As May 17th gets closer and closer, students may find themselves not knowing where to buy a dress, tux, artificial tan, or place a restaurant reservation. Luckily, there are many businesses that can provide these items and services, but act now before it’s too late!

Palm Beach Tan, which has locations on both Kingfisher Drive and Spectrum Drive, asks that customers pay a $25 initial account activation fee followed by a $14.95 monthly fee, which then allows members one spray tan per month. Spray tans can last anywhere from four to twelve days. 

Not tanning, self tanning, and spray tanning were the three most popular tanning options in a student survey. 

Spray tanning and at-home self-tanning are both great alternatives to sunbed tanning, which can damage skin cells. However, if you weren’t planning on going for any type of tan, you’re not alone; 55% of survey respondents attending Oakdale’s prom said they would not be pre-prom tanning. 

If planning to make a restaurant reservation, make sure to call at least a week in advance or as early as possible (i.e., now). Some restaurants won’t take reservations for parties of a larger number or won’t book reservations for busy hours, especially on Friday evenings, so make sure you have a few options. Hosts will usually only request your name, the number of people in your party, and the date and time you’re coming in. Reservations are an important way to make sure you get seated at the restaurant you want. 

Another thing that is often put off is purchasing dresses. Deja Vu is a popular spot, with dresses ranging from $300 to $800. Customers can try on dresses on their own or request assistance from an employee for pulling options and rehanging dresses. Macy’s and Windsor also offer a wide range of dress options, starting around $100. While what store you shop in depends on how far you want to drive and where your budget is, any dress that you love is worth wearing to prom. 

Deja Vu and Windsor were the most popular places to purchase dresses in a survey of Oakdale students. 

On the note of formal wear, there are a few places in Frederick to purchase a tuxedo. Jos A. Bank and Men’s Wearhouse both offer tuxedo rentals, which makes obtaining a formal wear ensemble that might only be worn once more affordable. If a tuxedo is something that you have multiple occasions to wear, you might consider purchasing it instead of renting or buying a suit. JCPenney, Macy’s, and Kohl’s. 

Whatever you wear to prom and whatever your pre-prom plans are, make sure you figure them out sooner rather than later– May 17th will be here before you know it!