HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PAGEANT WEEKEND

How to prepare for pageant weekend

Contribution by Julia McVaugh Stone

Do you really need a pageant coach?

Cheri Kennedy with Miss Minnesota USA 2016 Bridget Jacobs. Photo: cherrikennedy.com

This is a very common question, especially for contestants on tight pageant budgets. Pageantry is a sport and just like any other sport, there are coaches and other people who can help identify your strengths and weaknesses and help you grow as a contestant. But, plenty of titleholders have won without a coach.

Not Necessarily...

"I think having a pageant coach can be an advantage but is not at all necessary," said Sydney Marsh, former Pageant Planet's Queen of Interview. "For many contestants, meeting with a coach is not a feasible option for money-related, distance or other reasons. Does that mean a girl without a coach cannot win? Definitely not."

As we've stated, plenty of girls have won without a coach. But that doesn't mean you should go into the game without some background knowledge.

"If you are committed to DIY-ing your pageant, I would recommend watching your chosen pageant in previous years, interviewing past titleholders, videotaping yourself in every area of the competition and watching all footage with an improving eye, having multiple people proofread your paperwork and setting up multiple mock interview sessions for yourself," said Sarah Wall Beckman, interview and pageant coach. 

While you can gain a lot of knowledge from watching the footage, there is rarely any of the interview portion. Doing mock interviews with an interview coach can help you understand how you come across to the person on the other side of the table, which is actually great information to have in real world situations, anyway.

"Girls who feel like they can't reasonably obtain a coach to help them have a lot of reliable, affordable resources such as former or current titleholders and YouTube videos they can consult," suggested Marsh. "Also, practicing in front of a mirror or a trusted family member/friend can make all the difference. When you see what you look like, you'll better understand what you want to fix or improve. For interview, practicing to yourself or with an adult in a 'mock' setting is another form of great prep."

Somewhat...

As we mentioned, there are times when it would be helpful to have a coach's insight.

"If you feel confident about your onstage performance skills but feel unsure of how your platform or interview will measure up, consider hiring a pageant interview expert like me once or twice to give you some feedback of how you compare and get some fresh strategy inspiration," explained Beckman.

Coaches also help in other areas of competition. This is especially helpful if you haven't competed in a while, are changing systems, or are moving up in age divisions as the requirements, expectations and styles change. 

"The benefit of a coach is to have someone with a lot of experience in the industry guiding you in your prep," Marsh said. "Different types of coaches can help you perfect different parts of competition – there are coaches for walking, stage presence, interview and everything else!"

Sarah Wall Beckman with client. Photo: Sarah Wall Beckman

Yes...

If you have been stuck at first runner-up, not making semi-finals, unsure what you're doing wrong or just want to make sure you're doing everything you can to improve and win the crown, a coach is definitely something to consider. 

After all, you can WebMD your symptoms all day long but eventually, you go to the doctor, right?

"The surest and quickest way to a win is to hire an experienced coach who knows your pageant system," Beckman said. "When you hire a coach, it's like gaining access to all their years of experience. Plus, a gifted coach will be able to see potential in you that you might not believe is there."

Finding the Right Coach

Just like any other sport, finding the right coach and coaching style for you is important for developing a working and prosperous relationship.

Make sure the coach is worth your time, effort and money. Look for reviews and references from other pageant girls, especially in the system you are looking at competing in. You can also visit our directory for help finding a pageant coach. In addition, we at Pageant Planet offer all of the above resources and more at an affordable monthly rate. Practice makes perfect!

How to pack for your pageant

Packing for a trip is both exciting and nerve wracking for most people. It’s a lot of fun to think about your upcoming adventure and anticipate wearing cute new clothes that you’ve just purchased especially for your events and outings. At the same time it can be a major chore, because there are so many things you have to remember because you definitely do not want to be far from home and discover that you forgot some necessity.

And, when you are packing for a pageant, you can bet that all of that excitement and stress is compounded. But, never fear, Pageant Planet is here!  We have been through the packing process so many times and we’ve developed a system and plan to keep you organized, so that you can be calm, cool and collected during your pageant weekend. Pageants are stressful enough, so we’re all about finding ways to simplify the chaos and eliminate unnecessary stress so that you can focus on doing what you need to do and enjoy this special time in your life.

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo in Airplane Mode. Photo: Instagram

Keep in mind that every pageant is different and a state pageant is extremely different than a national or international competition, and for our purposes here, we’re going to focus on packing for a local or state pageant. However, all of our suggestions can be used for larger pageants; we’re just not going to cover all of the particulars that come up when you travel to another state or country.

As always, feel free to tailor our suggestions to your situation and what you like to do. If this system is too structured for you, that’s totally fine. Take the suggestions that work for you, make them your own and just pass on the rest. The important thing is that you have everything you need to perform at your best, and that includes peace of mind and confidence!

Jesse and Steven talk about everything you NEED to pack for your pageant. Check it out below:

54. Make a list and check it twice

This is probably obvious, but creating a thorough list of everything you’ll need for your pageant is the best starting point. What may not be obvious is that if you are new to pageantry, you may not have a clue what you’re going to need for your pageant. That is where we come in! Pageant Planet has got you covered from head to stilettos, so don’t sweat it sister. We’ll warn you though. You will need to pack so much more than you realize, so make sure that you’ve got some roomy and sturdy suitcases available because you’re going to need them.

We have already done the work for you and created a very comprehensive pageant packing list that you can find on our site. Please read through it carefully and customize it for your particular pageant needs.

Comprehensive Pageant Packing List

55. Designate a packing station

Ideally, this concept works if you have a separate space that is out of the way, a large walk in closet or an extra room that you can designate as your packing station or area. That way you can set up a special place where you can lay out all of your things, see what you have and don’t have and visually “stage” your pageant wardrobe. If you do not have a separate space where you can do this, just designate an area where you keep your suitcases or several boxes that you can access regularly because you are going to be using it. Even if you slide your suitcases or some empty boxes underneath your bed, that would work. 

You just need to be able to get into your suitcases frequently because you are not going to be doing mad and frantic last minute packing like everybody else. Oh, no. You, my dear, are going to go into your pageant organized and together because you now have a system.

56. Pack as you go

The idea of this tip is to begin your packing process at least a week or two before you have to leave for your pageant. This may seem really excessive to you, but what we’ve discovered is that when you begin the packing process ahead of time, you reduce your stress and you’re less likely to forget things.

There are bound to be items on your packing list that you do not use every day, or specialty items that you will only use for your pageant. These could be things like toiletry items, undergarments that you use for your formal wear or things related to your talent or swimsuit competition. Deal with those items early and go ahead and toss them into your suitcase or put them into your packing area so that you can cross them off your list. You will properly pack them later, but for now, just set them aside so that you don’t have to go looking for them right before you leave.

When you pack as you are just going about your life, you’ll also find that there are many little things that you use frequently that you did not even think to put on your packing list. Eventually, you will get the hang of packing for your pageant and you probably won’t need to start this process so far in advance.

57. Create a pageant week/weekend notebook

This suggestion is what all of the top-notch competitors do and even if this is your very first pageant, it is a great habit to build into your foundation as a pageant contestant.  If you can, you want to create a pageant notebook when you first begin your pageant preparation so that you can create sections for all the different phases of competition like interview, talent and swimsuit, for example. This way you can keep track of your progress, create plans, take notes and collect any important paperwork or information that will be helpful or required for that area of competition.

But, if you don’t already have a pageant notebook, its ok, you can make one now. Having a place where you keep all of your important information about your pageant is so crucial to your overall peace of mind and sense of confidence. If you have a notebook like this, you will never have to scramble trying to find something and it is particularly useful when it comes time to pack for your pageant.

How to make a pageant week notebook

For packing purposes, you want to create two sections; one for your pageant paperwork and one for your competition wardrobe inventory. The section for your pageant paperwork would include your travel arrangements, airline ticket, rental car information, hotel phone number and reservation confirmation number and any important phone numbers, just to name a few things. The section for your competition wardrobe inventory is very unique and it will not only assist you in packing properly, it will help minimize your anxiety during the pageant as well as keep you totally organized and looking fabulous!

What you’re going to do is put on a bit of a dress rehearsal. You want to take photos of yourself in all of your competition outfits and any special outfits that you know you will be wearing for specific events or outings that are sponsored by the pageant. You will want to include the shoes, jewelry, undergarments and any other accessories that you will be using with each outfit.

Then, you will create a details list for each outfit and you will write down the day, date and occasion that you will be wearing each of those outfits. Make sure that you also write down each item and accessory that you will need. A good way to organize your competition wardrobe inventory is to print each outfit photo, attach the details list to the back of it, and put each one into a plastic sheet protector. Sheet protectors come with 3-hole punches so that you can easily add them into your notebook. You can also take the photos on your phone and create your details list that way, but it is so much more efficient to have all of it in a notebook. That way all of your important information is in one location and if you have someone assisting you like a parent, friend or coach, they can access your lists quickly and easily.

Miss Delaware USA 2019 Jolisa Copeman walking into the Miss Delaware USA pageant. Photo: Instagram @jo.lisacopeman

58. Put a thing on it

Creating identification and wardrobe labels is really important during a pageant because there are going to be so many girls around you with so many similar looking bags and belongings, that it’s really easy to misplace or lose things. When you are backstage in a crowded dressing room trying to quickly change into your next outfit, and you’re all frantic and sweaty, you will be so glad that you did this.

These labels are specifically for the outfits that are in your competition wardrobe inventory discussed in the above tip, but you can also do this for other wardrobe items if you like. Large office or address labels are very handy for this purpose and can easily be printed from your computer.

Create three “hang tags” or labels for each outfit that you are using for competition as well as any special outfits for events or pageant sanctioned outings. On two of the labels, you want to write your name, title (if you have one) and the name of pageant that you’re competing in, as well as the name of each outfit (blue pantsuit) and the phase of competition that you’re using it for (interview). These are your “identification” or “I.D.” labels. Then, on one of those labels, you will write all of the accessories that go with that particular outfit, including the shoes, jewelry, hair accessories and under garments. These are your “details list” labels.

All of this information is already written down on your details list from your competition wardrobe inventory. All you have to do is refer back to those photos and detail sheets that you already created. You will use these handy labels in the next couple of packing steps.

59. Garment Bags

This idea is especially important for your competition wardrobe pieces. You can also use this system with the rest of your pageant wardrobe as well, but it’s totally up to you.

Using the garment bag system for competition ensures that you will be totally organized for each phase of the competition and all of your belongings will be protected, contained and easy to transport to and from your hotel and the pageant location. Put each of your wardrobe items from your competition wardrobe inventory on a hanger in its own garment bag. Put one of your “I.D.” labels or hang tags on the outside of that dress bag.

If you have a large evening gown or one with a long train, you may want to purchase a garment bag with a wider bottom. There are garment bags that are made specifically for wedding gowns that have a gusset at the bottom of the bag, which allows for more room.

60. Gallon sized Zip-Loc Bags

You can use gallon sized Zip-Loc bags for so many purposes and you will come to love them for your pageant packing. With this system that we’ve created, you will use a gallon sized bag to put all of your accessories into for each phase of competition.

All you need to do is put all of the shoes, jewelry, undergarments and any other accessories that you will be using with each competition outfit into a large plastic bag and then put your remaining labels and or hang tags on the outside of that bag. You should have two labels for each outfit, one that has your identification and one that lists the contents of the bag. It can be helpful to use a smaller Zip-Loc (also labeled) bag for jewelry and hair accessories. Then you would just put that one into the larger gallon sized bag that goes with your outfit.

A great tip is to then, cut a small piece of Velcro and attach the gallon sized baggie to the inside of each garment bag of the competition outfit that it goes with. This will help you stay cool during outfit changes because you aren’t digging around for your undergarments, earrings and other accessories. Then when you’re done with that phase of competition, you just put all the stuff right back in the Ziploc bag, hang your outfit up inside the garment bag, and move on to the next garment bag.

61. Say no to wrinkles

Two issues that we all deal with when we are traveling is not having enough room for all of our belongings and wrinkled clothing. Often times these two problems are related because we are trying to squeeze a considerable amount of clothing into a limited space, and as a result our clothes end up becoming a mess.

This tip comes to you from professional travelers and it might seem kind of odd, but it works! And, it will allow you to keep your garments pressed and lovely without sacrificing your suitcase space. The trick is to roll your clothing instead of folding your items and you will drastically reduce wrinkling.

Some people even wrap their more delicate pieces between sheets of thin tissue paper to protect them. This is a very helpful tip if you have an item that is made from more fragile fabric like lace or something that tends to snag easily like a knitted sweater.

62. Become a pageant “MacGyver”

It is one of the shocking behind-the-scenes realities at any pageant, but the majority of pageant contestants are not fully prepared because they do not bring an emergency kit. We do not understand why so many intelligent and capable women do not even bother to bring a simple sewing kit with them during one of the biggest events of their lives.

But, that’s not going to be you, is it? Not a chance!

We’re going to show you how to create a proper emergency kit and you too will become the go-to pageant “MacGyver.” Not only will you be prepared for any trauma (and they always happen), but you will be able to help other people as well. Hey, that’s what a good queen does, by the way.

Just take a look at our list, add anything that you might need that we didn’t cover and you’ll be good to go.

Pageant emergency kit 

Pageant Emergency Kit

• Sewing kit:
  • various sized needles
  • thread to match each outfit –Needles already threaded with the colors of thread for each outfit, including opening number, talent, evening gown and swimsuit!
  • thimble, small scissors
  • notions for each outfit (extra buttons, hook and eyes, beads, rhinestones, backings, etc.)
  • safety pins in various sizes
• Breath mints, Listerine strips, toothpicks, travel toothbrush and paste
• Tylenol, Ibuprofen, antacids, cough drops, medications
• Feminine products
• Nail file and clippers
• Extra nylons or tights if you are wearing any for talent or other phase of competition
• Cotton swabs and cotton balls
• Snacks, Tea bags, Coffee drink or water additives like Crystal Light
• Water bottle
• Straws for water so that you don’t spill your water on yours dress or other outfit
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray
• Hand-held mirror (and extras!)
• Tweezers
• Deodorant (make sure it is the clear type)
• Clear nail polish: to stop runs in nylons and fixing nail polish chips
• Polish remover
• Fashion Tape = double-sided tape
• Firm Grip or other “Butt Glue”
• Band aids
• Shoe inserts – heel pads, insoles, etc.
• Shoe Grips for the bottoms of your shoes so that you do not slip
• “Blister Block” – Anti-Friction stick to put on your feet so that you don’t get blisters
• Earring Backs
• Stain remover
• Towel
• Small plug in fan to put on your dressing table to cool you down
• Steamer
• Lint Roller
• Wrinkle remover spray
• Throat spray (if singing)
• Muscle Cream if you are a dancer
• Power extension cord

63. Get the big picture

It can be very helpful to lay out all of your belongings before you actually pack it all up so that you can see it all. And, as you will soon find out, you’ve got a ton of stuff!

Now that you have your packing list, you’ve created your pageant notebook, labeled all your garment bags and Zip-Locs and have rolled the rest of your clothes up, it’s time to put it all together. This is the time when you can properly package up all those things that you set aside in the beginning that you knew you would not use on a daily basis. The great thing is that if you have already put your entire competition wardrobe into garment bags and have labeled all of the corresponding accessories, you are halfway done. It should not take you long to put the remaining items into your suitcases if you’ve been packing systematically. And, then once you are through, you can feel good about the fact that you are probably one of the most organized contestants and that this thorough packing process is going to pay off for you during your pageant.

Just you watch…..all the other girls are going to be wondering what it is about you that you are so cool headed and calm all week long, while they’re running around trying to find their stuff. Go ahead and offer them a safety pin or an earring back from your emergency kit. And, then put your ipod on shuffle and chill out for awhile. You’ve got this!

What to expect from pageant weekend

64. Be pageant-ready at orientation  

Orientation is truly when the pageant competition begins, even though you are not being judged or scored on this phase of the pageant. The other thing about orientation is that it can be nerve-wracking. You will be nervous and that is ok. Everyone is nervous. The key to feeling your best at orientation is to get the focus off of yourself and focus on other people. Smile, introduce yourself, ask other people where they are from and get to know them. This will keep you from being self-centered and thinking about yourself and any anxiety that you might be feeling.

65. Comparison will cost you the crown

You will be tempted to compare yourself with all the other girls…. don’t!  This is such a major thing that happens to all females at pageants, and it’s something that hopefully you began working on before the pageant. There are always going to be girls who you think are prettier than you, in better shape than you, are more talented and have better hair. It’s normal to notice those things and it’s really ok.

When you see a girl at orientation for instance, and you notice how pretty she is, you have to grab a hold of your thinking. Instead of thinking, “Wow, she is gorgeous, I don’t stand a chance!” Think to yourself, “Wow, she is gorgeous, and so am I. Good for us!” And, just move on. Don’t allow yourself to get stuck in comparisons. If you really are troubled by this habit, then just focus on yourself and try not to pay so much attention to those girls who intimidate you.

Miss Idaho USA getting her makeup done backstage at Miss USA. Photo: Benjamin Askinas

66. Be on time but, be flexible

You will be given a schedule of events, and everything on that schedule may change. Don’t get hung up on that. Be flexible and “go with the flow.” Don’t allow last minute schedule changes or stress to affect your peace and state of mind.

67. Feel the fear, do it anyway  

You will feel overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have a handle on what is going on and you may even feel like you are not up for this. Remember, that you are having a normal reaction to a very abnormal and stressful situation. Everyone is feeling the exact same way, whether they are showing it or not. Just know that you are much stronger than you think. You’ve got this!

68. Be a good roommate  

You may have to share a room with another contestant. Be kind, respectful and helpful to her and respect her boundaries and expect her to respect yours. You may or may not end the pageant being besties with this girl, and that’s ok. On the other hand, she may end up being your best friend for life. Whatever happens, you’ll be ok, and this arrangement is just for a short time. Bring her a small and thoughtful friendship gift, and make sure that you have a sleep mask and ear plugs in case she snores.

69. Settle in to the room

Your hotel room is your home base and your sanctuary. At the end of the day, this room is “home sweet home.” Make your hotel room as cozy and homey as you possibly can. Bring photos of your friends and family members, small inspirational plaques with positive sayings on them, great smelling candles and some super cuddly slippers and lounge wear to relax in.

70. Bring additional supplies

You will not have enough hangers with two girls in a hotel room, so bring extras! You may also need to bring a wardrobe rack. If you get one, don’t get a cheap one. You want to spend the extra money and buy a sturdy one that will hold up under the weight of heavy gowns, and will also roll if you need it to.

71. Pretty (painful) feet  

Your feet will hurt a lot! When you get your pedicure done prior to your pageant, do not have your calluses removed. They will save you from getting blisters. Bring Epsom salts to soak your feet in, along with peppermint foot lotion and foot care products. It’s always a good idea to bring products like moleskin, heel cushions and insoles for all of your different shoes.

72. Don’t sweat rehearsal

Your rehearsals will be long and exhausting. Try to put a smile on your face and have fun anyway. Rest when you can and put your feet up when you get a break. And, don’t worry about the choreography. You will get it eventually, we promise.

73. Keep sight of what’s important

You are having a once in a lifetime experience so do your best to have fun, be open to new people and experiences and take lots and lots of photos and videos. Get to know the other girls who are competing in the pageant and be open. This is a competition, but you can still have an attitude of kindness and you should still be friendly.

74. Take care of your skin

Your skin may break out due to excessive sweat, stress, poor diet and lack of sleep, so be prepared. Bring any face or acne products that have been helpful to you in the past and take good care of your skin during the pageant. Drink extra water and never go to sleep with makeup on your face.

75. Focus on yourself

You may run into some mean girls. Most of the girls you meet will be nice and friendly, but bad apples do show up in the bunch. If you do encounter a mean girl, just ignore her as best you can and focus on what you are there to do. Most of the time if another girl is trying to bother you, or is being critical of you, it’s just because she is feeling insecure and threatened, and she’s trying to get in your head. Don’t let her! Focus on you and your goals, and don’t buy into her toxic behavior.

Roomies Miss Iceland Universe and Miss Great Britain Universe in their hotel room. Photo: Miss Universe Organization

76. You’re always “on”  

Be on your best behavior wherever you go. That includes inside the hotel and out, in the gym, in public restrooms, at the vending machine and walking down hallways. You never know who is watching you. You must always remember what you are representing something, be it your city, state or country. Do not allow yourself to use any foul language, say anything negative or critical of the pageant, another contestant or anyone else in a public area.

If you are stressed out, having a bad day or upset about something, wait until you get back to your hotel room or to a private place and have a good cry, phone up your coach, Mom or best girl friend and vent to them, or pray or meditate until you calm down. Remember that you are in a high stress situation and it is very normal to be on edge or run into people who are on edge too.

77. Thank your pageant staff

Be kind, courteous and thoughtful to every single pageant staff member that you come in contact with. These people are all volunteers and they have taken time away from their families, jobs and personal lives to be at the pageant to help and serve you.

78. Just be kind

Be kind and respectful to all service people that you run into at your pageant including your hotel maid, the waiter who brings you your meal and the people at the front desk. You are the face of your organization and all of the people who reside in the city’s name on your sash. Whatever they think of you, they will think of the pageant itself and your hometown.

79. Try to look your best at all times

This does not mean that you must have full hair and makeup on along with a cocktail dress and heels. It means to look presentable and put together even if you are wearing workout gear or shorts and a t-shirt. It’s always a good idea to have a bit of makeup on. Just a touch of lip gloss, mascara and some concealer for those dark circles under your eyes, will go a long way towards you looking perky. But, most of all, wearing a big, bright smile is the best face to put on during your pageant. That will make you feel better and make everyone around you feel good.

80. Keep your tribe updated

It’s always great if you can post regularly on your social media while you are at your pageant. You have a lot of fans and people who are supporting you and they want to share in this adventure along with you. Just because they cannot be there, does not mean that they do not care. It can be so thrilling for your friends and family to see some photos of the beautiful hotel that you’re staying at and some of the cool sights that you get to see while staying in your host city.

81. Thank your tribe

Be sure to constantly express your gratitude for all of the people who have helped you get to where you are. It’s so important to give shout outs to your friends, family and fans by name because it makes them feel like they’ve really helped you reach your dreams.

Photo: American Pageants

82. Shout out about your sponsors

Along the same lines, it is imperative for you to acknowledge every single one of your sponsors and to talk about any of the products or services that they have given to you. You are now a spokesperson for their business, and part of fulfilling your part of the relationship is to advertise their products and services. You’d be surprised at how powerful your recommendations are for all of the businesses that are now connected with you.

Miss Texas Teen USA 2019 with sponsor Eric Vaughn. Photo: Instagram @misstxteenusa

83. Go live!

Try to do some live messages when you have time, and be sure to talk about your pageant organization and all of the great opportunities, events and forms of entertainment that they have arranged for you during the pageant. You are the best public relations department your pageant has. And, there is no better time to start acting like the queen, because if you get the job, that is exactly what you will be doing.

84. Have an audience

Always keep everyone up to date about the important details concerning your pageant such as any promotions that are going on, like people's choice awards and things of that nature. And, most importantly, you have got to communicate very clearly about every single detail about how people can view the pageant, whether that includes purchasing tickets to see the pageant live, or viewing the pageant online via a live stream broadcast or a televised show.

One of the biggest pet peeves of pageant fans is that the contestant that they are backing neglects to keep them informed about those kinds of details. This is what they want to see! They need to know the day, the time and the specific time zone that your pageant is occurring. They also need to know if they need to pay to see the pageant online and how to do that. We all know that you are super busy, but this is the biggest area that contestants slack off in and people do not forget it.

85. Bring thank you cards

You absolutely must take thank you cards with you to the pageant and use them! You can even fill them out with your name and title beforehand, and then just write a personal message at the time that you give them out. You will have so many opportunities to use thank you cards if you really think about it. You can give a card to the maid who always brings you extra towels or the girl at the espresso bar who makes your drink just the way you like it. This is also a fantastic exercise in gratitude and it will help you stay in a positive, upbeat frame of mind.

86. Know whether to bring thank you gifts

You may need to bring gifts with you for all of your fellow pageant contestants as well as something small for your director, any important staff members and your roommate. You may want to bring along some additional little gifts just to have on hand to give to someone who you appreciate. You do not need to spend a fortune on gifts and the nature of the gift will depend on what level of pageantry that you are at. If you have a sponsor who can help you provide gifts, that would be great. The most important thing is that you give something unique and thoughtful, and if it represents you or your city or state, it’s even better.

87. Keep your energy up

You must learn to manage your energy. You are going to get exhausted, so just know that and prepare wisely. Keep yourself hydrated and always have some energy boosting snacks with you. Don’t feel like you have to constantly socialize or go on every outing there is if it is not required. You are in this for the long haul, and many a pageant girl has gotten caught up in all of the socializing with the other contestants that by the time the actual pageant came around, she was depleted and lack luster on stage. Don’t let that happen to you. Take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to schedule in some down time to recharge your batteries.

88. This is supposed to be fun

Live in the moment, make some new friends and savor every single minute of this incredible, once in a lifetime experience. Remember that although this is a pageant and a competition, it is also a huge moment in your life, so treat this time and yourself with respect. Take it all in, soak up all of the blessings and focus on your gratitude and good feelings.

Common mistakes pageant first timers make

Contribution by Julia McVaugh Stone

Your first pageant doesn't have to be hard. In fact, you can even win your very first pageant. Listen to Jesse and Steven talk about how to win your pageant on your first try:

89.  Don’t procrastinate on your pre-pageant grooming

Be prepared to take care of all of your grooming needs early before the actual pageant. Take care of things like your wardrobe adjustments, your mani/pedi, waxing and hair treatments, at least one week before the pageant if you can. And, never, ever, ever try something new when it comes to your beauty or grooming routine before a pageant. This is not the time to go get a facial, try a new face cream or decide to perm or color your hair a new shade. You should have been developing your entire look for months prior to your pageant, including the hairstyles and makeup looks you’re going to use during your pageant weekend. Your beauty routine should be flawless and include all the best products and cosmetics for you, and you should be immaculately groomed long before you leave to compete.

90. Get as much rest as you can before the pageant

We know that you’re busy trying to get in your last few workouts, practicing for interview and running around checking things off of your “to-do” list, but make sure that you are getting significant rest in the two to three weeks prior to the pageant.

Pageants are intense, draining and very stressful, even though they are loads of fun. You will be feeling a lot of pressure and you will be extremely busy most of the time. Having a solid foundation of good rest prior to the pageant will give you the added boost that you need when times get tough. The last thing you want to do is come into the weekend, already depleted. Invest in your sleep bank.

91. Do not allow yourself to get burned out

Conserve your energy during pageant weekend. You will be burning the candle at both ends by having very long, full days sightseeing, rehearsing, and participating in any events that the pageant has organized. Conserve your energy during pageant week as best you can and don’t allow yourself to get so rundown that you run the risk of getting sick. Take little breaks when you can to get away by yourself, put your feet up, zone out and just chill.

92. Don’t get sidetracked by socializing

You should definitely be friendly, kind and helpful, but remember that this is a competition and you do not have to spend all of your precious energy trying to be best friends with every contestant. Get to know the other girls who you feel a connection with and enjoy the socialization, but don’t feel that you need to become besties with everyone at the pageant.

Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summers upon being crowned. Photo: Miss Universe Organization

93. Don’t pass up networking opportunities

On the flip side of resisting the urge to become best friends with every contestant, you also don’t want to waste the opportunity to make connections and network while you’re competing. There may be other contestants who have similar platforms that you could learn from or potentially partner up with at a later date. (We assume that you are not going to abandon your platform after the pageant is over.)

You may also meet other notable professionals in the pageant industry during your competition, that you should introduce yourself to or give your business card to. Pageant weekend is ripe for those kinds of social opportunities and you don’t want to pass them up.

94. Don’t go off your diet plan

Try to stay on your meal plan as best as you can. You will be in a totally different environment, probably eating in restaurants, ordering room service and just generally eating off of your normal schedule.

Do whatever you can to control what you eat by being prepared. If your hotel room has a fridge, then bring some prepared meals with you and put them in there in small containers. If you can do a quick grocery store run and shop for food during a break at your pageant, that can also help.

Always bring healthy snacks with you that you can eat, so that you won’t be hungry or tempted to go off plan, no matter where you are and what time it is.

95. Don’t slack on your fitness program

You may think that there is no reason to exercise or continue your fitness program since you’re already now at the pageant and you’re as fit as you’re going to get. A lot of girls buy into this belief and they use it as an excuse to get lazy. Look, we understand that you are getting up before dawn, running around all day long and falling into bed after late night rehearsals. But, exercise or some form of moving your body will actually help you during pageant week.

If you are competing over a weekend, then you may not have time to hit the hotel gym for an hour and a half sweat session. But, what you can manage is to do some stretching, yoga, pilates or some calisthenics in your hotel room for 20 to 30 minutes, when you have a break. And, if you are competing over a week, getting a few aerobic sessions in and getting your heart rate up is just the thing to help you handle all the stress that you are under. Exercise is not just about fitting into your evening gown or looking amazing for swimsuit competition, it’s about your mental and emotional health too.

You don’t have to kill yourself and do an outrageous, intense workout like you might do with your trainer. But, if you can find a way to just move your body, even if it’s going for a short walk by yourself, you will double your energy, increase your flexibility and shake off any tension that you’ve acquired during this time. Plus, it will give you a gorgeous glow that will have you looking fit, fabulous and confident!

96. Be wary of advice from other contestants

You really have to have a strong sense of self and know yourself and what works best for you when you are competing in a pageant. You may choose to do things a different way than other girls or you may find that you have your own take on something. If something works for you, then stick to your guns and don’t let someone talk you out of it. Whether it is the way that you prepare for interview, what you do before going on stage or the particular style of shoes you like, don’t change because another contestant tries to talk you out of it, or “just wants to give you some helpful advice.”

Remember, this is a competition, and not everyone is has your best interests in mind. Stay strong, know yourself and trust in your process!

97. Don’t rely on other people to be your personal cheerleader

Having a solid support system around you is so important when you are involved in pageantry because you can go through a lot of emotional ups and downs. You need to know that you have a network of people on your side who believe in you and can encourage you when you’re not at your best. But, you can’t always take those friends and family members with you when you go to compete. And, even if you do have some people with you like your mom or a trusted coach, when it comes time to perform, you are really on your own.

Your coach is not going to be in the interview room with you to tell you that you’re doing a great job, and your mom is not going to be on stage with you, holding your hand. That is why it is imperative to learn to be your own cheerleader. You are the one who is going to be going through this experience and you are the one who stands to win or lose. At the end of the day, this is YOUR dream and you must learn how to give yourself a good pep talk when you need it most.

98. Don’t forget to be thankful

It’s crucial to stay positive and grateful the entire time that you are competing. One way to do this is to make it a priority to be thankful for everyone you run across and everything that is happening to you.

It’s so important to give shout outs to your friends, family and fans by name when you’re posting on social media because it makes them feel like they’ve really helped you reach your dreams. Everyone will appreciate it so much when you express your gratitude for all of the people who have helped you get to where you are.

Along the same lines, while you’re posting during the pageant, be sure to acknowledge every single one of your sponsors and to talk about any of the products or services that they have given to you to use during pageant week. You’d be surprised at how powerful your recommendations are for all of the businesses that are now connected with you.

You absolutely must take thank you cards with you to the pageant and use them! You will have so many opportunities to use thank you cards if you really think about it. You can give a card to your roommate when she lets you borrow something, give one to the maid who always brings you extra towels or to the girl at the espresso bar who makes your drink just the way you like it. This is also a fantastic exercise in gratitude and it will help you stay in a positive, upbeat frame of mind during the competition.

99. Don’t abandon your pageant plan

Stick to your training and don’t try to copy other contestants. This is a very common mistake that inexperienced girls make, especially during their first few pageants. Sometimes, in the middle of a competition, you begin to watch other contestants in rehearsal and you see them doing something like walking or turning a certain way or using some kind of technique that you have not used.

You have to remember that what everyone else does works well for them because they’ve been doing that for a long time. If you begin to feel intimidated, give up on your own training and attempt to do something new, it will backfire on you. You will just look like a bad imitation of what that other girl is doing with excellence. Follow the plan that you have developed prior to the pageant and do not allow yourself to get derailed because of nerves or insecurity.

100. Don’t forget to be on your best behavior all the time

Be on your best behavior wherever you go. That includes inside the hotel and out, in the workout room, in public restrooms, at the vending machine and walking down hallways. You never know who is watching you. You must always remember what you are representing, be it your city or state, or country.  Do not allow yourself to use any foul language, say anything negative or critical of the pageant, another contestant or anyone else in a public area.

If you are stressed out, having a bad day or upset about something, wait until you get back to your hotel room or to a private place and have a good cry, phone up your coach, Mom or best girl friend and vent to them, or pray or meditate until you calm down. Remember that you are in a high stress situation and it is very normal to be on edge or run into people who are on edge too.

101. Don’t neglect your social media duties

Always keep everyone up to date about the important details concerning your pageant such as any promotions that are going on like audience choice awards and things of that nature. And, most importantly, you have got to communicate very clearly about every single detail about how people can view the pageant, whether that be purchasing tickets to see the pageant live, or viewing the pageant online via a live stream broadcast or a televised show.

One of the biggest pet peeves of pageant fans is that the contestant that they are backing neglects to keep them informed about those kinds of details. This is what they want to see!  They need to know the day, the time and the specific time zone that your pageant is occurring.

They also need to know if they need to pay to see the pageant online and how to do that. We all know that you are super busy, but this is the biggest area that contestants slack off in and people do not forget it.

What you MUST know before your first pageant

Contribution by Julia McVaugh Stone

Pageant Director Amanda Daley and her Spirit Girls. Photo Amanda Daley

A lot of girls enter pageants because they are enthralled with the glitz and the glamour that they see portrayed on television and during live events. What they don’t see is all the hard work and time that went into creating that glossy finished production. Most new contestants seriously underestimate the amount of preparation that is required for a pageant, and until they get a few pageants under their belt, they tend to suffer for their lack of knowledge.

This guide is aimed at helping those new contestants understand what they’re really in for and to give them the best advice we can in the hope that we can help to minimize stress and make your first pageant a more enjoyable experience for you.

Based on our own experiences in pageantry and on the input from numerous titleholders, directors and coaches, we’ve narrowed down some helpful tips into six different categories. Hopefully this advice will help you to get a more accurate view on what your upcoming pageant holds, and how you can best prepare for any potential problem areas.

You have to take your pageant preparation seriously

Without a doubt, the biggest area that new girls minimize is just how crucial pageant preparation actually is. You may have figured out by now that preparing for your pageant takes a lot of time, hard work and energy.

But, there is a lot about the actual pageant itself that you just don’t know until you go through it. For instance, if you’re new, you may not understand that a pageant is a production and that you are also part of a show for the audience.

“There is a lot more that goes into a pageant than showing up with a pretty dress and your hair done,” says Cali Mullins, Ms. US World Washington Elite.

“I thought I was prepared for my first pageant”, says Mullins. “I had my clothes picked out and had my hair and makeup done. Unfortunately, what I did not prepare for was the onstage introduction, learning the walking patterns and all of the different ways to walk and stand while keeping the look of concentration off my face.”

“The whole concept of walking patterns was new to me,” she continues. “I had no idea there where different kinds and for different purposes. I have since learned to show up ready to practice, practice, practice!”

“Preparing for a pageant is a lifestyle where you maintain yourself and your skills throughout the year, and then you add to your regime several months prior to the event. I did a lot of yo-yoing between my “normal life” and getting ready for “pageant life,” when I could have integrated one into the other and decreased my stress over it.”

A pageant wardrobe is very different from regular clothing

The first thing that most girls who have just signed up for a pageant do is to go shopping for their pageant wardrobe, especially their evening gown. That’s because shopping for clothes is so much fun, and who doesn’t want to try on fancy dresses?

The big problem with doing this is that most girls who have never done a pageant have no idea what a pageant gown really is, and they also don’t understand the bigger picture of how their pageant wardrobe affects their success in the pageant itself.

There are so many factors and so many details involved in finding the right pageant gown for you and for your particular pageant system. You absolutely must get advice from people who know what they’re talking about, like former contestants, titleholders, directors and coaches who know your pageant system.

Cali Mullins, Ms US World Washington Elite, learned the hard way that there were many more important factors to choosing a pageant gown, than just liking how it looks on you.

“I regret not researching gowns for pageants. I picked what I loved, but I should have factored in the time is takes to put it on and take it off, as well as how well I could move in it and how that gown looked under stage lights.”

Mrs. Washington America 2006 Patricia Chapman Photo: Patricia Chapman

Patricia Chapman, Mrs. Washington America 2006, has an incredible pageant story and has used her personal challenges to inspire and motivate so many women in the pageant world.

She was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy during her pageant career, and was even criticized by the judges for how badly she walked on stage.

At one point, the disease had robbed Patricia of her ability to walk, so not only did she have to learn to walk all over again; she had to learn to walk and pose correctly on stage for a pageant. But, that fact did not deter her from coming back to her pageant and winning that crown on her third attempt.

Because she’s had to fight so hard to relearn and just master the basics in pageantry, she tells contestants how crucial it is to know what works best for you and to own your own choices in everything you do, including your wardrobe.  

“Other contestants may not give you the best advice regarding what colors look good on you, what style of swimsuit suits your figure, or what is the best style for your interview wardrobe,” says Chapman. “Sadly, I have also witnessed contestants with bad intentions giving bad advice and then smirking about it later. This IS a competition after all.”

“Don't second guess yourself. If you find a gown, a swimsuit or an interview dress that you love, then wear it. But "work that dress" on stage! I can tell when I see a beautiful woman on stage that she does not like her dress or is not comfortable in it. Her posture and confidence suffers. You’ve got to own it girlfriend!”

Chapman also has a personal experience regarding pageant shoes that is a lesson everyone should embrace.

“The trend at the time was to wear clear acrylic shoes with a platform for the swimwear competition. I had a pair but, honestly, I walked better in the nude color pumps that I had worn with my interview outfit. In a last minute decision, I wore my nude pumps with my swimsuit.  Back stage, before the swimsuit portion of the pageant, other well meaning ladies kept telling me to change my shoes. I stuck with my decision. That was the year I won! The next year, some of those same contestants wore nude pumps with their swimsuits. Do what works best for you!”

You are responsible for your pageant education

Pageant Planet is dedicated to helping pageant contestants become the very best that they can be and we offer a treasure trove of free articles and information to educate and support you on your pageant journey.

If you are in need of a pageant coach, then please check out our extensive database.

But, if you cannot afford a coach right now because you are new, it’s really ok. In addition to the information that you can find on our website, there are numerous options available to you in the form of books and free online resources.

Ultimately, you are responsible for your pageant education and investing in your own personal development. You never “arrive” in pageantry though. You will always be learning and growing, which is one of the best things about pageantry.
 

Pageant Coach Joni Nathanson. Photo: Joni Nathanson

Pageant Coach Joni Nathanson, of “Standing Ovation Academy” is a two time Grammy award nominee, a former state titleholder and has worked with state, national and international pageant winners from all of the major systems. Because she is a vocalist herself, she also works with singers, musicians, actors and comedians in all aspects of stage, film and television productions and performance.

“Obviously, I strongly believe in getting an experienced pageant coach,” says Nathanson. "But when you are new in the world of pageants, try to be frugal and don’t spend a lot of money. You can learn a lot by just watching YouTube videos and researching pageant related topics on Google, and it’s all free. Talk with people who have been in a pageant previously. Attend as many pageants as possible and just watch and learn from the other contestants. Being around pageants and even volunteering your time at a pageant can give you so much insight.”

You will probably reach a specific time in your development where your skill level is not improving and free services are not enough to get you to where you want to be. That is the time when you will benefit from a coach. Like many titleholders, you may find that working with a coach is the thing that makes all the difference.

“Get a qualified Pageant Coach,” insists Patricia Chapman. “My third year competing I got a coach and that was the year that I won. The main issues were my resume and voice during interview. I used voice coaching to not sound like a preschooler. My coach revamped my resume to the point that I impressed myself! What I learned from that experience is still valuable to me today.”

Pageants are stressful

Most new contestants enter pageants because they look like fun, but they have no idea just how stressful pageants can be. With time, you learn to prepare for and manage your stress, but in the beginning, it can be a terrible burden.

That’s why it’s so important that you talk to people who have actually been there and can tell you what to expect and how to properly anticipate those things that can raise your stress level.

Earlier in this guide, we covered the importance of packing properly for your pageant, having things like an emergency kit on hand, and what to expect from pageant weekend, but some things we didn’t discuss, and that’s why personal stories are so vital.

“The show can move pretty fast,” recalls Cali Mullins Ms. US World Washington Elite. “I wish I had known I needed to organize my attire, shoes, and accessories accordingly. With so many people and their belonging, in a green room, space and a place to hang your items is not always available. I now bring an over the door hanger to hold my gowns, and all my accessories are in a hanging bag.”

Mrs. Grays Harbor 2019 Brandy Jo Ross. Photo: Miss Priss Hair and Makeup

Brandy Jo Ross, professional model and Mrs. Grays Harbor America, is just about to compete in her 2nd pageant and she’s learned the importance of preparation and having a solid support system. This young mother of an active one year old boy says that she really did not have a good handle on her stress level during her first pageant.

“I do wish someone would have told me to relax and just have fun with it,” reveals Ross. “I was so nervous and scared as I didn't know what to expect. I had never been through something like this, and my anxiety was through the roof! Once it was all said and done I realized just how much I over stressed.”

“Don't be afraid or nervous to reach out to your director, current queen, or sash sisters for any advice, questions, or problems. Everyone is like a big family, and are truly there to help and support one another.”

It’s about being the real deal

Being in a pageant and trying to actually win are two vastly different things and you learn that after some time competing. But, throughout all of your pageant experience, you want to strive to be yourself, no matter what your pageant goals are.

We know it’s a cliché, but that’s because it’s true.

Pageant Director Amanda Daley. Photo: Robbin Manuel Photography

Amanda Kathleen Daley, the Director of Miss Spirit of New York Pageant and Miss Spirit of the USA Pageant has a very strong opinion on this point.

“I want every contestant to know that judges are looking for YOU,” says Kathleen. "Be yourself. It doesn’t matter who has the best clothes, the best hair, who has a coach or the most money to put towards their pageant preparation. The judges care about who will make a great titleholder. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be the best version of YOU and then you have already won.”

It’s all worth it

So what we’ve learned from all of these lovely ladies is that pageant prep is serious stuff, you can’t just wear your old prom dress, it’s going to be very stressful, you’re responsible for figuring it all out and you can’t fake it. Are you still interested?

We know it can all sound very intimidating and a whole lotta work, and some might wonder if it’s even worth it.

It is!  Don’t doubt it for a second!

“Be your authentic self, relax, and have fun,” says Ross. “It may be out of your comfort zone at first but it's such an amazing experience and you grow so much! You grow personally, mentally, and spiritually. You realize you have more strength and courage than you may give yourself credit for. Not only are you helping your community, but you're setting an example for others whether or not you realize it.”

“When women say they are honored to be there among these other women, it’s true,” states Mullins. “Celebrate spending time with these amazing women. We all have so much to share with our community and each other. We are joining a sash sisterhood and making friends. I get so much out of meeting new and old friends every time I compete.”

“Fall in love with the experience,” exclaims Chapman.”Have the time of your life. It really is a glamorous weekend for you to be "all about yourself" with no apologies. You have worked hard to be there, enjoy it!”