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Going to the Prom Without Going Broke
Terry Miller Shannon, 04.29.05
Focus on what you think is a reasonable amount to spend and what elements of the prom are important to you. |
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Hang on to your wallet — prom costs are skyrocketing. A USA Today survey found that some couples reported spending a shocking $3,000 or more on their proms last year. (No, that's not a typo!)
When rich-kid celebs grace the cover of teen magazines in $10,000 dresses and talk about renting a posh vacation house for prom weekend, it may raise expectations for the rest of us to ridiculous heights. And big business is in love with the prom, using TV shows, movies, and magazines to promote a spending frenzy.
But knowing this doesn't mean you should boycott the prom. It can be fun to bring out the bling and feel like a star for one night. Just focus on what you think is a reasonable amount to spend and what elements of the prom are important to you — not what's going to impress other people.
So let's brainstorm some creative ways to go glam and have a great time — without breaking the bank.
The Tickets
Prom tickets vary nationwide, but may run around $10-$125 per couple. If your prom is on the high end, how can you and your date raise the cash?
- Help with fundraisers like bake sales, fashion shows, auctions, dinners, and other benefits in order to cut ticket costs.
- At some schools, you can save money on tickets by being on the prom committee, the cleanup crew, or other "helping out" functions.
The Clothes
A Seventeen magazine poll found most girls plan to spend around $200 on their prom dresses. And designer dresses can run three times that amount. So what's a girl to do?
- Beg, borrow, or eBay. Ask around — your cousin may have last year's gown in her closet. Get the word out that you're looking. Hit consignment and thrift shops, which often have gently used clothes at great prices — and you're less likely to show up in the same dress as your classmates! Or let your fingers do the walking on eBay for some incredible deals on prom dresses.
- Widen your net by hitting bridal shops for discontinued bridesmaid dresses and rental stores catering to special events.
- Can you sew — or know someone who can? My friend Lana wore a fabulous black satin strapless gown that her older sister made for her, and she only had to pay for the fabric. Plus, she had a one-of-kind original to wear!
- Funky accessories can jazz up a simple dress. Try making your own jewelry or borrowing something unique from someone in the family.
- Are you the kind of girl who's always in flip-flops? If you plan to buy a pair of high-heeled shoes for prom and then stash them in the back of your closet, skip the designer stores and pick up a cheap pair at a discount place. If you're only going to wear them once, you don't have to worry about finding a top-notch pair. (Besides, who's looking at your feet, anyway?)
- If your taste runs on the creative or dramatic side, Lana suggests you check out Halloween costume sales put on by college art departments, where you may score "gorgeous stuff, like velvet capes" — a goth girl's prom dream!
The Hair
Hairstyling costs vary widely but can escalate to more than $100. Makeup, nails, and other grooming costs add up quickly, too. What's a cheaper way to put on the fabulous finishing touches?
- Put on a "spa day" with friends in which you give each other manicures, pedicures, makeovers, and try on different hairstyles.
- Have a beauty school student do your hair and nails — some will even do this for free at a local salon.
- Glitz up your own usual look: add a sparkling barrette to your hair, or tuck a flower in your French twist. You know it looks good on you and it's comfortable, so there are no worries about potential hair disasters!
The Ride
Some teens rent limousines, which can cost up to $1,500. Some cheaper alternatives: Take a taxi, or with a parent's permission, rent or borrow a classic or sporty car. (Do not plan to do this if there's a chance your driver will be drinking.)
The Food
A fancy pre-prom dinner can set you and your date back some serious cash. Instead, try these ideas:
- Serve a dinner (or just fancy appetizers) at home, and pay your siblings a few bucks to serve as waiters; glitz it up with tiny sparkling lights and formal dinnerware.
- J.L. suggests going to McDonald's toting a white tablecloth, candles, silverware, and real plates.
- Hit a restaurant for breakfast afterward instead of dinner beforehand — it's cheaper, and you won't risk wrecking your dress or tux before the main event!
So this year, forget competing with Paris and Linsday (or Summer and Marissa) ... and come as yourself to prom. When you think back on prom night in five or 10 years, it'll be the good times you shared with your friends that stick in your mind — not who had the most expensive shoes! |
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