In her sherbet-green gown, a strapless frock with a beaded bodice and a full skirt, Jennifer Kelley and her friends and their parents gathered at her Cherry Hill home just before prom.

On Friday night, it was time for picture taking, the final pre-prom activity before the big dance. In the days and weeks leading up to her junior prom, the Camden Catholic High School student juggled school, sports, student council, a part-time job at a local custard stand and, oh-so-important in spring, chores on a prom to-do list.

Like all students -- girls, especially -- Kelley wanted to get everything in place before the big day. For Kelley, the list included accessories, makeup and a photograph of an up-do her hairdresser could replicate for last week's prom.

Michael Bruce, owner of the Haddon Township florist that bears his name, knows his blooms. He's a consistent winner at the Philadelphia Flower Show, and he's seen more than a few prom bouquets in his time.

"When they're on your wrist or your bosom, it's in your way," said the florist. Instead, Bruce recommended a smallish nosegay -- "downsize that bouquet" -- for the girl and a boutonniere for her date in a similar color and/or flower.

Limousine companies are very busy at prom season. Some suggest calling months in advance to reserve for the big night. And, it'll cost you. Prices vary, depending on the vehicle, but it may be one of the most expensive items on your prom list.

At Buck Limousine & Chauffeurs, based in Williamstown, owner Gary Bracero said the SUV limo, which seats 12, runs about $125 to $135 an hour. That does not include a 20 percent gratuity and 7 percent sales tax.

Even with limo companies super busy, you can go online or leaf through the yellow pages and see if someone still has an opening. Or maybe there's room in a limo with friends who've already reserved a driver.

If you're a teen who doesn't drive, a face-saving alternative to mom or dad chauffeuring you to prom is an older sibling who drives. Much less embarrassing.

Margie Panchella, stylist at Panache Hair Styling in Evesham Township, recommended making appointments as soon as possible. In addition to hair, girls may also want to arrange for manicures, pedicures and makeup.

"I always suggest they bring as many pictures as they like," she said. Hair can be ornamented with tiny jewel-like stones and pieces of fabric, so clients should think about bringing these accessories to the salon.

Guys typically pick vest and tie colors to correspond with the girls' dress colors. So, even if you're a clueless guy, you want to ask your date the specific color of her dress. In other words, blue isn't good enough. Is it turquoise (a popular color this year, said Levin), cornflower or something else entirely?

Just like at the Kelley household, prom kids often gather at one person's house before prom for pictures. It's a way for the parents to see everyone, ooh and ah, and get some pretty shots before their girls' up-dos come tumbling down and the boys' remove their ties.

On the cheap side of the ledger, are disposal cameras. It's a great option for kids who want to pass them around at prom. (It's not a bad idea to write your name on the camera.) This way, you don't have to worry about leaving your $200 digital camera at some catering hall.

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