By Delaney Dine

Homecoming season is upon us and the most important part leading up to the dance is planning for the day. Many people take different approaches on when to schedule pictures, get ready, eat dinner, when to arrive, and even what to do after the dance.

“Usually I plan around pictures and dinner,” senior Lillian Richardson said. “It just depends on where you go to eat. If it’s going to take a long time, that’s more important, but if not, it’s more about pictures.”

“I try to plan dinner an hour and a half before I plan to be at the dance and then pictures an hour and a half before the start of dinner,” Richardson said.

Senior Evie Shif has a similar approach to start planning. “I kind of base it around if we have a reservation to go somewhere and how it matches up to when the dance starts.”

“Always base it off when the girls get ready,” senior Tyler Duffy said.

Most girls usually get something to start their day or do something special before getting together to get ready. “I usually get some Starbucks,” Richardson said. “My mom sometimes does my hair before I go meet the rest of the girls.”

While many girls are planning their makeup, nails, and hair, Duffy has a different experience. 

“I usually just bum it until I get ready for the dance, and then I go pick up my date,” Duffy said.

“I try to plan dinner an hour and a half before I plan to be at the dance and then pictures an hour and a half before the start of dinner,” Richardson said.

Most agreed that homecoming usually doesn’t require a fancy dinner before, opting for places that are more fun and efficient.

“Places that are quicker are better, so you aren’t waiting for a while,” Richardson said.

“When it comes to pictures, I would do a place that’s kind of neutral,” Richardson said, “One that everyone likes and won’t clash too badly, but also has multiple different spots to take photos.”

“I usually go for more nature photos, I think most do,” Shif said. Duffy said that he usually defers to the girls in the group when picking a location for pictures.

Seniors have found that punctuality for the dance doesn’t really matter.

“I always arrive at least 30 minutes late to an hour, because nobody is there when the dance starts, but you also want to avoid a crazy line.” 

Don’t forget to bring phones to contact parents and others, as well as for ticket scanning. Buy your tickets online ahead of time — no tickets are sold at the door. Other things that are helpful to remember is a purse or way to hold your things, and possibly other shoes to change into at the dance.

“I think that everyone has forgotten something, and it’s usually a boutonniere or corsage,” Duffy said. 

“Try to have fun and make sure everyone stay civil because drama can ruin the day for everyone,” Shif said. “Sometimes you might have to do something you don’t want to do, but that’s just part of the day. Compromise is important in a big group.”

“Just be okay when plans change or don’t go your way,” Richardson said. “It’s a group so try to be flexible.”