A prom is an important event for high school students. It is a way to celebrate the end of the school year or mark the end of high school for some. Most people will attend prom at some point in their high school years, but some schools may have age restrictions and requirements. We have outlined everything you need to know about these rules below.
What is prom?
Prom is a celebratory dance party for high school students, held at the school or an outside venue, such as a banquet hall. It is held towards the end of the school year for upperclassmen students. Prom is a way to celebrate the end of the year or end of high school for those graduating, so it is typically for students grades 11 and 12. However, this may be held more exclusively for those graduating, or separate proms may be run for different grade levels. The dance is characteristically a semi-formal black-tie event where guests are expected to wear suits and gowns. It is also common fr attendees to have dates for the prom. They sometimes also color-coordinate suits and gowns and the corsage (a small flower arrangement worn on a woman’s dress or around her wrist) to match each another.
Proms are a dance event, but other activities may include dinner, photo booth, games, etc. It is also common to reveal the prom king and queen. These are titles awarded to students who have been elected by their peers. They are usually chosen based on popularity and/or school involvement and participation.
The term prom is the short form for “promenade dance” and is more commonly used in the United States. The term is sometimes used in other parts of the world, but most other countries have different names for an equivalent event. In Canada, for example, prom is sometimes used or substituted by the terms “formal” or “grad.” In Australia and New Zealand, the terms “school formal” or “ball” are used. Nonetheless, the premise is often the same or similar.
How old do you need to be to go to prom?
The ages of guests expected to attend prom can vary slightly, but since it is intended for upper-level students, the ages will range from 16 to 19. These are the most common ages for those in grades 11 and 12. However, this does not mean that these are the only ages allowed to attend. Nonetheless, they may be the only ones allowed to purchase a ticket.
Some people may have significant others that are older or younger than them. These guests will be allowed to attend in most cases but must first be approved. An additional ticket is also often needed. The age of approval is at the school’s discretion, but there is a minimum and maximum age cut-off.
Since prom is a high school dance, younger students attending the high school are allowed to go to prom if they are invited by an upperclassman. This means that those under the age of 14 or 15 will be barred from the event. However, they may feel out of place alongside older students. This may be the case if a student is dating someone older than them. Some schools may also not allow guests who are not in high school. But if they are a couple of years older, that is usually accepted, with the cut-off being around 21.
After prom party
It is common for students to hold an after-party after prom. These events are more lenient than the more formal event since they are not associated with the school and are planned by the students. It is vital to remember that drinking alcohol is commonly anticipated at these parties. Attendees are expected to be of legal drinking age. If not, they risk getting into trouble for underage drinking. The penalties for this vary depending on the state or country. In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, in Canada it varies by province: 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 in the other provinces and territories. In other countries, it is usually 18 or 19. Alcohol is typically not sanctioned at high school associated events, even if attendees are of legal drinking age.
