How to: Save $$$ on Prom
March 9, 2017
In 2015, the average prom-goer spent $919 total on the dance according to a survey by Visa.
Prom is reputed to be an especially expensive event for girls.
While local stores like Glik’s and David’s Bridal rent tuxes to boys, such services are rarer for girls. Girls are also more likely to have their hair and makeup done, which can be costly.
But there are still ways for girls to keep their prom expenditures down this year.
- Spend less on the dress.
The dress tends to be the most expensive part of the dance. It isn’t uncommon for girls to wear dresses that cost them hundreds of dollars.
Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be the case.
In 2009, Harvard grads Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss launched Rent the Runway, an online service that provides designer dress and accessory rentals.
Renters have access to more than 200,000 pieces from 300 designers.
The dress, along with a backup in another size, arrives the week of your event.
- Reuse old shoes.
Don’t buy new shoes if you don’t have to. Most prom dresses are floor length, so your shoe choice is trivial.
- Turn to a trusted friend for primping.
A friend with a talent for makeup artistry may be your saving grace.
“I trusted Ashton Brase in October to do my homecoming makeup,” senior Mackenzie Cadagin said. “I’m going to trust her again in April with my prom makeup.”
This may also be an ideal way to save money on your hair and nails.
