Tracey Simms owns a formal dress shop in Lower Sackville, N.S. After fitting hundreds of girls for this year's prom season, she's already putting orders in for next year's styles.
“We've seen a huge surge in floral prints, also the idea of two-piece dresses has been really, really popular,” says Simms.
While trends come and go, Simms says ball gowns are timeless. She adds, some shoppers want razzle dazzle, while others prefer a classic look.
“Girls start coming to see us in September, so at the beginning of the school year girls are already thinking ahead toward prom.”
There’s more than just the dress or tuxedo to consider when students are looking to be on-trend. Florists say blue, purple and white are in-demand for corsages and boutonnieres this June.
“It seems like the most popular thing that we're selling is little champagne or white sweetheart roses,” says Holly Winchester, who owns a flower shop.
Richard Gosselin has been a limo driver for seven years. He says every year there's an increasing demand for limo service at prom time.
“They like to be the star of the day,” says Gosselin. “You know, they finished their school year and they just want a big bang.”
Gosselin says he typically drops students off at restaurants or hotels for their celebratory night.
“(Proms) seem to be bigger and better and they sure aren't what I remember,” says Glenn Bowie, director of sales and catering at The Westin.
Bowie says it's not unusual for students to book a banquet room for their big day, with 300 or more attending the event.
He says hotels provide schools with the security of a safe grad location.
“I'll tell you one thing, is how organized the kids are,” says Bowie. “There seems to be a rock star in every school who really helps our staff in putting things together in the planning process.”
With the average dress costing about $500, plus flowers, transportation and event tickets, prom can be a costly, but hopefully, memorable night.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Suzette Belliveau
