As spring quickly approaches, so does prom season. For many students, this is one of the most exciting times of their high school career. In the last decade, promposals, or elaborate ways to ask someone to prom, have gained popularity. For some, this seems like an expectation, but for others, it is a charming way to lock in a date. When it comes to promposals however, there is a fine line between making an effort and going too far.

• On Their Phone Screen

One popular way to ask someone to prom is by changing their lock screen to a picture with the word “prom?”. This requires stealth and a good excuse to borrow their phone. Unless you know the person very well, this also requires breaking into their phone, which is illegal, and quite frankly, creepy.

Rate: 2/10

• Spell It Out

This is one of the simplest promposals on the list, but also one that has proved very effective. Simply spell out the word “prom” with whatever you wish. Although this can be cute if done correctly, it can quickly go from classy to trashy depending on the material you use.

Rate: 4/10

• The Sign and Flowers

Although this may seem cliche, it is an especially good way to ask someone to prom who you do not know that well.

Rate: 7/10

• Pizza Promposals

This is no doubt a “cheesy” way to ask someone to prom, but is certainly not for everyone. However, if you know your date loves food, this tactic is definitely worth a try. To play it safe, cheese is always a good topping, but make sure you know any of their dietary restrictions beforehand.

Rate: 6.5/10

• Pun-posals

A pun, or play on words, can add that extra touch and take your promposal to the next level. To make it even more impactful, try to center the pun around their interests. For example, for that special artist in your life, a sign saying “will you Vincent Van Gogh with me to prom” shows not only that you have a wonderful sense of humor, but will also make your date feel special.

Rate: 7.5/10

• The Classic

The most effective on this list is also one of the easiest, just ask. Flowers are optional but can add a special touch and shows that you care. This, however, rides a fine line between seeming authentic and being indifferent. Even if you are not planning on an extravagant promposal, remember to still be considerate and genuine in your approach.

Rate: 9/10

If you are planning on ‘promposing’, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Make Sure They Don’t Already Have a Date

Asking someone who is already committed to the date will not only end up making you uncomfortable, but the person you are asking as well.

• Keep Your Intentions Clear

To avoid possible awkwardness in the future, make sure to state whether you want to go as just friends or as an actual date. If you are not currently dating this person, this could cause confusion as to whether you are going to prom as friends or as a couple.

• More Elaborate Promposals Aren’t Necessarily Better

While promposals may be some people’s cup of tea, for many, elaborate gestures can be embarrassing or ingenuine. As always, make sure you know the personality of the person you are asking as well as their interests.

• DO NOT ask in front of a Giant Group of People

There are many reasons why this could prove to be a bad decision. Adding this extra pressure on the person you are asking does not guarantee a yes, and the last thing you want to use in order to score a date is peer pressure and guilt. Another risk of asking in front of a large group of people is the possibility of being rejected, which could be embarrassing for both people involved.

• Be Considerate

If you’re going to write on someone’s car, fill with balloons, put sticky notes all over it, or do anything else that could make a mess, commit to help cleaning it up. Also make sure you take into account how you are going to make the person you are asking feel. If you know that they are particularly shy, for example, asking them in front of a large crowd is your best bet.
Remember as fun as prom is, it is only one night. If things do not go exactly as planned, going with friends or even by yourself can be just as fun as going with a date. In the end, it is important to be kind to both yourself and others, and have fun.