Pageants are like weddings.
They require a large financial investment, take months to plan, and often end in disappointment. To help you prepare and avoid as much disappointment as possible, here are my Top 10 preparation tips:
10) Start Saving NOW!
Pageants are an expensive hobby. Only slightly less expensive than ballroom dancing or figure skating. If you put $50 per paycheck away, you’ll have an impressive amount saved towards your entry/sponsor fees and other expenses before you know it.
9) Research The Organization
Before spending your money to enter a particular competition, make sure that the organization aligns with your goals and platform. If your platform is LGBTQIA+ advocacy, you don’t want to spend your cash and support an organization that actively works against that advocacy.
8) Know Your Why
Everyone competes for different reasons. Knowing why you are competing will help you narrow your selection of which pageant to enter.
7) Read The Fine Print
Read everything you can get your hands on from the system you plan to compete. Some systems freely give out information, some overshare, and some are really stingy with the info. Don’t be afraid to ask for more information including what type of contract you might need to sign should you win. A pageant organizer who is reputable will give you that information before you send them money. Make sure to get a list of all fees/costs related to competition.
6) Spreadsheets Are Your Friend
Plan your pageant budget to the penny. Seriously. Use a spreadsheet to keep tabs on what you’ve spent, where you spent it, and how much more money you need. It’s also a really great way of keeping track of your sponsors and how much they gave you.
5) Book Your Room
Book your room through the event organizer’s room block. Yes, I know you probably have a timeshare or an AirBnB that is going to be cheaper. But this is absolutely not the time to cheap out. Staying at the pageant hotel and booking through the room block helps you just as much as it helps the event organizer. And don’t even think about using one of those cheaper-than-dirt online booking sites. You will NOT get the best rates, I promise you!
4) Plan Your Wardrobe
Down to the undergarments and earrings. List every item that goes with a particular garment and put that list on the hanger for reference. This is an old dance recital trick. Clear sandwich or gallon zip bag with a hole punched in it that is placed over the hanger hook will keep your accessories together with the outfit. Once you have your event schedule, put your garments in the order they will be worn on your dress rack with the shoes in the dress bag. Better yet, try and use the same pair of shoes multiple times so you don’t have to carry that many with you.
3) Social Media
If you have any questionable posts, delete them now. Make sure you are following the organization and sponsors on social media so you are up to date on the event and prize packages. Use appropriate hashtags when posting about your experience with the organization and sponsors.
2) Loop In Your Coach
If you have a coach, make sure you’re coordinating with them on everything you’ve contracted them for. Don’t run your wardrobe by your interview coach unless it’s your interview outfit and they’ve specifically asked for that information.
1) Have FUN!
Your time on stage is the reward for all the hours of practice and hard work you’ve put into your road to competition. Yes, you’re competing for a title, but your only competition is yourself. The hard part was the preparation. This is the easy part. Get out there and be the best you that you can be.