It’s summer and the recent end of the school year got me thinking about some of my favorite high school memories. In particular the Prom. For most of us, our high school Prom created memories that last a lifetime. Fast-tempo songs and slow ones too. Did you go to your high school prom? What are your best prom memories? If you had the chance, would you do it all over again or would you rather have stayed home instead?

I grew up in the 80s and proms back then were certainly a different experience. Think of iconic movies like “Footloose” or “Pretty in Pink. Fancy and extravagant dresses. Stunning tuxes. The chance to be together with classmates one last time and to basically celebrate high school.

For those who grew up in that time, proms were definitely a highlight. The best slow songs, the festive decorations, everything coming together perfectly. Who would ever want to miss their prom? The music … the food … and the fun. Topping it off was sharing the special night with your favorite person.

Proms were all about classic songs and dim lights. 80s songs — was there anything like 80s music? Catch your breath. It’s prom night. Dark colored dresses to vibrant reds or bold blues. Traditional black or white dresses. Think of Chris de Burgh’s iconic 80’s ballad “Lady in Red”. Who did you want to go to prom with?

One of the most special times in high school is prom. In so many ways, your prom was the culmination of all your high school highlights. Friends, boyfriends, girlfriends. Maybe your best friend. Your biggest crush, perhaps. That special someone that you would do anything for. That’s what Prom meant. Nothing could compare. On that special night, the world stopped — everyone and everything paused for prom. Time to dress up and celebrate.

Proms in the 80s had a sense of pure elegance to them. Everyone dressed up, and the boy’s put-on adult-like manners. They listened to their girlfriends or their crush. At Prom, the boys appreciated your presence and they cherished you. At Prom, you wanted to dance with your special someone. Nothing else mattered. Forget math class, forget everything. Tonight is the night.

Proms in the 80s were indeed celebrated. They were special times. Nothing was better. Time would stand still. The world would stop. Hearts would melt together. Proms in the 80s did that to you. Especially if you were with your boyfriend or girlfriend.

High school was a different time back then. It was a more relaxed era. Dancing was certainly popular. For girls, big hair ruled and brightly colored or neon dresses were popular. Dresses had puffy sleeves, maybe lace or they could be sleek — different shades of pink, blue or tan.

The prom was the social event where everyone wanted to be fashionable. Boy’s rented tuxedos or perhaps wore their best suit, complete with dress shoes and belts. Flowers were purchased — corsages and boutonnieres. Girls were asked out to prom, and sadly if they weren’t asked, they did not really go. Couples went together, or newly formed couples perhaps went as well. It was a popular event fer sure.

The big music groups at the time were Foreigner, Survivor, and Bon Jovi. I remember that one of the most popular songs at the time of my Prom was “Let’s Get Physical.” And of course there was a myriad of other iconic pop and rock songs that were the entertainment of the evening.

The evening was really a soundtrack of our final high school years. We were all dressed up and were ready to go. Other hit songs played throughout the evening, usually by a live DJ.sometimes one of the guys we listened to on local radio. Disco balls and black lights were used. Decorations were brightly colored. Among the popular 80s prom songs I recall were Phil Collins, “Do you Remember,” Reo Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” “Right Here Waiting for You” by Richard Marx … ” The night went by too fast.

Of course there were the obligatory pictures. Pictures with parents, with siblings. Pictures with friends. Couple pictures. Pictures with all your girlfriends. Smile. We captured our memories on film back in those days. And then when the pictures were finally developed, we enjoyed the moment all over again. Lifetime memories were made. It is said that time never stops. High school ends, but time marches on.

How picture’s have even changed since then. From film to digital. Capturing the big prom event was important. For the Juniors and Seniors in high school especially. Nothing else could compare.

Formal attire and even the occasional limousine. Our time as high school students was running out like sands falling in an hourglass. The days of all of us being together was ending … for many it was nearly our last time together. After getting locked up together for 13 years as students, it was all coming to its end. It seemed surreal.

Bryan Adam’s song “Heaven” was the epitome of an 80s prom song. It was a song to lay on the floor all day and listen on repeat. Especially if you had a special someone.

Prom night usually started with a fancy dinner that required reservations. At least, if you were a serious couple; or an ambitious charming, sincere young man. For some it wasn’t a big deal, but many did enjoy dinner beforehand as a way to celebrate the special occasion. Hey, this was a once in a lifetime event. Unless of course, if you went more than once. Some friends went to Prom a couple of times. And, others never went at all.

As I recall we kids of the 80s usually had class. We had integrity. Prom was a big deal to many of us. Especially young women looking towards a bright future. Nothing could compare to that special night with that special someone. Spending time together and capturing the evening in pictures and memories was a highlight for many. Being at the prom with your boyfriend was the pinnacle of the year. Flowers and a balloon arch. Favorite songs, dress shoes, and matching dress clothes.

Chaperones on the dance floor or at the doors. Making sure that we all behaved appropriately. Everyone acted with manners and followed the school rules. Also, making sure nobody left the prom early. 80’s proms were classic.

History and the future were colliding together. Not getting asked back in the 80’s meant missing out on what could have been. That was one huge difference between later decades for prom festivities. Formal attire and all that were really not the biggest concern. It was more about the whole picture. Celebrating the end of high school, yet laying the foundation for a future in the “real world,” perhaps. Hugs and slow dances. Maybe real kisses … maybe even a first kiss.

It was imperative to ask your special girl two or three months ahead of time. That way they had plenty of time to get the perfect dress. And then looking in the mirror and fixing your hair and makeup one last time in the bathroom. Holding open car doors, saying sweet nothings. Hearts beating in sync. Chemistry that threw sparks across the dance floor or halls. The prom meant that. At least it did back in the 80’s.

Holding hands, enjoying long conversations, making lifetime memories.The kind of memories you never wanted to forget the rest of your life. Enjoying the dance floor in tandem. Couples were going strong at proms in the 80s. That was the way of life back then. Back then it was the young men who usually did the asking. That’s the way it worked. Dress up one last time and celebrate. Hang out with your favorite friends.

The highlight of Prom would be the grand entrance; at some point a Prom Queen and King would be crowned. Lastly, attending an after-prom party with friends. Nothing could compare to being at one of the prom’s back in the 80s.

Short and sweet. Lifetime memories. Proms of the 80s were like the iconic song “Heaven.” Nothing was better. A night we’ll never forget.