As prom approaches soon, so does one of its most talked-about traditions—promposals. When the word “promposal” is brought up, people usually envision elaborate poster boards and extravagant flower bouquets. Asking someone to prom has, for many students, become an event in itself. The question now becomes whether promposals truly are a fun and thoughtful way to celebrate the occasion, or whether they have become a bit overrated.

On one hand, promposals can be meaningful and creative, and they’re a chance to show thoughtfulness and personality. Junior Izzy (Isabelle) Li shared her thoughts: “I think promposals are pretty cute and fun, especially when they put thought into it. It can be a creative way of asking someone to prom.” Indeed, a well-planned promposal can feel special and be a lasting high school memory for the person receiving it. At Princeton Day School, promposals are nothing new. “I’ve seen a few in school,” recounted Li, “and many were posters with giving flowers.” These classic approaches of colorful signs with clever puns and a bouquet remain popular, which suggests that people do enjoy these efforts.

However, as promposals have grown more common, expectations have simultaneously increased. People may feel pressured to participate in a public trend, and there is also the issue of comparison. For some, a conversation or private invitation feels more comfortable and authentic. At the end of the day, there is no “right” way to ask someone to prom, but it should feel genuine and sincere.