usually a little older, or possibly, not at all."

Watch the complete, uncharacteristically non-awkward segment from Styleite.