Bring on the Plans: Planning dances early isn’t something to complain about, it’s actually really fun

I’ve always been somewhat of a control freak, stressing about the perfect gift for the annual White Elephant exchange in August and planning outfits for the first day of school several weeks in advance. As an excessive planner and a lover of every cheesy high school romance movie, planning for a school dance is the challenge I’ve been waiting for.

Dances have always been at the top of my high school bucket list. Growing up as the youngest of three — all who went to East — I watched my older siblings slip into their heels and tuxes for countless school dances. Their routine was always pretty similar: dress up, take pictures, eat dinner, dance and head to an after party. I always watched in awe and couldn’t wait to be a part of that some day. As I watched five years ago, plans always seemed to come together with ease. So of course I assumed it would be the same way when I got to high school.

Every time I try to talk about the upcoming dance, I always hear the phrase “it’s too early.” Getting ready for a school dance can’t be crammed into one night like that semester-long English project. Restaurants get backed-up with reservations, dresses sell out and photo locations get crowded. When it comes to the dance, it’s better to plan early.  

Planning in advance is just my thing. It’s fun to obsess over the little things, like which of the five dresses you ordered from Lucy in the Sky you’re going to wear or what Pinterest-inspired after party theme you’ll pick. I don’t see a problem in deciding these highly important things a month in advance.

Some things can’t be figured out in the final days before the dance. You never know if the restaurant you wanted to eat at has limited seating or if your corsage won’t match the color of your dress. It’s better to be over-prepared so you have plenty of time for the mishaps Homecoming can bring.

Many girls buy their dress online, which can take one to three weeks to arrive, and not to mention that sizing is different for every website. That doesn’t even include the wacky after party outfits you have to order — I’d like to know if those metallic sweatpants don’t fit two weeks in advance instead of two days before. 

Maybe my expectations are too high. However, half of our student body hasn’t gotten a real dance yet, so don’t spoil the fun of letting us plan. Homecoming is the glimpse of normalcy we’ve all been craving. With the exception of Prom, none of us had a dance last year — and no, the fake Homecomings in backyards and basements don’t count. So why not go all-out this time around?

I always worry about things too far in advance, but I do it for a good reason. Planning for me relieves the stress that the beginning of the school year brings. After being online this time last year, jumping back into a semi-normal school year with a more strenuous workload hasn’t been easy. So why not use the dance as a way to relax and celebrate your first quarter accomplishments. The week of the dance shouldn’t be spent freaking out over groups or after parties. By planning in advance, you allow yourself to enjoy the dance. 

With plans sorted and finalized, the final days before the dance can be spent being excited instead of stressing about things that should’ve been figured out weeks ago. Why not live out your “obsessive high school” fantasy by creating Pinterest boards and ordering too many dresses off of the internet? Throw yourself into the planning experience and make this one count. 

Even with the non-traditional outdoor dance this year, we should be thankful that we even get a dance at all. It’s fun to picture myself dancing around in sparkly high heels and being able to hang out with my friends outside without masks on. So when the actual dance comes up, I’ll be happy and confident knowing that my night is planned to perfection.