TEN PAGEANT DON’TS

Pageant preparation can be very stressful. To have a fun and stress-free experience, please pay attention to the following don’ts:

1.      Don’t wait until the pageant to break in new shoes!

I cannot stress this enough…your walk is a huge part of judging. If you are limping or not used to wearing heels and you’re walking like a calf, points will be deducted.

2.      Don’t travel to the pageant the day of!

Traveling the day pageant activities begin is not always ideal depending on where the pageant is located. Additional travel costs arriving earlier is a concern, but if flight cancellations, road closures, traffic, etc. prevents you from getting to the pageant, you will lose lots more. I recommend fundraisers and sponsorships to assist with this.

3.      Don’t experiment with a new hair style!

Now is not the time to try a new hair style. If you want to practice ahead of time, go for it, but don’t wait until the day of to try something different and you don’t know how to manage it.

4.      Don’t not practice walking in your evening gown!

Many gowns have long trains, and you must know how to walk and turn in front of the judges. Practice, practice, practice! I’ve seen too many contestants tripping on their gowns and getting tangled on their trains. Do not let that be you.

5.      Don’t forget to thank your sponsors and supporters, regardless of the outcome!

Not thanking sponsors and supporters demonstrates selfishness and self-centeredness. The relationship with sponsors especially should be a win-win relationship. You should be promoting those businesses and highlighting supporters on your pageant page, social media posts, etc. They will be more likely to support you again.

6.      Don’t forget to pack snacks!

The actual pageant is more than just walking on stage for 2-3 hours. Contestants must arrive to the venue hours earlier, so make sure to pack light snacks and water. Do not eat anything that will make you bloated or cause an immediate bowel movement. Now is also not the time to try any new snacks. Go with what you know.

7.      Don’t speak negatively of the pageant, contestants, or anyone affiliated with the pageant system!

The pageant world is very small. You don’t want to be blacklisted and prevented from competing in future pageants.

8.      Don’t wear a high low dress for evening gown!

You must wear a gown that touches the floor. If your shoes can be seen and you are not walking, points will be deducted.

9.      Don’t post behind the scenes photos until after the pageant!

It is unfair to those who paid to watch the event live to give others on social media a sneak peek at your attire before walking on stage. Some pageants have strict rules regarding this. If you’re going to take photos in the dressing room, make sure there is no one in the background getting dressed.

10.  Don’t forget to smile!

Smiling is a MAJOR part of pageantry. Expect to place last if you miss this important step.

Best of luck on your pageant journey! I’d love to hear from you; am I missing anything? Send me an email at info@janellesimmons.com and let’s chat!