A Guys Guide to Prom

Prepping for prom often revolves around the girl — and the gown.

But what about the guys? The prom also is a chance for young men to look and feel their best.

If dressing up in tie and tails for a night on the town isn’t intuitive, there are ways guys can brush up on what to wear and how to be a polite, memorable date.

For instance, Allegheny County’s Project Prom initiative on Thursday is holding a free catered dinner for about 100 local high school students at the Herberman Conference Center at UPMC Shadyside. The all-male guests will review tie tying and social graces and receive a voucher for a free tuxedo rental. (The event is at capacity.)

For the rest of the prom-bound fellows out there, here are some quick tips for how to make sure the dance is a fun experience for you and your friends.

How to be a standout date

Be clear with your prom invite. Leave out phrases such as “do you sort of want …” or “would you maybe want …” that can send mixed signals.

Ask a potential date in person or over the phone. Don’t have a text message or email do it for you.

Be clear and up-front about budgets. Typically the person who extends the invitation pays for the event and other activities such as dinner. (But girls, it’s polite to offer to help cover some of the costs.)

Clarify the style of flower arrangement she wants — a wristlet, pin-on corsage or small bouquet. She may have a preference based on what she’s wearing (or might want to pick it out and/or buy it herself).

If you’re going with a group, designate from the start how the cost for such things as a limousine, dinner, etc., will be divided, who’s collecting the money and by when.

At the dance, strike a balance between spending time with your date and with your friends (or other members of your party if attending as a group). If you see other people you’d like to visit, ask your date if it’d be OK for you to take a few minutes to mingle (and make sure she has someone else to hang out with in the meantime. Don’t just abandon her).

Chivalry is charming but not welcomed by all. Ask your date: May I take your coat? May I get the door for you? May I help you with your chair? If she declines, at least you offered.

Do what feels comfortable. If slow dances aren’t your thing, use that time to grab a drink or a snack with your date or just talk. On the other hand, don’t go overboard with PDA on the dance floor.

Limit cell phone use. If you have to make a call or respond to texts, let your date know so she doesn’t feel like her company isn’t enough to keep you entertained. Also, limit social media use until a break in festivities or after the dance, and ask your date or other group members if they’re OK with you sharing photos and comments of your night with them on social media sites.

Make sure your date or group is home by curfew. No need to ruin an otherwise good time by getting back late and stirring trouble.

Sources: Lizzie Post, co-author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette,” 18th edition, and “The Art of Manliness” (www.artofmanliness.com).