18 Apr 9 WAYS PARENTS CAN PREPARE FOR PROM NIGHT
Prepare for prom now! Prom night is quickly approaching, leaving many parents on the edge of panic trying to figure out how to best prepare their teens for their big night out. From finding the perfect dress or tux to securing reliable and safe transportation, every parent wants to make sure their teen’s night is memorable and fun — but all of the preparation that goes into prom night can feel pretty overwhelming.
Executive Ground Transportation has been serving Long Island since 1996, and we’ve handled transportation for hundreds of proms. After more than 2 decades in business, we know a thing or two about providing consistently superior service, helping teens have an unforgettable prom night and giving parents much-needed peace of mind.
These tips will help you prepare, so you don’t spend prom night in a panic.
1. GET CONTACT INFORMATION.
Your transportation provider should ALWAYS provide you with the driver’s name and contact information. But don’t stop there. Make sure you have the contact information for your teen’s prom entourage, including their parents. You may even want to get contact information for any chaperones or teachers who will be there. Having a simple list of names and phone numbers can help take the edge off.
2. TALK TO YOUR TEEN.
We’re not suggesting you sit your teen down for a lecture, but it’s important to talk about the reality of prom night. Talking about everything that could go wrong isn’t fun, but it’s important that you express your thoughts and concerns, and allow your teen to do the same.
Make sure you talk about topics like underage drinking and peer pressure before prom night. Remember: it’s a conversation; not an intimidation game.
3. SEND THEM OFF.
Be there to send off your teen — you’ll probably be taking pictures, anyway — and don’t go to sleep until you know they’ve made it home safely. Make sure your teen knows this.
4. GET THE ITINERARY.
Make certain that you have the full schedule for the evening. Know where the venue is located, what stops the vehicle will be making, when the event begins and ends, when to expect them home, and where they will be dining out beforehand, if applicable.
5. BE AVAILABLE.
It’s imperative that you are available on prom night and to make sure your teen knows this. Not only will it reduce your own stress, but your teen’s stress too. It’s reassuring to know that you are there if they need you and that they can call if they need help.
Let them know that you won’t judge them or say “I told you so” if they call for help. Little things like this are the difference between feeling safe and actually being safe.
6. KNOW THE DRIVER.
Even if you know exactly where and where your teen is going, it is crucial to know who is driving. If there is a limo or party bus involved, you have the advantage of knowing who is behind the wheel and having their contact information. One major benefit of using a transportation provider is having peace of mind knowing that your teen’s driver is fully licensed, insured, and background-checked — and if they’re not, you should probably use a different company.
If your teen is driving themselves or being driven by a friend, be honest and open about the risks that come with distracted driving and underage drinking. Although your teen may complain about you being overprotective, you’re just being realistic.
7. TALK TO OTHER PARENTS.
One thing that can make a big difference on prom night is to know the parents of your teen’s date and friends and to speak with all of them. Talk about an appropriate curfew and lay out the ground rules. This can really help reduce stress, and it works for all types of get-togethers — not just prom.
8. DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY “NO.”
Remember: you’re the parent! Sure, to your teen, prom is probably the biggest night of their life. But don’t be afraid to veto any of their requests that just don’t sit well with you. It’s your responsibility to look out for their well-being, even at their expense of looking cool to their friends. Safety first is a pretty good motto, no matter the occasion.
As prom night approaches, keep these tips in mind, and you and your teen can have a safer, more enjoyable and more memorable prom night.
9. SECURE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
Let’s face it: your teen doesn’t want you to drop them and their date off at prom.
On an occasion as important as prom night, you don’t want to leave transportation to chance. Trust us: after 20 years in business, we’ve seen it all.
Like the frantic mother who called us in a panic on the day of her daughter’s prom because the company she booked with — and paid in full! — never showed up. Luckily, we had a limo available so we were able to bail her out of her predicament. Imagine if this happened on your teen’s prom day!
Up until now, you’ve probably never had to book chauffeured transportation. A lot of companies realize this and prey on the lack of knowledge, touting super low pricing — and they end up being a scam.
Whichever company you choose for your teen’s prom night transportation, make sure you do your research. Check out online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations.
You and your teen deserve safe, reliable transportation on prom night, as well as exceptional customer service, realistic pricing, and professionalism. Customers who book with Executive Ground Transportation can expect just that. We’re proud to have earned a reputation as one of Long Island’s most trusted, reliable, and professional transportation providers.
Our 2017 prom packages start at $65 per person for the entire evening. However, exact pricing depends on the date of your prom, the type of vehicle and the size of your group. For more information, request a free quote or call us at 516-826-8172 to speak with one of our Prom Transportation Experts.
*Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in February 2014 and has since been updated to reflect the most accurate information.