Homecoming Dance.
Traditions that have gone on for years and years are what come to mind.
The first thought you have is short dresses. People wearing a long dress is rare, if not unheard of.
A sweeping, silky dress that runs across the floor is more of a prom statement, while a short dress that barely falls lower than your knees is a more homecoming tradition.
Girls smiling, covered in sparkles, is a common stereotype when the word homecoming is mentioned.
“I feel like for homecoming, the longest dress should be about shin length,” Jacqueline Gallus said.
I feel like wearing a long dress is a statement. It says, “Hey, I’m unique. Deal with it.”
Long dresses are beautiful. I personally like the look of shorter dresses for homecoming, though, due to the semi-formal theme.
For the guys, it is normal to wear a bow tie, with a white button-up and slacks.
But, Why? What’s wrong with a pair of nice jeans and a button-up shirt?
It is semi-formal, after all. Although that may be what some guys rock, it is not popular.
Not only does the formal wear have a sort of stigma around it, but so does asking dates.
Although some girls end up asking their date, it is quite rare.
The big question usually comes from the guy.
Now, to me, that is not fair. Girls should not have to be afraid to ask the guys. I think it should be able to go both ways.
I am not saying it can’t go both ways, but I am saying it is not exactly what students see when homecoming rolls around. The first thing that you think is, “Oh, I wonder who he is asking, I wonder who he is going with.” It is never, “I wonder who she is asking, or I hope she asks me.”
There is a dance just for girls to ask the guy of their choice, The Sadie Hawkins dance. I believe it should be more normalized. There is no reason that it should be seen as only a guy thing to ask someone to dance.
“It is better when a girl asks a guy to homecoming,” Evan Randall said.
Along with this, why does asking someone to homecoming have to be such a big gesture?
That sort of display of affection is not for everyone. It may be sweet and fun to ask that way, but it is not a requirement.
“I think big gestures are better in my opinion,” Randall said.
Some people love the big gestures. I am one of those people.
Some say it shows that you care more. But the thing is, everyone is different.
Some may not feel comfortable asking that way, and others may love it. It all depends on who the person is, but do not feel pressured to ask in such a grand way.
“It doesn’t have to be anything massive,” Gallus said.
Dates can be given flowers, their favorite candy or their favorite drink instead of spending a good hour or two on a poster for them. It is ultimately the thought that counts. ‘
The location also matters.
Would students rather be asked in front of their whole student body, in front of a few strangers, or even have it done in private? Some do not like that public display of affection. Others do.
Some feel it makes it more meaningful that you make it a big deal, but that is not everyone’s thing.
This trend is not very popular at Lakeland High School, but mums are popular high schools around Texas. Mums are something a guy would give the girl he asks to homecoming for her to wear. It is a token of his affection. A mum is a ribbon with flowers on it, along with different decorations. They are normally all made specifically decorated for the person who will have the honor of wearing one. This Texas tradition has been around since 1930, according to Texas Highways.
Personally, I think this would be a fun way to show our school spirit and still get a cute way to be asked to homecoming.
Another tradition is guys giving girls corsages.
Now, another trend is appearing. Mini bouquets. I think it is cute and simple.
Then, students could press the flowers to preserve them. But I do not think they would be the most functional.
Corsages are easier to have due to them being able to be worn on the wrist. If students are going for fashion over functionality, mini bouquets are another option. These bouquets are more specifically called nosegay bouquets.
Now, one homecoming normalcy that I think should always stay is the guys picking up the girls. Sometimes, this is not an option, but if they can drive, then they should pick the girl up. That is the gentlemanly thing to do. The girl should not drive the guy if both can drive. Now, that can differ depending on if only the girl has her license.
The guy should also come up to the door and come get you, not just wait in the car and simply text, “I’m here.” Open the door for her, close it, and walk her back to the door when dropping her off.
