TLC’s 2025 Say Yes to the Prom event took place on a soundstage at Warner Bros. Discovery’s Atlanta campus. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
With prom season on the horizon, students from four Atlanta Public Schools high schools stepped into a world of elegance and opportunity at the 13th annual Say Yes to the Prom event, sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery.
Held in Atlanta as part of a three-city initiative, the program provided hundreds of deserving juniors and seniors with free prom attire while also offering mentorship and career resources in the entertainment industry.
Students from Frederick Douglass High School, Maynard Jackson High School, Therrell High School, and Booker T. Washington High School received a full shopping experience, including a personal styling consultation from Monte Durham, the host of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta.”
A Douglass High School student receives a dress consultation from “Say Yes to the Dress” host Monte Durham. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Partners Macy’s and Men’s Wearhouse supplied brand-new dresses and tuxedos, while over 1,000 donated garments, shoes, and accessories ensured each student could find their perfect look. CNN’s professional artists and stylists were on hand to provide hair and makeup consultations.
“This event encompasses the total look. Whether it’s accessories, dresses, tuxedos, or shoes, we’ve got it for you,” Durham said. “Macy’s came on board, and they donated and got the dresses we have. Some dresses have a hang tag that says, ‘Say Yes to the Dress.’ Those were exclusively designed for this program, and the others are mixed in.”
Douglass High School senior Quan Crane is being measured for his prom tuxedo courtesy of Men’s Wearhouse. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
For male students, Men’s Wearhouse provided tuxedo fittings and rentals. Douglass High School senior Quan Crane was eager to share his experience.
“I was excited to see the suits. I don’t know the exact fabric, but I know it will be royal blue, which is really nice. And I want a black tie,” Crane said. “This will be my first time going to prom. I’m looking forward to taking photos in my suit and with my girlfriend.”
Beyond fashion, Say Yes to the Prom serves a broader mission of mentorship and professional development. Students were introduced to scholarship, internship, and career resources in media and entertainment, with opportunities to explore behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry.
“One of the cool things about Say Yes to the Prom is that while we love being able to provide prom attire, it’s also about the experience of coming to Warner Bros. Discovery,” said Sydney Langdon, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Warner Bros. Discovery. “Many of these students haven’t been to our campus in Midtown Atlanta. They’re in a live soundstage, seeing what it’s like to have lights and cameras.”
The event, which takes place in Atlanta and New York each February before heading to Los Angeles in March, reaches more than 1,500 students annually— a number the organizers ambitiously plan to increase in the future.
“I’d like to see more involvement and dedication from our supporters and press so that we truly can grow,” Durham said. “Right now, we’re currently in three cities. I’d like to see that expand to five cities next year and eight cities the year after that.”
As prom approaches, event organizers will continue working with participating schools to capture students’ final looks on their special night. Meanwhile, any remaining dresses will be donated to organizations like Becca’s Closet, ensuring that Say Yes to the Prom’s generosity continues to benefit students nationwide.
Enjoy the photo recap of 2025 TLC’s Say Yes to the Prom event in Atlanta, GA. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum and Brianna Mason, APS ©