Prom Traditions and Adventures: A Global Perspective

From different continents to diverse personal experiences, the tradition of prom remains a special moment in the lives of high school seniors. Let's explore some unique prom experiences and the dresses that made each event even more memorable.

1996: Prom as a Dream

For many who never had the opportunity to attend a prom, the year 1996 holds a special place in their hearts. This year marks the earliest memories of a dream come true for a particularly memorable individual, who, despite not attending high school proms, decided to experience it in 2019 as a married couple.

The bespoke dress designed by the dreamer in 2019, honoring the vintage feel of 1996.

“I wore a bespoke dress that I designed and chose the color for,” the dreamer recalls, expressing her affection for all things vintage. In contrast to the traditional American prom, Turkey’s prom, or more accurately, a ball, is celebrated differently, as detailed in the following accounts.

2019: Turkish Prom Ball

In 2019, the experience of prom was a ball in Turkey. The prom in Australia, however, is commonly referred to as a Formalities or simply Formal. Despite the differences, one participant chose to cover their face for various reasons. Here are some pictures to illustrate the transformation and celebration.

Here is the dress when I first tried it on at the store.

Here is the dress with a shawl.

And here it is at the venue taken by the photographer.

Despite not attending prom in high school, this individual shares, “I never went to prom. I don’t know what the girl wore that I asked...” A minor league hockey playoff game seemed like a much better choice and one that the individual does not regret at all.

1987: Spanish-Style Prom

For others, prom traditions include dressing up in elaborate attire and spending the evening with one's high school sweetheart. A senior from 1987 shares, “I went to my senior prom in May 1987 with my high school sweetheart. We dated for six years and are still friends now though not nearly as close as we once were.”

A picture of us at the prom.

The dress was described as black lace, Spanish-style, with a choker adorned with a genuine cameo given by the father as a graduation present. The hair was styled in a French braid with a black satin bow by a neighbor, and silver earrings also from the same neighbor graced the evening. The date wore a basic black tux with tails, a peach bow tie to match the cameo, and a peach and black wrist corsage. The individual in turn got him a peach rose boutonniere with a black ribbon. Notice the brand new white sneakers.

2018: Quebec Education System Prom

Back in 2018, another high school graduate also experienced prom traditions in a unique setting. Unlike the American high school prom, the Quebec Education System features only one prom held at the end of 11th grade. For this individual, "2018 was the year I went to prom and only one prom."

A picture of the prom in 2018.

The journey of prom dresses and prom experiences from different regions highlights the diversity of these memorable events. Whether in 1987, 1996, 2018, or any other year, prom remains a significant social event and a cherished memory for many.