Parenting

Friday, July 4, 2008

Prom Night Drama: Can you ever really avoid it?

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit: Getty Images

My husband and I were in San Francisco last weekend for dinner and after seeing dozens of limos and supersized Humvees with teenagers in formal wear pouring out, we realized it was prom season. Which means prom stories are pouring in.

Let's put aside (for now) the discussion of how expensive and excessive prom nights have become for some kids.

Let's talk prom drama.

First up -- a story about an outdoor prom quickly canceled near Memphis, Tennessee because of thunderstorms. And when I say quickly, I mean nails and hair were done, tuxedos in hand, limos rented and paid for. All without refunds. So while the prom may have been rescheduled, all the special add-ons will be done away with for most kids who have parents not willing to shell out the cash twice (hey, I wouldn't!).

Next up -- a prom-after party gone bust. A 120 teens from a high school in New York spent $6,000 (dooooon't get me started) to reserve a club for a post-prom party. Only to find out the place was double booked so they couldn't have their lil' fiesta. The kids were refunded the cash for the club but the $1,800 they shelled out for their chauffeured wheels? Gone.

And finally, there's the story of Marche Taylor. The high school teen from Texas was escorted away from her prom after school administrators told her that her dress was inappropriate and violated the school's rules. She caused a scene, police were called in and now girlfriend's prom night portrait is of her in cuffs. I've seen bathing suits with more fabric than that dress. I also have seen a copy of the school's dress code for the prom and I can safely say she has moxie. Serious moxie. But you make the call...check out the video clip with more on the story:


I have many, many years before I have to worry about prom night again (phew!). But it seems like there's always some sort of drama surrounding it, even if it's not as crazy as dances being canceled, insane after-party incidents and seriously skimpy dresses.

Enlighten me parents of teen kids -- share some prom stories...good or bad. And tips? We love 'em.
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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 16
  • Maria's Avatar
    Posted by Maria Wed May 14, 2008 3:35pm PDT

    I'd have to say, in my opinion, that dress is totally inappropriate. All schools have some rules as far as modesty goes and that dress would probably be banned in any of them. Honestly, I'd be more disturbed if the school hadn't said anything.

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  • jenjendown's Avatar
    Posted by jenjendown Wed May 14, 2008 3:59pm PDT

    I think that parents of that girl have some explaining to do! What parent lets their teenage daughter go to a school function wearing that (sorry I cant call that a dress)!? That school had every right to send that girl home.

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  • Nephthysya's Avatar
    Posted by Nephthysya Wed May 14, 2008 7:35pm PDT

    I never went to a prom. My daughter never went ot a prom (mostly because she is lesbian). And articles like this make me glad that this was never part of our lives.

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  • Ace's Avatar
    Posted by Ace Thu May 15, 2008 8:16am PDT

    I went to 5 proms, had 3 dresses and the most drama i encountered was the planning who was riding in which limo with who. Honestly, whatever that girl wore wasn't appropriate for anything other than a music video or hollywood award show. I'm very glad that the school set rules and stuck by them. I'm not a parent yet, but who in their right mind would let their high schooler walk out of the house like that!?!

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  • she with the little feet!!!!'s Avatar
    Posted by she with the little feet!!!! Thu May 15, 2008 9:33am PDT

    The cancelled prom was BAD planning on someone's part - where was "Plan B"?

    The after party, it sucks, but it'd be the same for a 21st b-day party or a bachelor/bacheloretty shindig too - if they double book, one party or the other will get screwed and you're out the other extras.

    Sorry, but if the dresscode is written, you have no grounds. And that wasn't a dress, that was a bathing suit!

    Thinking back to my own prom....I didn't go with my then-boyfriend because he was having a "jack@$$ moment" and didn't want to. Fine then, I was going anyways (he went to a different school anyhow) to hang out with the girls. Then a friend asked me, his girlfriend called me in a snit saying I was inappropriate for asking HIM (that's not how I remember it happening but I decided to back away from his platonic offer!). So I asked a different good friend. Went with him, had a BLAST. And we're still friends; my hubby and I hang out with him and his wife :-)

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  • Cindy's Avatar
    Posted by Cindy Thu May 15, 2008 11:06am PDT

    Totally ugly dress! Looks like she was dressed for the street corner! Can't beleive stores would even sell such a dress for prom!

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  • buldgs08's Avatar
    Posted by buldgs08 Thu May 15, 2008 1:10pm PDT

    that poor school in tennessee! they really shouldve had a back up plan. even if they had to have it in the gym, tho that would have sucked...

    and as for that "dress". that dress is completly innappropriate for anything and anyone. well, mabye a prostitute would wear it. that school had every right to kick her out and she is in fault for causing a scene. i hope the school does not back down and i hope she gets suspended at least.

    and something a little less mature: that girl is a skank for even thinking of wearing that to prom.

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  • Bbee's Avatar
    Posted by Bbee Thu May 15, 2008 11:46pm PDT

    Socio-economic influences are surly the cause for this mishap.

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  • Beth's Avatar
    Posted by Beth Fri May 16, 2008 6:25am PDT

    I went to my prom and had alot of fun for less than $200. The amount of money that people spend on them are crazy. I did it very basic, and the most expensive thing was having my dress made for $100.

    I just watched a video on yahoo news yesterday about a school that put a restriction on their Junior Prom, where girls are not allowed to go unless they have a date. Which is just plain ridiculous to me.

    As for that dress, I have to agree...it was not appropriate for a school dance. Besides, proms are supposed to be about big elegant dresses, not hooker wear.

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  • eriiscj's Avatar
    Posted by eriiscj Fri May 16, 2008 7:07am PDT

    My prom dress was $35! And no I'm not from the 50's, it was 4 years ago - Go Loehmanns! (trust me, it was gorgeous too)

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Comments 1-10 of 16

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