Prom 1973 vs. Prom 2009

 

 

Things have changed dramatically since I went to prom and I know what you’re thinking, the dark ages but seriously. Back in the day, you got a dress and MAYBE a pair of shoes, boutonniere for your boyfriend and yea that was about it. We ate dinner at the prom and I think the mom’s made the food. Did we have a limo? NO, your boyfriend picked you up in his 60 something Chevy SS (I think) or 57 Chevy or whatever loud, fast car he happened to be driving at the time (really better than a limo if you ask me). For that matter, since prom was only 1 or 2 blocks away, we could have walked (it was a very small town). The gym was decorated by the Junior Class with crepe paper and balloons and I can’t remember if we had a dj (Joe Bob from the bait shop) or a live band (from the big city of Newton). And there was none of this “after prom” stuff. After prom was whatever you could find to do and we’ll leave it at that.

 

Fast forward to 2009 – you get a dress, you get shoes, you get your hair done, you get your nails done, some get their make-up done and, on and on. In the 21st century, they have professional prom organizers and they decorate like it’s the Oscars or something. Now we have a limo request to go to the Legends in KCMO for a dinner that I’m sure will cost more than all of MY prom dresses combined. Money is no object! Things are bigger, better, more glamorous, more peer pressure, more, more, more.  And after prom is quite an affair. Games, food, drinks (alcohol not provided at after prom, thank you) until the wee small hours. These things are the norm now and have been for quite some time. It almost feels like wedding planning on some level. I think it’s great for them and I know it’s a very exciting time in their lives and everyone is eagerly awaiting Saturday. The guys will feel miserable in their tuxes (that hasn’t changed, guys have never liked to wear tuxes) and the girls will feel like princesses for a night. But let me tell you back in 1973 in my relatively inexpensive blue dress with my boyfriend bringing me a corsage and picking me up in his loud car, I felt like a princess too. It was a very sweet and special time then just as it is today. The important things haven’t changed, just the trappings. Happy Prom class of 2009!

 

 

 

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