It starts with the gelling of hair or using up a can of hairspray.

Then it’s trying to get the perfect winged eyeliner, or maybe debating whether one wants to ask his mom with help in tying their tie or just man up and try to figure out how to do it himself because, honestly, he should know how to do this by now.

After the getting ready part is done, it’s on to taking billions of pictures because parents don’t know the definition of “one more” as their child tries to run out the door. The limo ride is where all the emotions seem to run high. Finally you actually get there.

Party for a couple hours and then, as fast as you can blink, it’s over…or is it really? Then it’s time to hit up iHop at one in the morning or Waffle House, maybe even Whataburger. The evening ends with you lying in bed, wide awake, not believing the night you just experienced.

And to think it all started with the perfect playlist.

https://open.spotify.com/user/lauragodinez_/playlist/7LWyOyvjeBCtJg7CXMhkuk

Getting ready is a process, and the music has to be just right. 

Uptown Funk ­- Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

Does this one even need an explanation? One of the best songs of 2015, the human race is not even worthy of this incredible creation, yet here it is as the first song of our prom playlist. Hands down the best song to dance around in your underwear as you get ready for the funkiest night of your life. Don’t believe me? Just watch.

Suit and Tie – Justin Timberlake ft. Jay Z

Gucci, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing this night, this song will make you feel as if you’re wearing the hottest thing that just came off the runway, and when it’s the one night where looking incredibly icy is an absolute must, this song does just that.

I Got A Feeling –  Black Eyed Peas

It’s prom night, baby. If you don’t have a feeling that tonight’s going to be a good night, well why are you even going? Get pumped as you finish getting ready for one of the best nights of your high school career.

Toxic ­- Britney Spears

A perfect playlist wouldn’t be complete without some Britney Spears on it. There is something about this song, according to a fellow staffer, that makes you feel fierce and unstoppable. Wing your eyeliner with passion, or put on your coat and strike a pose as Britney reminds you how toxic you are.

Get Lucky – Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams

The best feel good song around with an epic, vintage-style guitar riff that makes you feel exceptionally chill, but keeps you moving. Add a catchy chorus with falsetto Pharrell singing, and everything is okay. Where’s a disco ball when you need one?

How you feel before, determines how the night goes.

Turn Down For What – DJ Snake, Lil Jon

There is just one thing you must remember on this night – There shall be no turning down on this night, there is nothing to turn down for, it’s actually all about the turn up. Get turnt up, stay turnt up, and while you’re on you’re way to the prom, this song will make sure of that.

GDFR – Flo Rida ft Sage the Gemini & Lookas

It’s all about the chorus on this one. A slow hook followed by a pretty nice drop? Yeah, it’s good. It’s been awhile since Flo Rida dropped something worth dancing along to (Can we get a throwback to Low?). Play this on the way to prom and it’s Going Down For Real.

Safe and Sound – Capital Cities

Incorporate a catchy beat along with trumpets in the background, and you get this song that is perfect to slow things down a bit in the car, yet at the same time speed things up. You can nod your head along, move your shoulders a bit, do a bit of a fist pump, or even go all out and move your whole body as you listen to the song.

Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO

Yes, it’s been awhile, so hopefully it doesn’t annoy you anymore and you’re reminded of the first time you heard it and couldn’t stop dancing. Maybe if you’re lucky and were able to get a party bus as your ride to prom you can see if those shuffling skills you tried so hard to perfect back in middle school still work. (Say it with us: “EVERYDAY I’M SHUFFLE-IN.”)

#Selfie – The Chainsmokers/Caked Up Remix

A good dancing playlist isn’t complete without the trap mix that drops the bass after an epic buildup. While the original is good, this remix takes taking an Selfie-ing to a whole different level (or maybe it confirms our fears of what we sound like when we take an selfie, yikes!). Whether it has you dancing like you’re at a rave or taking selfies all the way to prom, it has accomplished its goal.

The dance might be over, but the night is still young.

Don’t Stop The Music ­- Rihanna

“It can’t be over!” you scream as you and your buddies leave prom. And it doesn’t have to be! Don’t stop the music, listen to RihRih, and keep going as the music keeps playing.

TiK ToK – Ke$ha

“But the party don’t stop!” You’re right. It doesn’t. After you’re done feeling like P-Diddy, watch as the time goes Tik Tok, as you’re sitting in your fancy dress or in your button down with the sleeves rolled up at Whataburger waiting for your order of fries. This song makes you forget that the party actually ended. Just remember to keep looking like Mick Jagger, and you won’t get kicked to the curb.

Can’t Hold Us – ­Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton

Maybe you decided to take a trip down to downtown D-Town after Prom, and now you’re cruising through the night with the windows rolled down, and you’re wishing there was a good song to blast that matched the emotions you’re feeling. Your wish has been granted; this is it. Ray Dalton says it best when he sings, “Can we go back? This is our moment, tonight is the night we’ll fight till it’s over!”

We Can’t Stop -­ Miley Cyrus

“We can’t stop! We won’t stop!” you scream with your friends at 3 in the morning at the park you stopped at. Eventually you will have to stop, but in the meantime, just sing along to Miley and pretend that the night will last forever. Just do your parents a favor and return safely home after you’re done dancing with huge teddy bears on your back.

Hold On We’re Going Home -­ Drake

When you’re finally on the route back to your house it’s safe to assume you will be hitting Feels, TX. And the king of feels himself is our boy Drake. The night is over, your feet hurt and all you want to do is sleep, or maybe you’re wishing you had that remote from “Click” so you could rewind the night and do it over again. Just hold on, you’re going home, but with (hopefully) some of the best memories you can cherish for the rest of your life.