High School Goes Hollywood 

Proms have become expensive affairs, according to a 2004 survey conducted by North Dakota State University:

  • The average cost per couple to attend prom is $509.
  • The cost of a limousine for one night is about $400.
  • The average amount girls spend on hair, makeup, and nails for prom is $100.
  • More than one-fourth of parents pay all expenses for their children.

In today’s difficult economy, most teenagers are willing to make sacrifices in order to make prom night more affordable. We assembled a panel of experienced prom attendees, as well as one parent, to offer cost-saving suggestions for that big night.

MEET THE PANEL:

Nicole Green, college junior at Brigham Young University
Luke Jorde, college sophomore at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Alie LaGrange, college freshman at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Colleen Duffy, senior at Kasson-Mantorville High School, Minn.
Lisa Grant, “Teen Times” columnist for Coulee Parenting Connection and mom

    CLOTHES

    Alie:

    Purchase in Minnesota; no sales tax. Also, I knew of friends that borrowed their dresses. When else is a person going to wear a huge poofy prom dress?

    Colleen:

    Have your school put on a used prom dress sale. Those dresses are being worn for only one night and most people wish they could sell their dress after prom because it’s just going to sit in their closet forever. Usually in the off-season, dress shops will sell dresses for a huge discounted price. I got a beautiful beaded dress for 50 dollars for a pageant. The only thing wrong with it was some of the beading was falling off, but you couldn’t tell unless you really looked at it. I sold my dress from prom last year for $100; I bought it for $180, but in the shops, it was $390.

    Luke:

    Instead of wearing tuxes and expensive dresses, just go naked. It is awkward and a little cold at first, but you’ll be fine. 

    Lisa:

    Very funny, Luke! Most guys rent their tuxes, but girls can also rent from many bridal/formal dress shops. Don’t forget to budget for everything, including shoes, purse, and lingerie. Check your mom’s jewelry box (ask first!) for items you can borrow. Also, La Crescent High School, Minn. had a prom dress exchange this year. Try organizing one at your school!

    BEAUTY

    Nicole:

    Find a friend who can do hair/nails because they can do it for free or a reduced price.

    Alie:

    I would also have to agree with Nicole regarding the hair and nails. I did my own hair senior prom, and did not get a professional mani-pedi. Have a girls’ night and do your nails a couple nights before.

    Colleen:

    A lot of places offer package deals for prom. You may be able to get your hair and nails done for less than just getting your hair done. You may be able to get your makeup done also. 

    Lisa:

    Opt for a spray-on tan instead of spending money on tanning sessions, which are expensive and unhealthy.

    FLOWERS

    Colleen:

    I see that they're fun, but you don’t need them. No one really pays attention to them, and they are ruined by the end of the night.

    Lisa: 

    Dads, this is your chance to shine.  Buy your daughter a simple wrist corsage ($15-20) and you will make her night.

    TRANSPORTATION

    Nicole:

    I'd suggest that you nix the limo because that always seemed too over-the-top for me.

    Alie:

    Limos can be fun, but not always necessary.

    Colleen:

    I would never take a limo to prom because they are too expensive and are over the top. If you need a limo get a bunch of friends to put in some money.

    DINNER

    Luke:

    I didn’t do this, but I have heard of people making a fancy dinner and having a lot of people over.

    Lisa: 

    We did the fancy dinner last year for several of my daughter’s friends. It was an Olive Garden-esque experience. I made salad, breadsticks, pasta, and cheesecake. The table was set with a beautiful tablecloth, china, and crystal. We served sparkling grape juice in wine glasses. I did all the cooking and my husband was the waiter. It was fun for all of us, and the kids loved the atmosphere and the (free) food.

    Colleen: 

    I always feel bad when people pay for me for anything, so I always suggest to go Dutch on everything, the dinner, the flowers, the tickets, everything. That way not just one person is paying for everything.

    Nicole:

    Nice restaurants don't have to cost $60 a meal; there are really nice restaurants that serve great food for under $20 per plate.

    BEST ADVICE PARENTS CAN GIVE

    Luke:

    All I know is what I was told by my dad. "Bring my car (a '68 GTO) back or you will be dead." Hahaha. Good kids should know what and what not to do so they don’t need a lecture. A helpful reminder that the parents are proud of them and their choices thus far, and they expect the same during prom, is always good though.

    Nicole:

    "Remember who you are," and remember that there are people watching you, and that poor choices can lead to so many consequences that can really harm your future.

    Alie:

    Drive safely?

    Colleen:

    Be safe and have fun.

    Lisa: 

    I trust you. That gets them every time!