I still remember watching that Laguna Beach episode when Stephen Colletti asked Kristin Cavallari to prom by creating that rose petal trail that led to a “prom … please?” sign. Having gone to prom years prior, I felt that I was robbed since my then high school boyfriend merely asked me … with his words. There was no romantic gesture. No props. No signage. Just good ol’ “hey, do you want to go?”
Did the trend die down? Nearly two decades after that Laguna Beach episode, according to TikTok and news reports, “promposals” (i.e. the art of asking someone to go to the prom with you) are still a thing. However, they’ve evolved. What used to be poster boards and cupcakes have somehow turned into “doing the most.” Think: choreographed dances, flash mobs, and even celebrity cameos. You’d think someone’s proposing marriage, but no, just looking to secure a prom date.
Related story
Melissa McCarthy’s Daughter Vivian Wore the Most Gorgeous Floral Corset Gown for Her High School Prom
Recent TikTok’s and local news reports would tell us teens are still going all-out for promposals in 2026. With elaborate setups and viral-ready moments shared online, social media continues to fuel the trend. One recent story highlighted how Gen Z teens are documenting everything — from creative promposals to coordinated outfits — on social media. Some teens are even using stadium marquees, elaborate productions, and even paid services to create viral moments. (It’s giving “bed party,” which is NOT for everyone.)
At the same time, not everyone loves the trend. Some teens we spoke to say, it’s cringe and for the try-hards. Parents also tell us that they believe promposals can create unnecessary pressure. Some teens feel like they have to outdo one another. Some also wonder if it sets the expectation that the person being asked has to say yes because of the gesture alone.
Recent Promposals in the Real World
Take this promposal in Brunswick, Maine, where a local diner helped a student pull off a sweet surprise. The teen coordinated with the restaurant to create a mock newspaper and heart-shaped waffle as part of the big ask — proving that small-town creativity is still alive and well.
In Northern Colorado, one teen enlisted local police to help with his promposal, as CBS News reports. Officers coordinated with both families and surprised the girl outside her home, where the teen waited with a sign asking her to prom. She said yes.
These stories show that while promposals might look different today, they’re definitely not disappearing. Here are other “promposals” we spotted on TikTok recently:
While those are super cute, here’s the thing: Not all promposals have to be over-the-top. Some can be simple. Some can be funny. It’s the thought that counts. And at their best, promposals are about making someone feel special.
And, many teens might prefer smaller, more personal promposals over elaborate ones that draw a crowd or wow your social media followers. Just a note to those doing the asking: consider who your potential date. Some don’t want a trail of roses. They might just be excited to be asked.