Article: Prom is not just about the dance itself. The prom experience includes transportation, pictures, dinner, the after party, and more. Offer your assistance with the planning process to not only share ideas, but also to show you care.  Discuss whether you will be attending prom with a group or whether you two will be attending alone. Coordinating plans with a larger group requires more time and effort. Decide the best time for pictures and dinner, and what time you plan to arrive at and leave from prom. Decide whether you will be renting a limousine or whether you will be picking up your date in your vehicle. While you may be in love with your vehicle, your date may prefer a more romantic gesture like a limo (which can be quite pricey).  If you decide to drive your vehicle, be sure to put gas in the vehicle the day before to avoid running late. Make sure you car is clear of clutter and both the interior and exterior are cleaned. If you will be renting a limo, be aware that they are usually booked by the hour and most companies have a minimum number of hours for which you must reserve the vehicle. Whatever form of transportation, make sure you exit the vehicle to retrieve your date and always hold the door for her or allow her to enter first. Girls usually put a lot of time and thought into their outfit and they expect their dates to look just as great as they do. Because prom is usually a black tie affair, be sure to dress formally and to be well groomed for the occasion.  Wear a nice suit or tuxedo to make sure your dress is formal enough for the occasion. Find out what color your date is wearing so you can coordinate small details like socks, ties, and pocket squares. Pay close attention to your hygiene that night including showering, shaving, getting a fresh haircut, and using cologne (sparingly). Corsages are small bouquets of flowers that are presented to your date as a sign of respect. Traditionally, they are worn on the left shoulder or left wrist if the dress is strapless or spaghetti strap.   A boutonniere is a similar (but smaller) version of the flower bouquet that is pinned to the male's suit. It is customary for the female to present the boutonniere to the male and it usually matches the corsage (but it is not necessary). You should try to coordinate the corsage with your date's gown or choose neutral colors such as peach, white, or pink. Many different flowers can be used depending on style and budget including roses, lilies, carnations, and orchids. Because prom season is a peak season for florists, you should order your date's corsage 1-2 weeks in advance to ensure the florist has enough time to create the custom bouquet. Although you order in advance, you should try to pick your order up no sooner than the day before prom. You can also make the corsage the day before prom. Keep the flowers looking fresh by spritzing with water, keeping it in the container, refrigerating it, and using a sealant which can be found at any flower shop. Because there are so many stops to make on prom night, being prompt is incredibly important. Aside from that, nothing makes a worse first impression on a girl (and her parents) than being late.  Have an itinerary or a plan of action. Know your schedule ahead of time so you know exactly what time you have to leave one spot in order to arrive at your next destination on time. If you know you are chronically late, determine what is making you late (enjoy the rush, easily distracted, trying to get too much done?) By doing this, you can be more realistic with time and learn how to overcome your chronic tardiness. Don't plan to leave on time. Plan to leave early so you leave some wiggle room for the unexpected. The actual prom dance only lasts anywhere from 2-4 hours so many people choose to have post-prom activities to keep the fun rolling. Discuss possible plans with your date so you can plan accordingly. (Will you have to take the limo back?  Will you need a change of clothes? Will you need an overnight bag?)  In an effort to keep students safe, many schools will host a post-prom activity at a local entertainment center like a bowling alley or skating rink. Be sure to know how long the event lasts, if there is an entry cost, and how you will arrive. Cruise around. If you have a limo, this is a perfect way to burn off the extra hours of paid time you may have remaining. Drive to spots in your city or town where you've never been or spots that are known to be romantic in nature. Attend a house party. Naturally, there will be a few post-prom parties thrown by students. Before planning to attend, be sure to respect your date's rules and curfew, and make sure you aren't putting her in any dangerous situations.

What is a summary?
Help her make plans. Plan your transportation. Dress to impress. Bring a corsage. Be on time. Plan for post-prom activities.