The Ultimate Guide to Prom Preparation in Franklin & Williamson County
For high school students, prom can be one of the most exciting and festive times of the school year. Given the expectations that often accompany such a special night, there are a lot of steps that go into the preparation: acquiring the perfect dress or suit, finding a scenic place to take group photos, figuring out how to pin a boutonniere, and determining the best place to grab food beforehand, if the dance isn’t serving dinner.
To-do list aside, prom is a special opportunity to make lasting memories and spend quality time with the people you’ve grown up with. For senior students, it has the potential to be an awesome finale to your high school career. With this in mind, remember not to sweat the small stuff! Here in Williamson County, Tennessee, there are an abundance of places that can lend a hand with prom-preparations, making it easy to sit back, relax, and get ready to dance the night away!
Prom: A Quick History Lesson
The basic idea of prom, as a celebration of youth and transition, dates all the way back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Formal banquets, or “symposia,” were thrown to celebrate young Greek men in the upper-class as they transitioned into adulthood. Young Roman men were given a similar celebration, known as “convivium.”
Jumping forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, formals and balls were held for young, aristocratic women in Europe as they entered adulthood and high society. Following the same concept, these debutante balls grew in popularity.
European tradition aside, prom (short for promenade) as we know it, is distinctly American. The specific origins of the dance are not very clear; however, the word “prom” first appeared in the late 1800s, used to describe festive events at Ivy League Colleges. By the 1930s, prom had been popularized for high school students, with the dance being described as a more democratic version of debutante ball. From there, the tradition became widespread, booming in the 40s and 50s. Though there was a brief lull in the 60s and 70s, prom has since remained a marked symbol of coming-of-age in America.
Where to Shop for Your Prom Dress
Prom is one of the few times in your life when you get to wear a ball gown, if you so choose. In 2025, dress trends include classic silhouettes, metallic fabric, and vintage details. Bold spring colors are also in fashion this year, with projected popularity of pastels, saturated tones, and citrus-inspired color pallets. Regardless, as always, prom is a time when your personal style should shine. Whether you have your heart set on a dress fit for a princess, a sparkly number, something simple and elegant, or you’d rather opt for a dance-proof jumpsuit, Williamson County is a great place to find exactly what you’re looking for:
Glamour Formals in Franklin is located at 539 Cool Springs Blvd, Suite #120, Franklin, TN 37067. They’re open Monday-Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Book an appointment here.
The Clothes Tree by Deborah in Brentwood is located at 119 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN, 37027. They’re open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
Spring Hill Formals in Spring Hill is located at 2019 Wall St, Spring Hill, TN 37174. Their hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are not required but are recommended on weekends during prom season. Book an appointment here. Spring Hill Formals also sells suits and tuxedos.
Spring Hill Formals Pop-up is open for a limited time at Cool Springs Galleria Mall, Franklin, TN 37067. Their hours are Wednesday-Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments are not available or necessary.
Where to Score a Great Suit or Tux
Everyone is sharply dressed for prom night, so don’t forget your suit or tux! Depending on the level of formality you’re going for, either option will usually suffice. While many opt for classic black, blue, or gray tones, in recent years there has been an increase in fun suits in textured fabric, statement patterns, and bold colors, with some going for less traditional jewel tones or pastel shades. This being said, if you’re going with a date, it’s always a good idea to coordinate colors, either sticking to tried-and-true neutrals or matching your tie (or bow-tie) with their attire. Whether you decide to go daring or by the book, you can rent or buy in Williamson County:
JM Street Menswear and Tuxedo in Franklin is located at 216 Seaboard Ln, Franklin, TN 37067. They’re open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. JM Street Menswear and Tuxedo is a family owned company serving Middle Tennessee.
Men’s Warehouse has a Franklin location at 1800 Galleria Blvd Franklin Ste 2610, TN 37067. They’re open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tailoring services are available. No appointment is required.
JoS. A. Bank has a location in Franklin at 1800 Galleria Blvd Franklin Ste 1635, TN 37067. Their hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tailoring services are available. If necessary, you can book a tuxedo rental appointment here.
Don’t Forget the Flowers
Traditionally, couples exchange a corsage and boutonniere for prom made with flowers that match their coordinated outfits. It’s a good idea to order ahead of time and pick up the corsage or boutonniere the day of the dance, to make sure the flowers are fresh. Especially if you pick up early in the day, it’s suggested to keep the flowers in the fridge until it’s time to give them to your date to wear. As an added note, giving your date a nosegay or small bouquet, either as a prom-posal or on the day of the dance, probably wouldn’t hurt either! Here are a few locally owned shops in Franklin where you can find the perfect flowers to pull your whole look together:
Freeman’s Flowers and Gifts is located at 188 Front St, Suite 112, Franklin, TN 37064. They’re open from Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Freeman’s is closed Sundays and Mondays. You can contact them at 615-794-6880.
Franklin Flower House is located at 507 Hampton Height Ln, Franklin, TN 37064. Their hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can contact them at 615-614-3058.
Rebecca’s Floral Boutique is located at 1400 Liberty Pike #700, Franklin, TN 37068. They’re open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can contact them at 615-794-7494.
Find more florists in Franklin and Williamson County, TN Here!
Strike a Pose
Pictures shouldn’t be the main focus of the evening, but it is nice to have great photos to look back on, especially when you and your friends are dressed to the nines. Especially if you’re going with a large group, it can be hard to coordinate pictures, trying to figure out where and when everyone should meet. It’s usually a good rule of thumb to get pictures out of the way before going to dinner and the dance, when everyone is feeling fresh and there’s still some sunlight left. It’s lucky that Williamson County is such a scenic place to live, as there’s no lack of places to capture stunning photos.
Franklin, Tennessee is known for its charm, and there are plenty of instagram-worthy locations throughout the city. Some great options in the area include the Historic Downtown Franklin Square, Westhaven Lake, The Factory at Franklin, or The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Historic Downtown Leiper’s Fork is also very photogenic, with its old-timey feel and surrounding farmland.
If you’re going for a more natural, whimsical vibe, you might have luck capturing some fairytale-esque photos in and around our county’s parks and nature preserves, especially as native wildflowers bloom around the county. If you go this route, just be sure to check if there are any photography rules, as some reserves have strict policies. As always, be careful not to disturb any protected wildlife areas!
Where to go for Dinner
Sometimes prom tickets include dinner, but if not, making reservations is a must if you want to get into a nice place on the night of the dance. Schools tend to host their proms around the same time, so chances are you aren’t the only student body trying to figure out where to eat out before the dance. There are great local places to eat throughout the county, whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner or a fun, fairly-casual bite to eat with a group of friends. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Grays on Main is located in a beautiful Victorian-era building in Downtown Franklin. The vibe is eclectic and rustic, with a locally sourced Southern menu.
Red Pony Restaurant in downtown Franklin merges the world of classic Southern cuisine with fine dining. The “sophisticated Southern” atmosphere is both lively and romantic.
Karrington Rowe is a recently opened and versatile new dining spot in the Brentwood Place Shopping Center. The restaurant is casually elegant, with unique twists on classic dishes.
Suki Sushi is a contemporary-style sushi restaurant in Brentwood that serves Japanese cuisine alongside a selection of sushi rolls. If you’re looking for a lighter meal, this might be the perfect spot for you!
Birdsong Social is located at the Towhee Golf Club in Spring Hill and open to the public. The atmosphere is chic and the menu is classically American. You can enjoy dinner in their dining room or outside on the patio, overlooking the course.
Fozzy’s Bar & Grill in Spring Hill is a fun and casual sports bar known for great burgers and wings, perfect if you and your friends aren’t looking to splurge on a fancy dinner before the dance.
Circa Grill is located in the quaint historic district of Thompson’s station, in the former general store. The grill has a simple and sophisticated vibe, with Southern fusion on the menu.
Alternative Ideas
If this all sounds a little overwhelming, or you’d rather get creative with your prom prep, there are some alternative ways for you and your friends to have a magical night:
Dining In
If you aren’t up to facing a big crowd before the dance, consider hosting a group of friends for a nice, at-home dinner. There are so many ways to get creative and classy with this idea. You could dine indoors or in the backyard, weather permitting. Adding candles and/or florals to any table always adds a touch of elegance. You can find local ingredients for charcuterie boards and party favorites at gourmet and specialty markets in the area. If one of your friends or parents is an amazing cook, now would be their time to shine; if not, check to see if your favorite restaurant has catering options!
Getting Thrifty
It’s no secret that all of these festivities can get pricey. If you’re on a budget this season, and are particularly good at finding treasures at thrift and consignment shops, there are great places to go searching for secondhand formalwear throughout Franklin and Williamson County. You might just find a gorgeous dress, suit, or accessory in great condition, as formalwear is usually only worn a handful of times. An added bonus to this approach: you don’t have to worry about being in the same outfit as someone else! If you happen to score a lovely item, and it doesn’t fit quite right, consider looking into a local tailor.
Stop by Music City
If you have some extra time before the dance, consider heading into Nashville for dinner and pictures. There are a plethora of spots to enjoy fine dining and picturesque cityscapes. A great spot to take photos is the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, with its incredible view of downtown Nashville and The Cumberland River. If venturing to downtown Nashville in formalwear doesn’t sound appealing to you, The Gulch Neighborhood is a wonderful way to enjoy the amenities of Nashville without having to go all the way downtown.
Make the Most of Prom Night!
Putting too much pressure on a particular event or night rarely does any good. Stay mindful of the fact that it doesn’t have to be the best night of your life in order for it to be amazing and meaningful. Even so, it’s great to get excited, and preparation is key! Especially if you plan ahead, the night itself can be a breeze. More than anything, prom should be about having fun with friends and celebrating!
