With prom just around the corner, don’t sweat it if you still haven’t found the perfect outfit. While online shopping has become the norm for many these days, it might not be the most reliable due to shipping delays and questionable sizing or material issues. Shoppers will have a much better chance with retail stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom and Windsor, which can be found at places like Crabtree Valley and Southpoint Malls, to find their perfect fit.

Another option to look into can be small boutiques, bridal shops and thrift stores. While they may not be everyone’s first choice, people can usually find unique pieces for cheaper prices in these places. No matter what, all of these options give shoppers the ability to try on their dresses and buy/take home the same day. 

Don’t fret if your dress or tux doesn’t fit quite right, whether it’s too long, too tight or too loose. Many local tailors have a 1-3 day turn around to make sure your perfect outfit has the perfect fit!

While many people can get at least 1-2 wears out of their prom dress or tux, many don’t want to spend  hundreds of dollars just to wear their outfit once. For those that are less inclined to buy, Rent Shops are good options, with many even having shoes and ties as well. Some local shops include (from most to least expensive):

• Men’s Wearhouse
• Savvi Prom
• V.I.P. Formal Wear

However, if people find that they have waited too long (2-3 days before) to find an outfit, call or text older siblings, friends or even talk to parents. They most likely have their old prom, formal or just a nicer outfit laying in their closet. Make sure to try things on and ask before altering anything!

While shopping for prom can be overwhelming, the best thing to do is stay calm. Make sure to drink plenty of water, eat something before you start, have an open mind and try on many different styles and colors from different stores. Don’t forget to look for shoes and accessories while shopping as well, as that’s all an outfit could be missing.

Last minute doesn’t mean bad! Don’t settle for the first dress or tux you see. Use these helpful tips to make sure you have the most success. And remember people shouldn’t buy anything they aren’t 100% sure of, it’s okay to wait and come back in an hour or even the next day!

Prom is one of the most memorable nights of high school. From getting ready to going out to dinner, the evening is filled with unforgettable moments. However, time passes, and one thing that keeps the memories alive more than anything else is the photos. Across the Triangle, students have access to numerous gardens with the perfect backdrops for prom pictures. 

WRAL Azalea Gardens

Located at the intersection of Western Boulevard and Avent Ferry Road, just behind the WRAL television studios, the WRAL Azalea Gardens are a quiet, scenic spot perfect for Instagram-worthy pictures. Open seven days a week with free parking and restrooms, the 1.5-acre garden offers trails, bridges, sculptures and a variety of azaleas. Alongside the azaleas, these gardens are home to camellias, hydrangeas, perennials, dogwoods, maples and multiple vines. Known for their seasonal azalea blooms, the gardens become a colorful, immersive setting during springtime. 

Hailey Morritt, a sophomore at UNC Charlotte, said, “I took both my junior and senior prom photos at the WRAL Gardens, and they turned out perfect. Paired with the sunset in the background, they were by far my favorite photos from high school.” The mix of open views and calmer spots allows students to take pictures in multiple locations. 

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

One of the most well-known and frequently visited gardens in North Carolina, spanning 55 acres, is the Sarah P. Duke Garden on the campus of Duke University. Founded in 1934, the gardens welcome over 650,000 visitors annually. With free admission, a cafe and four major sections, these landscaped grounds are extremely popular for pictures. 

Sarah P. Duke Gardens is split into four areas: Historic Gardens & Terraces, H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum and Gateway Gardens. The Historic Gardens & Terraces include the Italianate-style Terrace Gardens and Historic Gardens. Surrounding these are smaller botanical gardens, such as the Walker Dillard Kirby Perennial Allée, Memorial Garden and Azalea Court. The 6.5-acre H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants showcases the species of the Southeastern United States. Aside from flowers, this garden also features beautiful structures, such as the Edwin F. Steffek Jr. Bridge, which overlooks the Fern Ravine Boardwalk. W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum is an 18-acre arboretum that features the diversity of flora in Southeast Asia. The landscape also includes stepping-stone paths, stone lanterns, water basins and bridges, which are often associated with Asian gardens. Lastly, the Gateway Gardens include multiple gardens that enhance the Doris Duke Center and the Barnes Welcome Center. Each part of the Duke Gardens has its own specialty, making picture-taking especially enjoyable, as every part is nicely maintained. 

JC Raulston Arboretum

Operated by North Carolina State University, this 10.5-acre arboretum offers a large variety of diverse, research-focused gardens. The arboretum has a substantial collection of plants, many of which are adapted to the Southeastern environment. Displayed across dozens of greenhouses and gardens, paved paths within the grounds allow people to view these species. Aside from the Southeast plants, redbuds, maples, magnolias and dwarf loblolly pines are found throughout. Additionally, for recreational purposes, the JC Raulston Arboretum offers a Great Lawn and Gathering Lawn. While this garden is used as a lab and classroom for NC State, it is also open to the public and offers free admission. It is open daily; however, hours may be restricted due to special events.

Raleigh Rose Garden

Open from dusk to dawn, seven days a week, the Raleigh Rose Garden offers a unique exhibit full of trees, perennial flowers and roses. It is one of the three recognized rose gardens in NC, with 60 rose beds housing a variety of hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures and antique roses. These beautiful gardens are surrounded by evergreen and deciduous trees that fill the space perfectly. The Raleigh Rose Garden also features a beautiful fountain, an arbor and a stone shelter for photo-taking. 

Summer Kshatriya (‘26), a senior at Apex Friendship High School, said, “The Raleigh Rose Garden is the perfect size. We were able to get all our pictures done, and they turned out really nice with all the roses in the background.” 

Coker Arboretum

The Coker Arboretum is a 5-acre area on the UNC Chapel Hill campus. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset and offers limited paid parking in a few different places. Upon entering the arboretum, you will be greeted with scenic paths, each one taking you to new spots full of wildflowers and trees. There are large, open spots perfect for taking sitting, standing, solo and group shots. There is a wide variety of plants, including flowering trees, shrubs and bulbs and perennial displays. The arboretum serves as a botanical picture spot and a study area on campus. So, it is more likely to be quiet and less crowded, allowing for pictures to be taken efficiently.

After getting all dolled up, who doesn’t want to take a few photos of them and their friends, preserving the memories that will last for years to come? Many people do wish for such a luxury, but oftentimes don’t know how to pose solo or with others- so here are some tips and tricks on poses that will ensure they come out perfect. 

Solo poses:

Over the shoulder:

Arguably one of the most common yet timeless poses in modern day photography, start with turning your back to the camera, then look over your shoulder. As you look over your shoulder, hopefully your body would have contorted to accommodate, giving an almost candid photo feel while ensuring complete perfection.

There are also many variations similar to this pose that add flowers, maybe get a front body view as the subject turns their head away from the camera, or that maybe have more of a side view of their body than a back view.

Totally candid:

The classic fixing of the hair, or fixing of the makeup while the photo is being taken, something that adds an extra layer of authenticity to the photo. This pose can also be used for men as well! Maybe they pretend to ruffle their hair, or flaring their pant leg, adding an extra layer of authenticity. 

Stairs:

While such a broad category, both men and women tend to get good results from sitting on stairs or combining the over the shoulder pose with the stairs. The stairs are mainly used to get a more longing look with some choosing to look away while facing the camera, having their back to the camera or again having an over the shoulder moment. 

The crouch:

Women, typically with longer and flowy dresses, crouch down to have the dress draped around them as they stare up at the camera. Meanwhile for men, they sometimes do the crouching method while looking down but mainly for the purpose of getting an edgy photo. 

Classic:

The pose that is most often seen when looking through pinterest, the hands elegantly by the sides as all the weight is shifted to one foot, insinuating the curves of the model. Sometimes they are accompanied by a bouquet or by a head tilt. This pose is more common with tighter fitting dresses varying in lengths simply because the appeal of the pose is to see the curves. 

Bouquet:

Typically this photo is waist up but it’s a simple and cute photo that is meant to highlight the bouquet and the model. The direction of the head varies but the primary focus is more on the face than the dress.

Couple:

The spin:

Where one of the partners does the classic dance spin to highlight a romantic moment whilst showing off the outfits of both partners. An amazing pose for flowy dresses or a simple silly moment. 

Putting on the brooch:

A good way to capture an intimate moment by having one partner attach the others brooch to their suit or their wrist. Typically this pose has a bit of one partner facing away as the other partner is fully on display.

Walking away:

Both partners with their hands interlocked, turn their back on the photographer and begin walking away. This pose can be elevated with an over the shoulder look or with a longing look at the other.

The hug: 

Typically a side hug with one partner facing the camera and the other partner facing their date. Meaning one partner is facing the camera while their arm is around the other’s waist as they face their partner. This pose can be done with a longing look between the two, or a simple kiss.

Reversed classics:

Typically a more humorous moment between partners where they recreate classic poses with the traditional roles reversed. It adds authenticity and an extra layer of comfortability between the two. 

Group:

Mirror:

Utilizing a mirror where all the members huddle together to get a cute mirror selfie. This medium can work with any vibe; serious, silly, and candid. 

Classic huddle:

People usually side by side, could be facing forward, one direction all together, or away from the camera. Sometimes their arms are over one another and sometimes they are holding bouquets. This pose can work for a bunch of couples or friends. 

Party:

A silly photo taken typically throughout the night where the entire group huddles together to get a candid photo with everyone having the time of their lives all captured in one photo.

Awkward family photo:

Another humorous photo idea where all of the members of a group recreate an awkward set of poses that some popular companies came up with. It adds humor and authenticity to the beautiful event. 

Circle:

This pose can be taken from below or above. When taken from below it features the face of each group member. When taken from above, it can feature all the brooches, shows, or even full outfits if put in 0.5. 

Prom is a special occasion that brings friends and lovers together for one night to celebrate all of those precious moments and relationships. Have a wonderful prom night posed beautifully no matter if it’s solo or with others.

With prom fast approaching, those who don’t have dinner plans yet need to get moving on a reservation. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants in and around downtown Raleigh that may appeal to prom-goers. 

Gravy

Gravy, located on S. Wilmington Street and only a two minute drive from this year’s prom venue, is a great fine dining restaurant for fans of Italian food. Reservations can be booked via OpenTable, but are filling up quickly as prom weekend approaches. Gravy offers Italian-style entrees from $20-32, including grilled salmon, various pastas and more, a mid-range price for student patrons. 

Irregardless

For those looking for a diverse menu with inclusive options for celiac, vegan and vegetarian diners, Irregardless may be the right place. With live music, local art and good service, Irregardless is a quality restaurant for a nice prom night outing. Entrees sit between $17 and $33, with plenty of cheaper small plates that can pass as full meals. With recent developments on Morgan Street, parking may require a little bit of walking, but the restaurant is only ten minutes from the convention center, making for an easy post-dinner commute.

Overlook

Offering a rooftop view of downtown and affordable fine dining, Overlook is an accessible option for prom dinner. Just a block away from the venue, the well-rated restaurant is quickly filling up as large groups make reservations for this Saturday evening. Most large plates are $17-25, and highly rated service is sure to make for an enjoyable dining experience. Overlook offers two sections, a small plates and cocktails part of the restaurant and a more formal dining sector, and groups can choose where to eat based on what their preferences are for the night.

Peck & Plume

Peck & Plume is known for their southern cuisine, such as skillet cornbread and seared salmon. Located only 17 minutes away from the Raleigh convention center, Peck & Plume opened in August of 2021 and became an instant hit. Having an average 4.3 star rating, it would be wise to make a reservation before attending due to popularity and quality of dishes. 

Stanbury

Located seven minutes from the Raleigh convention center, Stanbury has a 4.8 star rating on Google reviews. Stanbury is usually praised for grilled ribeye and lamb chop, but if you’re looking for larger portions, Stanbury might not be your place. The restaurant mostly features smaller portions with an experimental feel to their dishes. However, if you’re looking for something more stable, Mulino’s might offer a more enjoyable dining experience.

Mulino Italian Restaurant

Mulino Italian Restaurant & Bar is roughly four minutes away from the Raleigh Convention Center. With a 4.3 star rating, Mulino’s sets an entrancing atmosphere with slightly dim lighting and woodlike design. Famous for their various pastas, such as lasagna, gnocchi and lobster ravioli, this is a great option if you love Italian food. 

Lugano Ristorante

Lastly, Lugano Ristorante, another Italian restaurant, features a 4.6-4.5 star rating for quality service and elegant atmosphere. 21 minutes away from the prom venue, Lugano is highly rated because of their ziti al forno and chicken marsala.

Prom is an enchanting event that, for some, can take weeks to prepare for. But, most people probably don’t think about what to do after. If you are one of those people, you’re in luck, as there are a multitude of options listed to help you plan the perfect night after prom.

Once the dance itself is over, other activities still await. Some students may continue to hangout late into the night, whether it be watching movies, playing games or other fun activities.

After dinner and prom you can still enjoy the night by watching movies with friends. Movie marathons date back decades as friends and family come together to enjoy their favorite genres and franchises. Breaking out the popcorn and snacks is a great way to wave goodbye to a never-ending night. If movies aren’t your speed, then games may peak your interests.

Games remain one of the most reliable ways to bring friends closer. Be warned, games that pit friends against each other can make or break relationships, such as Uno, Monopoly or Taboo. Choose your competitor wisely. A little competition can sometimes get out of hand, you may discover a new side of friends you’ve never seen before.

Knowing what to do after the big event can be hard to plan, especially after spending so much time preparing for the event itself. After-plans can get lost along the way and you’ll be stuck not knowing what to do. Enjoying the time after is just as important as the event and can sometimes lead to unforgettable memories.