Prom should be all about making the best memories as you prepare to graduate high school and move into the adult world. However, many teenage girls worry about the costs associated with prom night, and that can be a big strain on parents too. The cost of prom night overall can be high – there are so many things to think about, including the prom ticket, dress, accessories and more. Besides that, there are ‘extra’ costs that you may or may not want to include. These include salon trips, use of a professional makeup artist, professional pre-prom photography shoot, hired transportation such as a limo service, pre-dinner event or after-prom plans.
All-in-all, the costs can add up quickly and be financially draining for any family. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cut some of the superfluous costs out, while making sure you enjoy the night to its full extent. We’ll look at the average cost of prom too, so you know what to expect as prom night approaches.
How much is a prom ticket?
To go to prom, you need a prom ticket. These are sold by the prom committee and if you’re bringing a date or intend to ask someone to go with you, you’ll probably need to buy 2 or get a ‘couple ticket’. Prom ticket prices will be set by the committee, and simply cover the costs for the night itself. DJ, food, drinks, decorations, and photography are often be included in the price. Your prom may also include a dinner or meal, which will make the ticket price higher. Prices can range from around $30 for a couple up to $100 if dinner and extras are included.
How much does a prom dress cost?
Prom dresses can be purchased at almost any price – starting from $50 and range up beyond $1,000, the cost can differ dramatically depending on what you want. The problem with very cheap prom dresses is quality. Keep in mind that while you may want something affordable, the dress itself needs to fit correctly and not fall apart immediately! Find a brand with affordable dresses that create high-quality designs for a great price, such as JVN.
How much are prom accessories?
The main accessories to consider include shoes, a bag or clutch and 1 – 2 pieces of jewelry. Prom appropriate shoes can be found from $20 upwards to $200, and the same goes for bags or clutches. Keep in mind the sale seasons and shop for shoes and bag when there’s a great deal to be found at your favorite store. You may already own some jewelry that will work with your dress. If not, keep it simple with a delicate bracelet or a pair of chandelier earrings to complete your outfit.
How much is a prom corsage and boutonniere?
Most prom-goers opt for matching flowers to add to their formal outfits. For girls, a wrist or pin-on corsage should be purchased, while guys wear boutonnieres attached to their suit lapel. The average price for one of these is around $25. You can easily DIY these with ribbons and real or faux flowers – if you’re a creative type, these can often look more unique and personalized.
How much is an up-do hairstyle?
Most teenage girls consider having their hair styled into an up-do for their prom night. If you do want to have this done, ask around in your local salons for a general price. These can range from around $50 – $75 depending on how complex your chosen look is.
Ways to cut prom costs
There are a few easy ways to cut prom costs in half! These options require you to get a little creative at home and save on visits to professionals. You can easily create your own nail, hair and makeup look at home. This could save you over $200. You can simply invest in a few key products instead, such as a new eyeshadow palette, a great nail polish that matches your dress and some high-quality hair products. Watch some Youtube tutorials to guide you through the process so your beauty look is professional looking. Instead of getting a spray tan, try self-tanning. You can also prep your skin beforehand by opting for a great exfoliating product or body brush.
Another great way to save is to avoid paying for transportation. While many teens hire fancy cars and limo services, this is a huge extra that really isn’t needed and doesn’t particularly make your night much more exciting. Cut this out if your budget won’t stretch to include it. Simply ask a parent or relative to drop you to prom instead!
Some parents may want to hire a professional photographer for a pre-prom shoot. If this is something you really want to do, try to make it a group event. Ask your friends to share the cost and meet in one place for the photo session. As a bonus, you get great group pics and can split the bill between you all. If you don’t want to pay a professional, ask parents and relatives if anyone has a high-quality camera and would help take some great snaps before you head to prom.
After-prom activities – While you should enjoy the rest of your prom night to its fullest, this doesn’t mean you have to spend the rest of your savings. There are plenty of low-cost ways to enjoy a prom after-party, such as going to a friend’s house for a relaxed get-together or even grab some fast food and watch some movies together.
