Prom Spot - Prom How To: Avoid Prom Drama

From a wilted flower corsage to showing up in the same dress, here's how to not get stuck in a prom night catastrophe.

"We went to prom last year with only one other couple. We ate at a really fancy restaurant, and we didn't talk about anything the entire time. Then, after dinner, they told us we had to pay for the gas!"

Prevention Plan: If you don't know the couple (or couples) that you're going with very well, plan a pre-prom activity to give everyone a chance to meet. Go bowling (we know it sounds cheesy, but when was the last time you tried it?), out for pizza, or just get together at someone's house for some Friday night flicks (Will Farrell movie marathon anyone?). You will not only get to know everyone better, but it'll also give you the chance to iron out any sticky details (think money, travel, restaurant directions) before the big night.

"I decided to wear a stick-on bra with my backless dress. At prom, after I worked up a little sweat, my date told me that my bra was peaking through my dress. It had come unstuck and when I attempted to adjust it, it wouldn't stay put. I tried everything -- even liquid glue -- but nothing worked!"

Prevention Plan: If you've found the perfect prom dress and it doesn't allow for a conventional or even strapless bra, you'll definitely need to find an alternative support system. Instead of a stick-on bra, opt for something more reliable like a backless one that hooks around the waist. This will give all the support you need, while guarding against any wardrobe malfunctions. If you're set on wearing a stick-on, bring a backless one in your bag just in case it doesn't stay put.

"My freshman year, I showed up in my pretty sparkly purple dress only to find my date's friend wearing the exact same dress. We laughed it off, but it was less than magical."

Prevention Plan: To avoid a prom dress copycat, steer clear of the bigger department stores and don't be afraid to get creative with your look. If you're artsy, peruse the racks at consignment stores and add straps or small embellishments to re-create any dress. If you do fall in love with something in the mall, try to make it your own. Find a show-stopping pair of shoes in a complementary color, wear a stack of bangles, or get a killer necklace to set your look apart.

"I had him pick up our flowers -- and he put them in the freezer! When he arrived at my house, the flowers were already dead."

Prevention Plan: When it comes to your corsage and his boutonniere, don't assume he knows the ins and outs of flower care. When you're talking over the prom day details, throw in a few cues about how to care for your prom day blooms. Tell him the color of your dress and offer a few color and flower suggestions; mention a good floral shop if you know of one. Tell him its best if he picks up your corsage from the florist on the day of -- and that he keeps it in the refrigerator until its time to pick you up.

"At 10 p.m., my date wanted to leave the prom to go to a party and get drunk, which I did not want to do. I stayed for about three minutes, and then made him take me home. It ended up that he got drunk and cheated on me with my best friend of four years."

Prevention Plan: Know your guy. Don't agree to go with a guy to prom unless you're sure he'll be a good date. (Read: don't say yes to someone just because you want a date for prom.) If you find out that your date plans to drink before or after prom, break it off. Say you've decided to go with a group of friends instead, or that your good guy friend really wants you to go with him and you just can't let him down. You may feel like you're being unfair to him or missing out, but a date that would rather drink than hang out with you, isn't likely to give you the attention or respect that you deserve.

"This boy asked me to go with him to prom, but by the time prom rolled around, he had a girlfriend. His girlfriend kept trying to make me switch dates, which I wouldn't do it. When prom night finally came, every time I would dance with my date, his girlfriend would get mad at me."

Prevention Plan: It's no easy situation, but if you or your prom date's single status has changed, reassess the situation and consider finding other dates. Don't flat-out switch dates with each other (that'll only make the situation more awkward!). Rather than create an uncomfortable situation for the three of you, go your separate ways. Ask a good guy friend to go with you, or go with a group of girlfriends.

"At prom, the heel of my acrylic shoe broke off! I started laughing, but was so embarrassed."

Prevention Plan: Before you buy that pair of strappy, sparkly stiletto heels, give them a test run around the store. Walk, stand, and even twirl around in them several times. Make sure that the heel construction is sound and that you'll be able to survive an entire night wearing them. And do everything you can to ensure comfort for your tootsies. Get slip-free inserts for extra-padding, skid-free stickers for the soles, and stash a few band-aids in your bag in case of blisters. Also have a backup plan (flip-flops that match your gown can be a cute and comfy alternative).

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-- Anja Winikka