Even months before buying a prom ticket, a lot of preparation is done beforehand, such as finding a dress and date, finding the perfect shoes, renting the tux to match, and setting nail and hair appointments. But what some may wonder, why does so much preparation and stress go into one night? Many students start thinking about prom months before.

“I start getting ready around the beginning of February because I like to get my stuff in order,” junior Kaitlyn Laue said.

According to prettyforprom.com, these formal dances were started as a way to teach social skills and etiquette to children. The dances were strictly chaperoned and were often restricted to only the senior class.

Although, some of prom’s original purpose has been lost, students still enjoy attending as they receive the chance to dress up and spend time with friends.

“It’s one of those nights where you can be doled and dressed up,” junior Shyla Estes said.

One down side for not only guys renting their tux, but for girls setting up appointments and buying a dress is the potential high price tag that comes along with it.

“In previous years I have spent probably around $600 all together on prom,” senior Tristen Weiser said.

“Last year I spent around $600, because my dress was cute,” junior Payton Adair said.

Under the pressure of getting ready the day of the event, students may bring key items that could be needed throughout the night.

“I’m going to bring my phone and charger, and my boyfriend to the dance,” Weiser said.

“I’m going to take my phone, gum and chapstick,” junior Jessica Jones said.

After all of the stress that comes along with getting ready for the busy night, memories  are one of the many things that students won’t forget after attending prom either.

“I really enjoyed the barn that the dance was held at last year and all of the scenery,” junior Kaitlyn Reed said.

“I liked being with my sister at the dance because we had a lot of fun,” sophomore Kaitlyn Jones said.

Warsaw’s prom will be held Saturday, April 11 at the Pork Place on the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. Busses are scheduled to leave at 6:30 p.m. from the high school and return around midnight. The theme is “Party at Gatsby’s,” which was inspired by the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The novel’s setting was the roaring ‘20s.

Warsaw’s prom has been held at Tan-Tar-A resort in Osage Beach, The Fox Theater in Sedalia, and the Weathered Wisdom Barn in Preston previous years.