The dates, the dresses, the dancing: it’s prom season. Once a simple dance held in the school
gymnasium, prom has evolved into the beloved high school tradition that takes hold of teenagers across
the nation. Being the “belle of the ball” on prom night is a dream for many girls, but making everything
perfect takes a lot of preparation — not to mention money. So what is the cost of a perfect prom night?
Some of the beautiful prom queens of Scituate High told me about the expenses they were
paying this year to look and feel great on their big night. The average cost for a dress was $200, but the
highest price was almost $400! This also doesn’t include the added prices of getting the dresses tailored
to fit like a glove. (Dress tailors usually charge about $60 for alterations.) For girls on a budget,
borrowing a dress is another option. Older siblings, cousins, and friends are a popular source for gently
used dresses, usually only worn once for their prom. Another option for girls who don’t want to break
the bank at a dress boutique is going to a consignment shop. Consignment shops often hold a vast
selection, from big ball gowns to backless A-lines, and usually at a lower price than retail.
And what about the shoes? Every prom ensemble needs the right pair of shoes to complete the
look. Most girls prefer to wear heels, but others are more comfortable in flats or sandals. Nevertheless,
a pair of new kicks to go with that stunning dress will cost about $30-$50, depending on where you shop
and your fashion preference.
Another part of the perfect prom look includes hair, makeup and nails. Going to a salon is the
norm, but it will cost you. A fancy updo at a hair salon will cost about $45-$60, but some girls do it
themselves or ask family or friends to help. Getting a mani-pedi to match your dress and bring the whole
look together costs $60. Some nail and hair salons offer special discounts for students getting their hair
or nails professionally done before the prom. If your makeup skills aren’t professional grade, you can opt
to have it done for about $50.
So currently, the prom expense total stands at about $450-$650 — yikes! This does not include
the price of the actual prom ticket, which adds another $110 to the total this year. This astonishing total
might leave you questioning where girls get the money. In many families, paying for the prom is a group
effort. Some students have jobs to help pay and pitch in for the cost. Junior Mairin Sheridan says, “I paid
almost $90 for my shoes for last year’s prom, but I am wearing them again this year. I am also selling last
year’s dress to help cut down the cost of my dress for this year.” There are also other girls selling their
dresses from past years on the “Prom 2015” Facebook page.
Getting every detail right is essential in creating an unforgettable prom night. Whether they’re
wearing a designer brand dress or a glamorous hand-me-down, girls have money on their minds when
preparing for the prom. But by weighing all their options and planning out their budget, the process is
made a little easier, despite the anticipation of the high expenses of attending this year’s prom.