The dress, the hair, the flowers, the limo, matching colors, crazy tuxedos and cheesy posed photos, that’s what often comes to mind when the word ‘prom’ comes up. This year, prom falls over the next few Saturdays for most Destin area high schools, and The Log caught up with a few Destin businesses to see what the trends are for this year’s big dance.
“Sometimes it can be a little bit chaotic in here,” said Dave Shreve, co-owner of Destin Bridal Affair. “The guys come in not knowing what color their date has chosen, and the girls are really looking for something specific they saw online.”
Husband and wife team, Dave and Retha Shreve opened their wedding and special occasion apparel shop in September of last year, although this is their first prom season in the industry, they said they have already hit the ground running.
“Saturdays and Sunday afternoons, it’s just non-stop as soon as we open the doors,” said Dave. “This past Saturday we had people in here up to two hours past our closing time.”
Dave said that trends for girls prom dresses this year have less to do with a certain color, and more to do with what each girl fancies.
“Color is not a concern for the girls, they chose their own color based on what they think looks good on them,” said Dave. “But this year the trend is for more streamline dresses that are more fitting to the body, nothing that flares out.”
As for the young men, Dave said it’s all about what their date has decided.
“Everything seems to culminate with the girl and what they are trying to extend to her,” he said. “This year we haven’t had many bow-ties, and it’s a combo between white tuxes and black tuxes for most popular color for men.”
As for the hair styles, stylists at La Donna’s Hair Salon have seen a trend in a dignified but disheveled look.
“Up do’s are not as popular anymore for weddings or proms,” said Manager Julie Sadler. “Braids have been very popular and a half-up half-down, beach-y look.”
Sadler explained that over the last year, braids have made a major comeback, not as the main hairstyle, but as a depth-creating piece within the style.
“It’s not just your standard French braid or braid down the back, it’s part of their style. Everybody is so diversified.”
When it comes to transportation, the classic limousine is still top choice for prom night.
“We are 100 percent booked, at our max capacity,” said Eduardo Guerra, owner of D’Luxe Limousines in Destin. “The kids or parents get together and everyone chips in.”
Guerra explained that most limo rentals for prom are made by groups of friends, because 10 to 20 teens can fit comfortably into the limousine and ride together to and from the prom.
As for the most popular vehicle, Guerra said with the prom it’s always the bigger the better.
“The Hummer Expedition and our larger stretch limousines tend to draw more of a crowd,” he said.