Save Money on Prom Expenses!
If there is anything parents and post-prom teens know for sure it’s that prom can be pretty pricey, especially for a one-night event. But have no fear; just because some people spend hundreds of dollars-if not more-in prom expenses doesn’t mean you, too, must suffer through an ultra-pricey prom. Here are just a few cost-cutting tips for everything from prom dresses to meeting your kids’ desires for a spectacular prom ride!
Budgeting
Along with your pursuit to saving money, it is also important to keep an organized and effective, yet reasonable budgeting technique. Budgeting eliminates buying temptations that would tend to build up during malling and help you save money along the process due to preformed lists of items you need to buy.
Make your child pitch in.
If your teenager is old enough to go to the prom, he/she is old enough to earn some money to get there. Don’t take on the entire financial burden yourself. Sit down with your teen well before the big night and work out a budget. Be firm and make your child contribute at least a portion of the expenses. Even if your son or daughter doesn’t have a job, some extra chores around the house are enough to earn a little cash.
Prom Dress
Unfortunately, unlike tuxedo rentals for the boys, you can’t rent a prom dress . Start your prom dress search a few weeks or months in advance of the event. You may be able to find a suitable dress on sale at the mall, department store or your favorite boutique.
Look into whether your local school or church has a dress swap. Ask your older cousins, sisters, or friends. Since many fancy dresses are only worn once, they make great hand-me-downs.
Get creative with hair and makeup.
A big trend this year is natural hair and makeup (we’ve seen a lot of natural, wavy hair on the runways and red carpets). So skip the expensive updo. Instead, opt for soft curls or a simple, do-it-yourself twist. Hair accessories, like this rhinestone headband at Claire’s for $14.99, also add an inexpensive, easy touch of glam.
Dinner
Going out to dinner before prom is a tradition in many areas. Call around to see if any restaurants are offering prom specials. To really save money, consider turning your dining room or patio into a private restaurant for the young couple. Cover the table with a white cloth, set out some candles, and turn on some soft dinner music in the background. Then, put on an apron and serve the couple. Be sure to send away siblings for a few hours.
