Best Carolina DJ

Columbia Bridal Association

2011-02-01T21:57:00.000-05:00

Got word this past week that I've been accepted into the Columbia Bridal Association. Hopefully this will be a great way to meet more bride & grooms eager to make lasting, fun and memorable weddings & receptions. I've been in this business for over 30 years and I have the experience and talent to cater to the crowd while keeping within the bride & groom's wishes.

Here's to a great 2011 filled with many happily-ever-after couples!

Here's why you should hire CDS for your youth party...

2011-01-26T15:15:00.001-05:00

...because they always turnout fun, exciting and memorable! Another great performance survey for a youth birthday party:

Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2011

2011-01-04T18:25:00.000-05:00

OneWed.com just unveiled their Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2011!

1. Sophisticated Elegance Returns

It’s back to basics with elegant, sophisticated style in 2011. Wedding decor will be simple and understated, with modern design elements trumping DIY touches. Scripted calligraphy, custom monograms, and classic wedding cakes embody this trend. Brides will wear pearls, and grooms will ditch the Converse in favor of more tasteful wedding day kicks.

2. Outdoor Venues are more preferable

Couples tying the knot in 2011 will gravitate toward outdoor ceremony and reception venues. The raw, minimal backdrop of an outdoor setting leaves room for personalization and customization, a major perk for creative, hands-on nearlyweds. Lakeside venues, vineyard locations and spaces situated alongside sprawling mountains will dominate, and they’ll be spruced up with personalized touches that represent the bride and groom. This is great news for us living in Columbia, South Carolina, with great weather most of the year and so many outdoor venue locations to choose from.

3. Grey is the New Black, Crazy for Navy

Gloomy no more, grey is the neutral IT color for 2011 weddings. Organic and natural, shades of charcoal, dove, stone, oyster and shell will be incorporated liberally into wedding color palettes and paired with vibrant hues to make the colors pop! And while grey remains the talk of the town for 2011, navy blue (and other deep blues) are definitely on-trend for the coming year. Wonder if Prince Will's royal wedding has anything to do with the crazy for navy trend... what do you think??

4. Mad for Metallics & Bold Color Palettes

Whether it’s two bright hues with a metallic accent, or several metallic shades used together, brights and metallics will be popular choices for wedding color palettes in 2011. Gilded gold, shimmery silver, and sparkling champagne will used alone or with accents of yellow, purple or teal. And since metallics make such a bold statement on their own, couples will scale back over-the-top decor in favor of a more restrained style aesthetic.

5. Big Ball Gowns are Back

Dramatic ball gown wedding dresses floated down 2011 bridal catwalks in droves. Wedding dress designers draped, ruched, and layered clouds of tulle, power netting, and chiffon to fashion wedding dresses with limitless volume. The outcome? Fairytale-inspired bridal style and whimsical wedding dresses for 2011 I Dos.

6. Grooms Take a Walk on the Stylish Side

Grooms are taking a stand in the name of fashion. Their tux choices will no longer be dictated by some “rent 5, get 1 free” deal. Instead, they’ll chose formal looks that represent their unique style. Bow ties will replace classic long neck ties, and embroidered dress shirts, engraved cufflinks, stylish lapel pins and the color of the season- grey- will grace the white aisles.

7. Wedding Invitations Go Green

The green weddings movement continues full speed ahead in 2011. From totally paperless wedding invitations and save-the-dates, to stationery printed on 100% recycled paper, invitations have truly gone green. Couples can find all they need with sites like WeddingPreParty (enabling online RSVP and party planning) and Nearlyweds.com (offering coordinating stationery and wedding websites).

8. Luxurious Textures-- from the Dress to the Tablescape

Luxe textured fabrics will bring a sumptuous, opulent vibe to 2011 weddings. Wedding dresses will feature 3D applique, layered light fabrics (tulle, lace, chiffon), romantic ruffles, oversized florals, and illusion fabric with eye-catching beading. Textured linens will be layered to dress up reception tables, chair covers may be embroidered or beaded, and branchy centerpieces and floral arrangements will captivate wedding guests.

9. Ethnic Influences, Cultural Wedding Details

At long last, brides and grooms are embracing and showcasing their unique cultural traditions and ethnicity. Whether it’s a religious wedding ceremony ritual, traditional wedding day garb, cultural cuisine infused throughout the reception dinner, or wedding decor with bold, ethnic prints, you can’t help but embrace the unique cultures and ethnicities of couples in 2011.

10. Revved-Up Wedding Receptions

Who wants the best day of their lives to end? Not couples and guests in 2011, that’s for sure! Couples will plan a post-reception after party lasting into the wee hours of the night with drinks, entertainment, dancing, and snacks so that wedding guests can party all night long!

source: www.onewed.com

Dutch Fork High School Prom 2010

2010-06-04T08:59:00.003-04:00

Another successful event for the Silver Foxes! Prom was AWESOME with about 800 students in attendance. DFHS really knows how to partay! Professional sound with over 14,000 heart-thumping watts, dazzling commercial quality lights which looked awesome piercing through the fog, giving the room an amazing club-like feel. Only had to cut the music once due to craziness..LOL. Martha at the Columbia Conference Center was very professional to work with. Thanks Dutch Fork and see you again next year!

Southern Patriot on Lake Murray

2010-05-19T14:58:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of DJing on the Southern Patriot this past weekend. That was fun. Their staff did an awesome job of providing a very festive atmosphere. The client was pleased and his guests were having a very good time.

Staley/Hester Wedding May 8, 2010

2010-05-18T14:06:00.004-04:00

What an awesome night at the beautiful Columbia Museum of Art located in the heart of downtown Columbia. It was the perfect evening for a wedding and the wedding party looked good too. As I announced each individual in the wedding party, they entered by making their way down the museum's huge winding staircase and stopped intermittently. With the wedding party staggered down the staircase, this formed an entry line for the bride and groom--very beautiful and different.

I kept the dance floor filled all night long. After the evening was over, the dance floor looked like a piece of modern artwork too. All the scuff marks from the dancers’ shoes looked as if someone had painted the floor with black paint.

Liz LeBlanc, the museum’s coordinator did an awesome job and kept everyone happy. I also enjoyed working with Lumos Studio photographers, a very professional husband and wife team.

Is YOUR DJ Insured???

2010-05-17T13:55:00.002-04:00

I received a call on Friday for a wedding to be held the very next day! Talk about cutting it close. So what happened you ask? Apparently the bride and groom had a DJ contracted to perform at their reception at a prestigious event hall located in the Columbia area. So, of course, this event hall (being prestigious and all) wants proof that their contracted DJ has insurance. However, when it came time for the DJ to prove that they were insured (which happened to be the day before the wedding), the DJ got offended. Crazy!

Just so you know, DJs who are actually insured will NEVER get offended to prove they are insured. In fact, they are more than happy to show proof of insurance. You see this is money the DJ has spent and the more people who want to see it the better. If your DJ gets offended or hesitates to show proof of insurance, this should be your red flag. Additionally, the customer should never just take the DJ's word, make them prove it. Luckily for this bride and groom I was available. And using my Master Reception Planner & Timeline, I was able to fax the form to the bride and groom to complete and fax back. That night after their rehearsal dinner, I reviewed the completed form over the phone with them. All their planning just about went out the window. The reception was smooth and I received many compliments from the parents and friends of the happy couple, the photographer and venue coordinator.

Let us make your child's youth party a success!

2010-03-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

Great party for a 13 year old Birthday Girl. They had a great time! Here is the performance survey for that gig.

Batesburg/Leesville Middle School

2010-03-19T15:18:00.003-04:00

Thanks to the great staff and students at Batesburg/Leesville Middle School for another great dance last Friday. The dance floor stayed packed and I hope you all had a great time! This was the perfect time to debut one of my new lights and it looked awesome seeing the light effects through the fog.

Another Successful Fundraiser

2010-02-26T20:16:00.001-05:00

I was happy to donate my services to the great folks at Ebenezer Lutheran Church again this year for their St. Valentine's fundraiser to help with their outreach ministry. See you again next year!

Unique Flowers

2010-01-22T16:32:00.001-05:00

Blumebox, an Oregon-based company that offers eco-friendly flower vases. These unique boxes made from recycled paper are perfect centerpieces for weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties or every day bouquets. The blumeboxes come in a wide range of colors, sizes and patterns. As an easy DIY centerpiece, you can add ribbons, streamers, or place cards to create a coordinating, low-cost look you want.

This is a simple and elegant solution to house bridal bouquets before and after the ceremony. Why leave your bouquets abandoned and wilting on the table while you and your bridesmaids hit the dance floor? Place them in a blumebox around your cake table or on the bar for to help beautify the room and preserve the blooms.

The uses are endless! The best part is that once your event is done you can store them flat to reuse in future events or simply recycle.

The Do Not Play List

2010-01-20T14:34:00.001-05:00

There is nothing a DJ fears more than when the Bride and Groom produce a list of all the songs they don’t want played during their reception – the dreaded “Do Not Play” list. Generally, this list consists of longtime party favorites like “YMCA”, “The Chicken Dance”, and “Macarena”, just to name a few.

After reviewing the list with the bride and groom, we share that many of the songs on their list would surely fill the dance floor and keep the party rockin’. The usual response is “it’s my reception and I don’t want to hear that song”. There is no argument that a reception should reflect the personalities of the bride and groom but there should also be some flexibility allotted to the DJ to appeal to all of your guest’s varied tastes.

Most DJ’s find it incredibly frustrating when a bride and groom invite families, with many children in attendance, yet they won’t allow the DJ to play any “Teen Queen” music, or entertain with the “Chicken Dance” or “YMCA”. The end result is that the children get bored and have no way to burn off excess energy. Guess what happens then? They're begging mom and dad to take them home. Or worse, start crawling under the buffet table while mom and dad frantically try to find them.

Before you and your finace sit down to compile your “Do Not Play” list, ask yourself a couple of questions:

1. How many children and teens will be in attendance? Understand their music tastes.
2. Even if I don’t like a particular song or group, if a guest wants to hear it, can I tolerate it so they can have a good time?
3. Can I trust the DJ I hired to use all the music at his disposal to ensure everyone has fun?

Everyone has their likes and dislikes when it comes to music, especially those who play it for a living. A good DJ will be able to, as they say, "check their opinions at the door" and gladly play the music you request. After all, it's YOUR day, not theirs! By giving the DJ some direction and generalized tips, they can work up a playlist that will be entertaining for all the varied age groups in attendance at a typical wedding. Catering to the musical preferences of all your guests is a skill that separates the novice entertainer from the experienced professional.

In closing, a good DJ understands when the couple doesn’t want to hear Hard Rock or Rap because they have a very limited audience and appeal, especially to grandma and grandpa who are in attendance. However, it’s a good idea to move from the “it’s my reception” thought process to let’s celebrate our special day with our guests”. It’s a sure fire recipe for success and a day of FUN and celebration!

Blog Your Wedding Adventure!

2010-01-19T14:11:00.000-05:00

From the minute you say, "I do" the wedding planning game is on! Blogging your way through the planning process is a fun way to keep a personal journal of each step taken. From engagement to honeymoon your readers can stay informed of your every detail. Whether color schemes or cake flavors your readers can assist you with all your wedding decisions. Think of all your extended family and friends who want to either be involved or stay abreast of your wedding adventure. Additionally, if you keep your blog open to the general public they too can give advice when solicited. Should you go with a tall table center piece or a short one? So many decisions that your wedding planning can be a lengthy and bumpy process full of highs and lows; so why not get as much support as you need--blog your wedding adventure!

Sign up here for a free blog
www.blogspot.com

List your blog here to get readers
http://www.swsmag.net/southern-bride-blogge/

Some wedding blogs I've come accross:
http://southernweddingladybug.blogspot.com/
http://bgbride.blogspot.com/
http://mydreamring.blogspot.com/
http://preppybride.blogspot.com/
http://www.prettybride.net/

Who Is In Charge Of Your Wedding Dreams?

2010-01-07T17:40:00.000-05:00

Picture this if you will, you are in a Vera Wang, feather covered, diamond white gown. Your hair is cascading down your back in beachy waves. You just lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks. Your engagement ring is sparkling clean, your dad is in a tux, your brother actually got a haircut and ALL of the people you care about are sitting in white chivari chairs awaiting your arrival into the reception hall. But wait, you and your new hubby are still standing there waiting. The DJ doesn't seem to know what to do and the wrong song is playing. No one knows what is supposed to happen next. If ONLY there was a Reception Planner timeline in play!!!

What is a "Reception Planner" timeline you ask? It is a detailed list of EVERYTHING that is going on during your wedding day reception. Details like: Why are the guests wandering by the dessert table? When do the caterers pass the appetizers? When do the bartenders uncork the champagne? What song should the DJ play for the Grand Entrance? Where does the bridal party (and in what order) line up for the Grand Entrance? I know, I know, you didn't think about this part of your wedding day. It's ok. That's why you already hired a professional Disc Jockey.

Ok, where were we? Oh, yes. What do we do after the Grand Entrance? Dance? Toast? Eat? When do the caterers serve the food? Is it even ready? When do we Throw The Bouquet? How will we know? Are the toasts now? But the serving staff hasn't poured the champagne! What? What about the father/daughter dance? Don't worry, it will all take care of itself. NO IT WON'T! It must be on Reception Planner!!

So now that you are freaking out a little, and pretty much ready to give up, RELAX. Here is where your professional Disc Jockey comes in. Even if you have a timeline with all of these items included, who will execute them all? Who will ensure that all of the vendors will know what to do and when to do it? What if someone forgets to do what they are supposed to do? Who will ensure that things are adapted in order to accommodate the change? Yup, you guessed it, your professional Disc Jockey. Included in my Reception Planner are many details that I haven't mentioned. I can't give away ALL of my secrets, can I? But it also includes vendor arrivals and set ups with phone numbers to coordinate any changes if needed. Yes, it will work like clockwork because your professional Disc Jockey has pre-planned it ALL.

So if cousin Bob says, "Suzycue, I can do all of this for you and bring my 10,000 songs Ipod. Let's just write it all down and it will be fine!". No offense cousin Bob, but it will NOT be fine. The most important aspect of the Reception Planner is the person who controls the execution of it all. Why is it so important that he/she controls the Reception Planner? Because the professional Disc Jockey is the common denominator between all of the components of your wedding day reception. The DJ should know if the photographer is running behind and can tell the caterer to hold off on the main course. The DJ will know if uncle Ron is giving an impromptu toast and that they need to pour the champagne early. When another vendor or guest tries to control the Reception Planner chaos can, and most likely will, ensue.

Yes, a Professional Disc Jockey is an additional expense. But without this priceless expense, you are in danger of throwing your Wedding Day dream out the window when everything you have spent so much time and effort on falls apart! You need Carolina Dance & Sounds to hold it all together and make YOUR dreams a reality!

Kroske/Branham Wedding December 19, 2009

2009-12-20T14:58:00.003-05:00

Another great December wedding at the Newberry country club. This was another very energetic crowd with a lot of dancing, including a lot of line dancing. The bride's parents told me that their guest had said that this was the best reception they have ever been to. What a complement and I am so honored to be a part of such a momentous occasion for such a great family.

I worked with Betty's Catering, The Blue Flame Bartenders, and Pam Leland Photography for the first time. All three were excellent and very professional. I look forward to working with them in the near future.

As I was packing up for the evening, the bride's mother told me while calling her daughter to see if they had forgotten anything, the bride said she had such a great time and was surprised at how much her new husband danced he never dances. The ultimate complement!

I've been promised photos so I will post as soon as I get some.

Cooper Wedding December 12, 2009

2009-12-20T14:48:00.008-05:00

There was hope for an outdoor wedding at The Corely Mills House, however, mother nature did not cooperate. The ceremony was moved indoors where I provided the music. And though it was very cold and raining outside, inside the reception hall, people were sweating from all the dancing. This wedding reception used some of the formalities of a typical wedding (Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son dance, etc.) But once the party got started, they didn't stop! The bride and groom's best friends provided great entertainment and I had a blast.

It was a pleasure working with All Dressed Up Photography. They were very professional.

"What you need to know BEFORE you choose an ipod for your event."

2009-12-13T06:00:00.006-05:00

As is often the case in society, some things or ideas become trendy with little thought to practical implementation. A few years ago, it was the idea of a "sponsored wedding" that somehow everyone would want to donate their services to you in the hopes of getting business from others. Sounds like a good idea, but never really took off because all the vendors realized that a sponsored wedding only generated more requests for sponsored weddings, not more business for them. So people that overspent on some items counting on the reception being paid for by others soon were in trouble as their budget was gone and they were still missing major parts of their event program.

Today, the trendy topic is DIY receptions by using an ipod and a rented sound system instead of a professional wedding entertainer, the DJ. This idea is fraught with peril, because a great event is more than simply gear and music. It is the talent that a qualified professional brings to the event that matters most. It is what allows for a smooth flow to the event, with no embarrassing surprises. A Professional DJ from the ADJA provides you with confidence that your event will flow smoothly and will be an event that you, your family and guests will never forget, instead of one they would like to.

In order to show you, the consumer the effects of using an ipod, we decided to let video tell the story. What you are about to see is real. It is video from an actual wedding where they chose to use an ipod. The video is untouched other than to insert some dialogue slides from time to time. We hope that by it you will clearly see what happens when you gamble your event success on an ipod.

Disc Jockey Rates

2009-12-10T17:05:00.001-05:00

Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge and personality.

Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to over $5,000.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.

A full-service disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for "4 hours". Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.

Give us a call for a free, no obligation quote.
www.carolinadanceandsounds.com

Quick, Elegant Wedding Cupcakes

2009-11-20T22:34:00.000-05:00

This is such a neat idea! If you don't want the expense of professionally decorated wedding cupcakes try baking your own and adding a pre-decorated cap on the top. Presto! Wedding cake to go... There are a lot of elegant designs. Check them out!

http://cupcakecaps.com/weddings.html

PS-They have other styles for parties as well.

Reasons to Hire a Disc Jockey

2009-11-19T15:35:00.004-05:00

Why a DJ? Because you can have it all with a DJ – the music of any year, any style, any artist. An experienced DJ knows how to please a crowd. Good DJ’s pride themselves on being aware of guests’ reactions and responses to the music every minute and can respond accordingly.

Top Key reasons to have a DJ:
* Can be both formal or informal
* Can provide group dance instructions
* All recorded music with original artists
* Sound levels of music easily adjusted
* Continuous music – no breaks like live bands take
* Minimal space needed
* Less expensive than live band

Youth Dance or Party

2009-11-18T20:04:00.001-05:00

Be the envy of school, throw a party with Carolina Dance & Sounds. My youth dances and parties consist of a lot of Top 40 music, with or without video (your choice), classic line dances like Cha Cha Slide & Cupid Shuffle, and song requests from your friends. Sometimes I get a really fun and energetic group of kids who want games. This video shows the aftermath of the popular balloon stuff game.

Capital City Club-Columbia, SC

2009-11-15T14:42:00.004-05:00

Imagine if you will 25 stories up looking out over an illuminated city of twinkling lights watching the most clear and amazing sunset of reds and oranges. Then all of a sudden you see two F-16s zooming by in an exhilarating pace on their way to Williams-Brice Stadium for a fly over during a Gamecock game. This is my experience with the Capital City Club in Columbia, SC.
The event room is big with a panoramic view out of large windows overlooking the Columbia, SC nightlife. The professional staff did an impeccable job of setting up linen covered buffet tables consisting of appetizers, desserts and beverages with dining tables scattered throughout. As the party started pumpin, the staff constantly came by removing used plates, goblets and serving the guest.

The guests were elegantly dressed in formal attire and mingling with each other as if they were family. Of course you would expect this scene for a wedding reception; you wouldn’t however expect it for a youth’s 12 year old birthday party. The theme was Oscar Night and the guests were the 6th grade class of Heathwood Hall. I was honored to be a part of such an incredible milestone for such an extraordinary family. The energy of the children was intense and we kept them dancing until the very end. I would highly recommend Capital City Club.

Shootin' and Shuckin' for Wildlife

2009-11-09T14:58:00.001-05:00

I had a great time yesterday at the oyster roast and skeet shoot benefiting Carolina Wildlife Care. Cook's Mountain is a beautiful and peaceful place and it just reminded me how beautiful South Carolina is.

Sorority & Fraternity Special Rates

2009-11-09T14:55:00.002-05:00

Living in a college town, I am asked several times a year to work for Sorority & Fraternity events. Remember I provide emcee and DJ services for the following:

Fraternity/Sorority Parties
Fundraisers
Formals/Semi-Formals
Holiday Socials
Weddings
Birthday Parties
DJ/VDJ/KDJoffered.

Here is a little clip from one of the Sorority events earlier this year. For more information http://www.bestcarolinadj.com/

Ask about my special rate package for University Students.

Dutch Fork High School Homecoming Dance

2009-11-09T14:53:00.001-05:00

Yes, the temperature was was in the 30s that night!

Yes, we were outside!

Yes, we were on the rooftop of CarolinaWalk's Pavilion

....but our hearts were PUMPIN, our beat was BOOMIN, and the roof was a SHAKIN! Plus we had a cool view of the fair to boot! Thanks to all the students who came out and thanks to the DFHS Student Council for giving me another opportunity to make memories.

GO FOXES!

Elementary School Father Daughter Dances

2009-11-09T14:38:00.001-05:00

This is a great thing the local elementary schools do in my school district. They hold annual father/daughter dances. The school charges a small door cover, serves cake and punch and provides a DJ. Since there is always a huge turnout, the school turns a small profit. The little girls just love going on a "date" with daddy. There is also a photographer (optional) who charges separately based on his prices.

Here is a small clip from one of my father/daughter dances. I threw in my Disc Jockey Video package with this dance. The video is blurred on purpose to hide the identity of the students.

Basic Prom Checklists

2009-11-09T14:32:00.001-05:00

Spring is in full bloom, and you know what that means...PROM is right around the corner. I've already confirmed my bookings with the local area schools and I can't wait. I love giving the proms a club-like atmosphere with lights. To help you out, I've searched the web for a quick checklist to help with your planning efforts. See you at the prom.

For Him
16 Weeks Before Prom
Find a date
Ask how much money your parents are willing to contribute.
Start saving money.
Plan out a budget to cover costs.

12 Weeks Before Prom
Rent a Tuxedo and schedule a fitting. It is helpful to know what color dress your date will wear. Coordinate colors and style.
Start checking into transportation. Whose car, who will drive, or consider renting a limousine with a group.
Ask around for a good restaurant for dinner before the Prom. Consider your date's taste in food atmosphere, and location (ask, if you're not sure!). A quieter place will give you time to talk, while a busier eatery may help start you off in a festive mood!

6 Weeks Before Prom
Purchase your Prom tickets.
VERY IMPORTANT: Discuss your prom plans with your parents.

4 Weeks Before Prom
Call and schedule your dinner reservations.
Finalize your plans with friends, date and parents.
Order your date's corsage. Make sure to coordinate this with the color of your date's dress.

Several Days Before Prom
Confirm all reservations and appointments you have made for Prom day.
Get a haircut.
What time will you pick her up?
If using your car, make sure to wash and vacuum it. She will notice.

Prom Day
Pick up your date's corsage that morning (Keep refrigerated until you leave).
Pick up your tuxedo, if you haven't already. Make sure to get a tie and cummerbund (these could also match your date's dress), dress shoes, cuff links and studs.
Emergency Kit: Camera, phone, change, cash or debit card, student ID, tickets, safety pin (it is a rental tux) etc.

For Her
16 Weeks Before Prom
Find a date.
Ask how much money your parents are willing to contribute.
Start saving money if necessary.
Shop for your gown. When you find it, you can put it on lay-away if need be.

12 Weeks Before Prom
Pick out accessories that will coordinate with your dress and/or with your date's outfit. Don't forget any special undergarments needed for your gown (strapless).
Start taking care of your hair and nails, particularly if you have short or bitten nails. If you are growing your hair out, trim it every 4 weeks to avoid frizzy, split ends.

6 Weeks Before Prom
Purchase your Prom tickets.
Pick out styles or start trying different styles of hair, even if you are doing it yourself.
VERY IMPORTANT: Discuss your prom plans with your parents.
Make appointments to have your hair, makeup and nails done. Everyone will want to be at the salon on that day. If you get stuck, try a salon further away (near a high school whose Prom is not on the same day as yours).

4 Weeks Before Prom
Pick up your Prom gown.
Break in your Prom shoes by wearing them several times (your feet will thank you!).
Finalize your plans with friends, date and parents.
Order your date's boutonniere. Remind your date to order your coursage by telling him your dress colors. He is a guy and will need reminding.

2 Weeks Before Prom
Call and confirm all reservations and appointments you have made for Prom day.
Collect your supplies: camera, film, clear nail polish, extra pantyhose, phone, change, cash, student ID, tickets, bandaid (they are new shoes) etc.
Let your parents meet your Prom date, if they haven't already.

Prom Day
Pick up your date's boutonniere. (Keep refrigerated until he picks you up)
Go to your hair, nails and makeup appointment(s).
Don’t forget your emergency kit (camera, clear nail polish, safety pins, ball point pen, phone, change, cash, student ID, bandaid, and tickets)

Obviously you can make this checkllist more or less detailed. The important thing is to comunicate plans with you and your date's parents, plan ahead and drive safely! Very uncool to spend prom night in the ER.