When preparing for a natural children’s pageant, there are things you need to do to and there are things you need to bring. (These are the basics, if you child does glitz pageants, there will be a few more things that you need. Here is a checklist for a children’s pageant.
Things to purchase or borrow for a children’s pageant
Dress: Your child’s age will determine the type of dress they need. A young child under age 6 will need a short dress. Most pageants say a Sunday dress is just fine, but pageant winner usually wear a frilly dress with lots of ruffles under the skirt. Most girls age seven and up wear floor length dresses. Look at pictures of pageant winners to get an idea of what kind of dress to get your daughter. It is very important for your daughters dress to have a good fit.
Interview suit: A well fitting suit or conservative dress is important if the pageant includes and interview. The pageant rules will tell you at what age a suit is mandatory.
Shoes: They should be comfortable, match or coordinate with the dress, or be a neutral taupe color. Make sure they are not slippery on the bottom.
Tights, Stockings, or Socks: Have extra pairs. Frilly socks are usually work with the shorter dresses. Stockings are not always necessary for floor length dresses, it is up to you. You should definitely have stockings for the interview suit.
Casual Clothing: Your child will need clothing to wear when they are not competing. For a quick 2 hour pageant, they just need to dress comfortably, but not slouchy. For a pageant weekend, they will need a few casual outfits that lean toward dressy.
Talent Costumes: If your child is participating in a talent segment, you will need to secure an appropriate costume.
Fashion outfit: Many pageants have a fashion segment that may go by any number of names including sportswear, western wear, patriotic wear, etc. Some even have seasonal fashion shows including Halloween and Christmas. These outfits should be dressy casual.Things to do before a children’s pageant
Pay Fees: Stay on top of pageant fees, and try to get free fees by selling ads and securing sponsorships.
Practice: Have your child practice her talent, check herself in the mirror to practice her prettiest smile, practice walking in her shoes, practice her posture, look for interview questions online and practice those as well.
Check your wardrobe: Have a final fitting on your dresses and/or suit. Adjust accordingly. If your child had a growth spurt, a substitution may be necessary. Check shoes for comfort as well.
Coordinate Accessories: Make sure you have appropriate accessories for all outfits including earrings, barrettes, brooches, and undergarments.
Sell tickets: You and your child should sell tickets to friend and family. You could use the extra audience support and your child may get an award for selling the tickets.
Pack dressing room kit. Compile the things you will and might need for a dressing room. You should collect safety pins, bobby pins (jeweled and plain), a sewing kit, clear thread, masking take, Band-Aids, Vaseline, hair spray, hair rollers, a brush, a comb, a flat iron, electric curlers, and a makeup bag.
Performance music and props: If there is a talent show segment, you will need to make sure you have your music, costume, and any props. If you have done all of these things and your hotel room is ready (if needed) then you are ready for your child’s natural pageant.
