The countdown to prom has officially begun! On Friday, April 5, 2025, just a week after spring break, RCHS students will enter a night of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable memories. But before the big night arrives, there’s one big question: Are students at RCHS ready?

For many students, prom preparation can feel overwhelming. From finding the perfect outfit, making appointments, and securing dinner reservations, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to prom. When asked how they were preparing, several RCHS students admitted they weren’t sure where to start. The common theme? There is a lack of information on where to go for their needs. 

Finding the perfect outfit

One of the biggest and most stressful parts about preparing for prom is finding a show-stopping outfit that puts other outfits to shame. Many students struggle with the overwhelming amount of options they can choose from which can be stressful.

For those in need of dresses for the big night, local stores like Camille La Vie and Windsor offer a variety of styles like mermaid fit and open-back dresses. For students who prefer to go  to Los Angeles for their dresses, stores like Laurel’s House and Couture Shop Los Angeles also have different dress selections.

When it comes to finding suits and tuxedos, The Suit Emporium, The District Men’s Suit Outlet, and Perry Ellis are all good local stores where students can find the tuxedo or suit of their dreams. Los Angeles also has a good selection of stores such as SuitFellas, JB Clothiers, and Suitsupply Los Angeles. 

“My go-to suit shop since I was a little kid has always been SuitFellas,” RCHS junior Jaydon Clophia said. “The customer service has always been top tier, the selections are big, and if you are looking for a specific suit and they don’t have it, they’ll put in a custom order for you.” 

Glitz and Glamour

After students have their attire locked in, the next thing to get in order should be making sure one looks good and feels great on prom night. Normally, most students opt to go to professionals for their hair and makeup needs, but they fill up fast so keep an eye out for local salons and get an appointment booked early. Students can also support fellow RCHS students who have businesses specializing in hair like @cutzbyatrain and @hairrbycherish.  

For the DIY route, YouTube has thousands of creators and videos to learn from. For makeup and beauty, one can refer to channels like NikkieTutorials, Jackie Aina, and Chloe Morello. For hair styling, finding channels like Samantha Cusick, Mia Maples, and Brad Mondo will keep prom-goers well-guided during their DIY journey.

 Reservations and Transportation

Prom night is a lot more than just the dance: it’s all about the full experience. Being able to arrive in style and enjoy dinner with friends after is something that students look forward to which is why it is important to make arrangements early. Restaurants like Cheesecake Factory, BJ’s, and Gen Z Korean Barbecue are popular choices located in Rancho Cucamonga that would be great for a hang-out after the dance. 

“It’s important to go out to dinner after prom because after having a good time, you’ll probably be hungry,” RCHS junior Jayden Porter said. “On big days like this, you might be so busy you forget to eat.”

Transportation is essential to enjoying prom night for students so be mindful of who is chosen in driving. For some students, limousines and fancy cars are ideal for transportation; however, transportation safety is just as important. Students should make sure they have a driver who is trusted and reliable to get them to and from prom.

When asked about transportation, many students said they prefer to arrive in nicer cars rather than a regular car. Local limo service reservations start filling up months in advance, so groups should coordinate their plans sooner rather than later. With so many moving parts, staying organized is the best way to avoid last-minute stress.  

On March 5, 2025, RCHS hosted its Prom Expo event where six boys and six girls modeled suits and dresses for students to see. They also participated in a dance. Prom Expo helps students gain inspiration from their peers and get an idea of what they want their prom night look to be. Whether students are finalizing their outfits, securing appointments, or planning the perfect dinner, they should remember to enjoy themselves and make lasting memories– after all, they’re only teenagers for so long before it’s time to grow up.