She said some girls used to wear cocktail-length dresses, but these days, most wear gowns. That varies according to the location, though. Barbara J. Griffin, events consultant at Holyoke's Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, said many schools want food stations with varying themes, such as Italian, Mexican and Chinese. Still, she said, the proms remain formal affairs. It's very elegant.
Tradition reigns in other ways, too.
I don't like the competition. They turned me down vociferously. Used with permission.