12 Prom Etiquette Rules Every Teen Guy Should Know (Your Date Will Thank You!)

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This Post: 12 Prom Etiquette Rules Every Teen Guy Should Know (Your Date Will Thank You!)

Written By: Jessica Manning

NOTE: I’m a boy mom whose son is heterosexual, so this post is written from that perspective. However, these tips can apply to both genders regardless of their sexual identity/preference.

Whether it’s remembering to hold the door open, paying his date a genuine compliment or simply being kind and respectful all evening long, when it comes to prom night, the little things go a long way! This quick cheat sheet is a gentle reminder to all teen guys that being a gentleman still matters, and trust us, their date will notice. 

Before we dive into prom etiquette, guys, here are a few gentlemanly things you need to check off your list as prom approaches. 

Find a Date 

The cool thing about prom is you don’t have to be officially dating to ask someone to go to prom with you. You can be friends, classmates, or teammates, for instance. Don’t miss out on one of the biggest dances in high school simply because you’re not dating someone seriously. (These days, it’s also super common for teens to head to prom with a group of friends instead of a date—more laughs, less pressure, and way better group photos!)

Surprise Her with a Fun Promposal

I know… the pressure is on! So many guys go way out and surprise their dates with elaborate promposals, but try not to get too swept up in that or the stress of it all. A simple, heartfelt promposal is fine, guys! Need ideas? Check out these cute and romantic proposal ideas! 

Order a Tux/Suit That Coordinates with Your Date’s Dress

Typically, couples attending prom like to look like they’re together. So, be sure to ask your date what color her dress is. Then, when you order your tux you can choose a bow-tie or shirt color that matches her dress. (She’ll appreciate that you went the extra mile!)

By the Prom Tickets

More and more couples are going Dutch for prom because it CAN be expensive. However, a lot of guys will pick up the expense of the prom tickets and share other costs such as dinner, transportation, and/or the after-party expense. How (or if) you choose to divvy up the expense of prom and the after-prom party is entirely up to you and your date. 

Make Dinner Reservation

Whether you’re looking to plan an intimate dinner with just you and your date or you have a group of couples who want to get together and book a room at a restaurant, make sure you make reservations far enough in advance since they can book up quickly. Looking for ways to save money on prom? Check out these ideas! 

Plan for Transportation

There are lots of ways to go about getting to and from dinner, the prom venue, and the after-party. Some couples get a group together and rent a bus, others opt to drive themselves and others will solicit the driving services of parents or an older brother/sister, for instance. 

Order a Corsage

Check with your date on the color she’d like you to order for her corsage or simply ask what color her dress is and surprise her with a color that will coordinate well. 

Spruce Yourself Up with a Haircut/Shave

You want to look your best on the big night, so be sure to get a haircut and shave. Don’t forget nice cologne. Studies show that girls find guys who wear cologne 50% more attractive! 

Clean Out Your Car

If you’re driving you and your date, you don’t need to have a fancy car, but you do need to have a clean car! If you basically live out of your car like many teens do, take some time to clean everything out, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces before the big night. And don’t forget to run it through a car wash! 

Double-Check the Details

Make sure your date is up to speed on all the details of the evening – times, tickets, pick-up/drop-off, dinner plans, etc. The more you prep, the smoother the evening will go. 

Now that you’ve checked the basics off your list, now is the time to brush up on your manners.

Prom is oftentimes your first test at chivalry, and if you pass with flying colors, both you and your date will have more fun – you just need a game plan! (By the way, in case you don’t know, chivalry is defined as an honorable and polite way of behaving, especially by men toward women.)

Of course, the naysayers like to quip that chivalry has died or that teenage boys don’t have manners anymore. Let’s prove them wrong! Continue reading for a chivalry game plan for prom night – with these “manners” tips, you’ll be more than just dressed to impress! Here are 12 prom etiquette rules to make a smashing impression on your date!

12 Prom Etiquette Rules to Wow Your Date!

1. Be On Time

Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your date’s house on time – even if you’re so early you have to drive around the block to burn time! Before you ring the doorbell, take a couple of deep breaths and prep yourself to greet her parents. 

2. Converse with Your Date’s Parents

It’s okay to be a bit nervous… you’re not alone in that! No one expects you to act like a seasoned pro dater, but just be sure to chat a bit with the parents about the evening plans and how happy you are to take their daughter to the dance. 

3. Compliment Your Date

One of the very first things you should do after walking in the door is compliment your date:

• “Wow… (insert your date’s name), you look beautiful!”
• “Your dress is amazing! I love it!”
• “Your hair looks amazing!”

I get it; this can feel awkward, especially if there are a bunch of other people standing around. But trust me, it will be more awkward if you don’t say something. Trust me on this one, guys, she’s put in a lot of effort AND money into looking beautiful for this important night in her life, so find something to sincerely compliment her on.

4. Corsage Etiquette

If your school’s prom tradition includes corsages and boutonnieres, it’s customary for you to put the corsage on her wrist for her. She’ll reciprocate by putting on your boutonniere. (Sometimes, moms step in and put the boutonniere on guys, just because it can be tricky to get it right.) 

5. Help Her with Her Coat

If she’s wearing a coat or shawl, help her put it on and take it off at dinner and the dance. 

6. Walk Beside Her, NOT In Front of HER

Take note, don’t walk ahead of your date! Many girls will be wearing higher heels than they’re used to and/or a tight-fitting long dress, all of which make it tricky to walk. Slow down, and offer her your arm for support.

7. Open Doors

Make sure to open her car door for her, in addition to any door you walk through! I’ve watched too many promenades where the boy walks into the venue before his date. So not okay, guys. Open the door for her, and let her walk through it first.

8. Dinner Etiquette (She’ll Notice, Guys!)

This is where you can either make or break the night, fellas. Follow these simple rules and you’ll make a great impression!

• Pull her chair out for her at the table
• Let her order first
• If going through a buffet, let her go first
• Don’t start eating until she does
• Put your napkin on your lap
• Chew with your mouth closed (hint – take smaller bites than normal and eat slowly)
• Put your phone away
• Make conversation, and be a good listener

9. Be Attentive

Follow her lead and be aware of her feelings. If you’re not on the same page about wanting (or not wanting) to dance, you might have to be a good sport and do as she wishes. (It’s okay if you’re not comfortable dancing… just have fun and be silly!) If she doesn’t want to dance, but you do, at least find a balance of spending time with her versus being on the dance floor. If she’s cold, offer her your jacket. Ask if she needs a drink or a snack during the dance. Make her feel like your priority.

10. Respect Her Boundaries

Be mindful of your date’s level of comfort with you. Bottom line, be respectful. 

11. Don’t Check Your Phone Constantly

Nothing can turn a girl off faster than feeling as though she’s not being given the attention she deserves on the date. It’s okay to check your phone a few times during the evening if you must, but don’t sit at the dinner table scrolling through your phone or checking the latest sports stats. 

12. Curfew Ettiquette

• Make sure you respect her parents’ (and your parents) wishes about curfews
• When you drop her off, walk her to the door
• Thank her for being your date and make sure she knows you had a great time

Boys, chivalry isn’t dead!

Be a gentleman on prom night, and make it a night that both you and your date will remember fondly. These simple prom etiquette rules go a long way in showing that you’re thoughtful and respectful and know how to treat a lady with care. Prom night will be a memory you both cherish, guys!

About Jessica Manning

Jessica is a high school counselor with over 20 years of experience working with teenagers. She earned an M.A. in school counseling and a B.A. in English and secondary education. Jessica is married to a high school principal and has three teenage boys; her current life revolves around all things teen. When not working or following her sons’ sporting events, Jessica appreciates any opportunity she gets to veg at home with her family and her dog, Phyllis. 

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