Prom is just around the corner and there no if’s and’s or butt’s about it, prom night can be expensive for the parents of attendees. Statistics say that a typical family will spend about $1,078 this spring, a huge jump from $807 in 2011, for their child to go to prom. Yet, there are a number of ways for your teen to save big without forfeiting a good time. After all, it is prom night and any parent will want their child to have the night of their life, more than anything. Here are 5 ways to save money on the biggest prom night expenses.
- One of the biggest expenses for prom night is transportation. It is usually customary to take the biggest, longest limo so that you can show off to your friends. However, that limo can cost up to $500 or more, just for the night. In addition, limos are not good for the environment. Why not opt for a sedan, which can save a few dollars and the environment? Or if one of your friends’ parents has a cool, old car with a convertible top, why not take that?
- Another big expense is the pre-prom meal. A group of 6 or more people to go out to dinner will really add up, and when your parents see the bill on their next credit card statement their mouths might drop. So why not designate a certain friend’s house and have a potluck dinner of sorts. This can be a fun way to save money, but not run out of food. You might even have some left over.
- Also, it might be tempting to keeping heading over to the photo booth to get your picture taken with all your friends, but over the course of a night that can really add up. Why not take your own camera and take your own pictures of the night. Luckily, with higher megapixel cameras on our smartphones the pictures will look just as good on your social network.
- And for ladies, when you are searching for “prom dresses 2013” online you should always try and find the best deal. If you’ve found something in a major chain, the chances are that you can find a much better deal online. You could even visit a smaller boutique that needs the patronage or a vintage shop for your prom dress. Going vintage is also a great way to stand out from the crowd.
- For the guys, your suit is going to cost a fortune to own or a small fortune to rent. Why not go second hand or see if your dad or another relative has a suit in your size that you can wear. On prom night guys can pay up to a staggering $500 just for a suit. Keep in mind that you will be wearing the suit just for one night and usually in a very dim light – so is it worth it to spend that much just on a suit?