It's a tradition dating back to before your parents were born for the gentleman (that's you!) to buy his date a corsage and the gal buys him a buttonhole in return.
 

A corsage is a small bunch of 2 or 3 flowers and sometimes ribbon that is wired together. It comes in two different styles depending on what style the dress is. If the dress is strapless, you should buy a wrist corsage, otherwise one that can be pinned onto the dress with the stems pointing up is correct. Ask your date what style and colour her dress is so you know what to get.

A buttonhole is usually a single flower (like a rose or orchid) that is worn on the guys' lapel. The proper way for a buttonhole to be worn is with the stems pointing down and on the left  hand side.

A new trend is for the girl wear her corsage on her handbag and for guys who aren't into wearing a buttonhole, the gal could organize the tie for her date's suit. Let her know if you would prefer the tie or buttonhole - or both!

:-) If you're lost for ideas, talk to the florist and ask to see some pics for ideas. They will also let you know when is the best time to pick them up - usually a few hours before the big night.

:- ) It's always good to order the corsage and buttonhole from the same florist to make sure you both co-ordinate.

:- ) Buttonholes and Corsages are a bit fiddly and labour intensive for the florist to make so can sometimes be a bit ex'y but they are an essential.

:- ) A great idea is to get your School Formal Committee to approach their fav 'petal pusher' to do everyone's and you might be able to get some discount!

AP/T.V. Presents...How to Pin Her Corsage

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Bury the black tie blues...all guys, yes even you, will look totally hot in a tuxedo.

These days there is a whole heap of different styles and combinations to choose from. Some schools allow a dark suit with a tie if you're not the tux type and these can look great too.  

Most rental companies are real busy with formals, so

ORDER YOUR SUIT AT LEAST 6MTHS IN ADVANCE!!!

Don't leave this to the last minute or you will not get what you want.

 IT'S GOTTA FIT

You'll need to be fitted for your tux or suit so go to the rental company a few months before the formal to try some on for size. Ask your date what colour her dress is so you know what colour to order for your waistcoat, cummerbund and bow tie. Your outfit should also consist of the tuxedo jacket, pants, black shoes (not your nike's!), matching dark socks and cuff links. 

Remember you dont always have to go classic black and white. Dont be afraid to add colour, jazz your suit up, and do something fun!

HOW TO TIE A TIE

CLICK HERE FOR - HOW TO TIE A TIE - VIDEO

SIMPLE KNOT                                WINDSOR KNOT

Meeting her parents can be a killer on the nerve's...

Especially if her Dad looks like Ivan Milat (even worse... when her Mum looks like Ivan Milat!!). It's more than likely they just want to be reassured that you won't try to bust a move on their innocent little girl (also know as "That Hot Chick - Your Date!")...

Just shake their hand and look them in the eyes when they are talking to you. It's a big night for them too so just be polite and smile.

But don't forget they'll be watching your every move, so...

EYES UP!

And make sure you look "That Hot Chick - Your Date" in the eyes too, no matter how tempting it is to study the detailed stitching in the chest area of her dress (if you know what I mean!). She knows it's a low cut neck line and truth be told, she's probably a bit nervous about a wardrobe malfunction.

FINAL NOTE

Don't forget to compliment your date on how fantastic she looks in front of her parents, they love that kinda stuff.

EG. "Wow, (insert name), you look amazing! I knew you'd look great, but you just look beautiful" ... or something like that...

LIMO STUFF

Open the door of the limo for her & close it when she's in - watch that you don't close the door on her dress!!

So you want to ask the hottest chick in the school to the formal?

Well, if she's giving you some of these signals, chances are she'll definitely say yes!

1. She'll find a reason to talk to you. If it's a question about your geography class or what you think of Sean Paul, she's trying to make conversation with you and that's a good thing!

2. However, if she ignores you but you keep catching her looking at you, she is probably really into you but a bit shy, so you'll have to make the first move.

3. She has a secret nickname for you that only her best friends know. This is almost a dead-set certainty that she thinks you're a hottie!

4. And if she has told her friends she thinks you're cute, ask her right now! She probably wanted you to find out how she feels all along. 

Here's how to make it look like you go to these red carpet events alllll the time!!....

Be a good date. OK, she might be going thru a bit of a "Brittany" phase, but she's still your date. Don't act like you're too cool to be seen with her and spend the night with your mates. You wouldn't like it if she did that to you, right? Try chatting about stuff that you know you two have in common like classes, what happened on Rove last night or maybe even the footy. And don't forget to compliment her on how good she looks. You never know, under all that make-up, hairspray and tulle, she could be someone you'd like to get to know a little better...

Eating properly is like a minefield!

Once you've walked with your date to the table, pull her chair out for her. Then once you've sat down, place your napkin across your lap.

The cutlery is always tricky but if you start at the outside for the entree and work your way in, you should be OK.

Your drinking glass will be on the right hand side and your bread and butter plate will be on the left.

Don't scoff your food. It's not a burger & fries after all.

Finally sorry, but I have to sound like your olds here CHEW WITH YOUR MOUTH CLOSED AND GET YOUR ELBOWS OFF THE TABLE!!!!


Don't talk through the speeches. I know they sometimes drag on but it's just bad manners.
 

Always say please and thank you to the waiters. You'll find you get much better service.
 

Wedgie alert! If this happens, do not pick it out in public!!! Discretely go into the loo and do it there.
 

Remember to open all doors for your date then close them behind you. This goes for at home, the limo and at the formal.

Be memorable for all of the right reasons. You don't want to be the talk of the school for anything other than how hot you looked and your killer moves on the dance floor. It might seem like the right time to let loose and do something really wild but you'll only regret it later.
 

Always be respectful. If she wants to go home or doesn't want to do what you want to do, respect that and make sure she gets home safely. Order her a taxi and make sure she has some money or call her parents to come and pick her up. Wait with her until her ride arrives.

Trust me guys, the gals realllllllly go for a guy who looks after himself... here's a few tips that could help in impressing the ladies...

Don't O.D. on the hair product or aftershave.

CUT YOUR HAIR

 Have your hair cut about two weeks before the formal night. It will always look better than a fresh cut.

Take a hint from Zac here and try out some highlights in your hair, but we think he's gone OTT on the wax - it just looks a bit dirty.

Zac's also got himself a spray tan A.K.A = MANtan! Don't let the gal's have all the fun...  here's how to look like you hit the surf every weekend! COOL!!
 

SHAVING IT CLOSE

 Have a shave in the shower. You'll find that the hot water will open the pores on your face and allow a closer, smoother shave. All the better for those cheek-to-cheek-on-the-dance-floor moments! Please note: If you use an electric shaver DO NOT do this in the shower - DER!!!
 

NAILING IT

Clean and trim your nails. It might seem a bit girly but it's part of the big picture. They don't call it a MANicure for nothing! and rumour has it Snoop is a huge fan.

SMELL YA LATER... The "smell" area of the brain is right next to the "memory' part, so make sure you don't use a crop duster to apply your Pour Homme, otherwise that'll be all she remembers. Just a drop on your neck and wrists...I SAID A DROP!!!

FINAL NOTE...
Take some breath mints with you, just in case there is a chance of an after party pash...