3 Outright Lies and 2 Total Truths

Movies Told Us About Prom

LIE: PROM WILL TAKE PLACE IN A GORGEOUS, ALMOST MAGICAL BALLROOM.

THE TRUTH: Prom will probably take place in your school gym. Yes, some schools spring for a fancier venue around town, but if you set your expectations at “school gym” level, you’ll avoid any potential decor driven disappointment. In the movies, proms tend to look more like the Met Gala than an actual high school event. Don’t get us wrong: elaborate twinkle light displays, giant ice sculptures, and epic balloon drops are great, but chances are your class budget probably only allows for streamers and confetti.

HERE’S THE THING THOUGH: That’s *totally* OK. The problem with the beautiful ballroom lie is that it has the potential to make your actual, amazing dance feel less magical than it truly is. So, do yourself a solid and don’t get hung up on what prom looks like because, in the long run, the memories you make on the dance floor are way more important than how extra the decor is.

LIE: PROM WILL BE FULL OF EPIC, MIC-DROP-WORTHY SPEECHES AND PUBLIC DRAMA.

THE TRUTH: Prom drama happens, but it’s usually way more low-key than the movies would have you believe. At most schools, the prom king and queen don’t make speeches (a la Cady Heron) and the likelihood of a public showdown or brawl is small.