PREPARING FOR THE FORMAL

IF YOU’RE the parent of a high school senior girl, prepare for your life to become a flurry of dresses, nails and spray tans for the next few weeks.

Year 12 students are preparing for the school formal and we have a few tips to get them through the big night.

The first rule is, of course, to have fun. It’s a night you will remember for the rest of your life, whether you have a hot date by your side or not.

And regardless, keep your bestie close by because you will want photos of you two looking all glam and gorgeous forever. That photo will go straight to the pool room.

Have patience on the night as well because it’s likely your mum and dad, siblings and extended family from far away will want a lot of photos. And they will all cram in a car to ensure they see you off fittingly.

Expect tears from mum and proud hugs from dad.

And let’s be honest, chances are your parents already have a frame picked out ready to hang up once they’ve blown it up three times its original size. Don’t forget this will be one of the last times you and your school mates will all hang out together like one happy family, so make sure to grab everyone’s mobile numbers while you can and enjoy each other’s company.

Also, take your phone on the night to grab those candid shots, but put it away during your dinner because … well, manners.

Finally, congratulations.

You have survived 12 years of schooling. And now it’s time for “adulting”. Good luck!