First...the important stuff...
This formal event requires participants to adopt the dress and behavior guidelines from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. Unfortunately, those who do not adhere to the guidelines will be turned away at the door.
All who wish to attend should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. This is a formal event. In other words, T-shirts, mohawks, tennis shoes, flip-flops, duct tape, pink hair, and other crazy stuff is inappropriate. Please bring your best dress, manners, and courtesy to this event. Plan ahead for a wonderful evening. Don’t risk being turned away at the door.
For more information about standards on dress and behavior, please see the following sections in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet:
Dating
Dress and Appearance
Music and Dancing
Language
Sexual Purity
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Now...the fun stuff....!
YOUNG WOMEN should wear a formal or semi-formal dress of modest length that covers the shoulder and is not low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner.
Dress shopping can be a trial. Here are some suggestions as you plan for a wonderful evening:
1. Swap or borrow. Do you have a nice dress, but you wore it last year? Trade dresses with a friend, or ask around in your Ward or Stake.
2. Sew What? Sew yourself a beautiful dress, or find someone who can help. Consider paying or trading (babysitting?) for sewing services. It may be easier and faster than shopping at local stores for a modest dress!
3. Get a Facelift…for your dress. Add a colored sash. Add a jacket or shrug, also a good option if you find a dress with no sleeves. Just make sure your shoulders and back are not visible, and that you keep the jacket on. Scarves, drapes or shawls are not adequate cover.
4. Check online sites. Buy a dress from an online site specializing in modest clothing. Remember, though, that even a modest-styled dress can be immodest if it fits you too tightly, shows your cleavage, is too short, or is stretched so your shoulders aren’t covered.
5. Not a walk on the beach. Think “dressy” and “formal.” It’s fun to dress up! Don’t settle for a T-shirt and jumper or flip flops; it just won’t do for this night.
6. Color Coordinated. Consider “matching” your date for the evening… but you’ll need to plan ahead. Also, be sure to order or make a flower boutonnière for his lapel – very classy!
7. A few tips, especially for Guests. Our standards are high, for YOU are a daughter of God. We want to see you looking modest and beautiful at the Prom. This will be a clean, wholesome, wonderful night - an evening to remember!
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YOUNG MEN should dress in formal wear (tuxedo) or dress-shirt and pants with coat and tie. Dress shoes should be worn. They should also maintain modesty in their appearance.
So which will you wear? A Tuxedo, or a suit and tie? Either way, you will look marvelous!
You likely have a suit already. If not, ask around! Borrow one from a friend or family member who has your same build. Or, look at a local Thrift Shop for something reasonable to purchase. You may find a tuxedo while you are looking around. You may want to rent a tuxedo, but a used tuxedo can be purchased online for less than a rental cost, often coming with shoes, vests and ties, and even cufflinks.
Here are some formal wear facts for your education and reading enjoyment:
1. Certain tuxedo styles are inappropriate for particular events. “Tails” are reserved for the most formal occasions, while single-breasted suits can be worn at almost any time.
2. Which style best complements your shape? Just like when a man buys a suit, a double-breasted jacket can complement a tall man’s body type, while shorter men should definitely opt for a single-breasted jacket.
3. Shirts. Tuxedo shirts have evolved over the years. Most styles (excluding the classic ruffled look) are acceptable for every occasion.
4. Pants. Tuxedo pants will match the tuxedo style you have selected. Many have a classic racing stripe down the leg, so don’t worry—it’s supposed to look that way!
5. Ties. It is acceptable to pair a tie with a cummerbund or vest (but not both). Bow ties are classic, and may be worn with either, while a long tie works better with the vest option.
6. Cummerbunds. In case you are wondering, the cummerbund is that oversized silk belt-looking thing that is worn above the tuxedo pants. Wear it so the pleats face up like little pockets. You can have fun with the color of your tie and vest/cummerbund. Consider wearing the color of your date’s dress so you’ll “coordinate”. And don’t forget to order or make a flower corsage for your date - a pin-on-her-dress/wristband style to match her dress, if possible.
7. Shoes. Shoes worn with tuxedos are usually very simple and free of decoration or design. Most are black patent leather, and should be worn with simple black dress socks. Whether you wear a suit or tux, don’t ruin your look with casual shoes! Borrow some dress shoes, if necessary.
8. Cufflinks. The final touch of your tuxedo ensemble is cufflinks. Tuxedo rental shops will provide you with cufflinks to wear. If you consider purchasing a pair, don’t spend too much! It is very easy to lose a cufflink!
