When the night of the dance rolls around, it's easy to get excited — and maybe a little overwhelmed, too. Maybe it’s the dress. Maybe you’re worried your schedule is too crammed to go that night. Or maybe it’s because you don’t have a date.

If that’s the case, have no fear. No one ever said going to a school dance requires a date — dances can be just as fun (if not more fun) with a group of your friends. It can be a total blast and, who knows, maybe your crush will be there with a group of his friends, too!

Start planning now and talk to your friends at school to see who’s on board. Once you’ve talked it over and made a decision, determine what you’re going to do and who will plan the arrangements for a fun night at the dance.

Check out some of our tips for having a blast at your next dance:

Loop in Your Parents

Talk to mom and dad to keep them in the loop with your plans. It’s probably best to ask for their permission up front and get some suggestions from them, as well as understanding your options.

Decide on Where to Eat

Discuss with your friends where you'd like to go eat and whether or not it's within your price range. Make your restaurant reservation early and reconfirm a couple days in advance before your dance. If dining out isn’t your thing, ask your parents if you could host a small pizza party with your friends. You and your friends can chip in on a few pizzas and meet before to fuel up for the big dance.

Choose Your Look

Think about what look and hairstyle you want for your night. If this look requires a professional, make your appointment in advance. If this is something you can pull off on your own, give it a test-trial before dance night. Remember to go with a look that is comfortable and is truly you. Nothing is worse than trying to dance with a million bobby pins falling out of your hair. It’s super fun to get made up for the dance, but make sure you can actually dance with what ever look you go with.

Pick a Place to Meet After the Dance

While you may be exhausted from dancing your heart out, you’ll want to pick a place to meet up after the dance. This will be a great time to share stories, share pictures, and unwind. Depending on curfews, you can extend your celebration after the dance, or simply plan to meet up a few days afterwards. No matter when you get together, you’ll be glad you did!

With these tips, you’ll be ready to have a ton of fun at your next school dance. You might even make some of the people with dates jealous!