As the homecoming dance is fast approaching, students are preparing for the big day in different ways. The last two years have been far from our conventional homecoming dance. The results of this are at least two grade levels full of underclassmen that have never experienced a normal high school homecoming. This leaves many open ended questions about what to do and not do for homecoming. Here’s your senior guide to homecoming: 

DO bring a pair of shoes that won’t blister your feet.      

Wearing your cute 6 inch heels will look great in photos, but they will not make you feel cute when the blisters start to form three hours later. Feel free to wear those shoes, but bring a spare pair of birkenstocks or converse to avoid walking barefoot in the AHS parking lot. 

DO NOT feel the need to have a huge group or a date. 

Whether you go with three or fourty of your closest friends, make sure you are spending your night with people you know you’ll have fun with. The drama that often comes with dance planning can seem unavoidable, but the right people can make a world of difference. It’s your night, enjoy it with people who’ll make it even better. 

DO take lots of pictures (not just for instagram)  

I hate to admit it, but time goes by fast, faster than I ever imagined. When I look back at my freshman homecoming photos as a senior, I regret not taking more pictures of the actual fun me and my friends had. My poses in front of the Southglenn fountain were adorable, but I also wish I had more pictures of my friends throwing chicken nuggets at each other in Chick-Fil-A. With that being said, forget to put your phone down and enjoy the moment as well

DO NOT dress like you’re going to the Met Gala

I am a huge fan of glam looks and showstopping outfits. However, do not feel like you need to put on a tux or wear a prom dress. Even though homecoming is a formal occasion, you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress or outfit you’ll wear once or twice. Don’t shy away from the sales section of Dillards or the stunning, but budget friendly options online.

DO experience the actual school dance. 

I am a huge proponent of trying everything at least once. If you are an underclassmen who has never been to the dance, it is almost required to go to the dance. There is nothing to lose from going for at least an hour, then going bowling with your friends after. The dance is not for everyone, but how can you know if you never try? 

DO NOT stress yourself out. 

Homecoming is meant to be a fun night for students to come together. Some kind of worry or stress is inevitable, but do not let that overwhelm your whole night. If you love or hate school events, it only comes once a year, so make the most of it while you can. For the better or worse, we are only teenagers for a small portion of our lives. Stressing over a single night that will be a blip on your whole life is pointless. Have fun and relax, it’s homecoming!