Guide to Saving Money on Prom Expenses

Proms mark a rite of passage as high school juniors and seniors participate in their first big solo, grown up event. As with many other rites of passage which children endure, proms are also expensive. In some cases, they can be extremely expensive. For parents on a budget, finding ways to cut those prom costs without diminishing the memories or the teenage self image can be a challenge. With a little common sense and planning, prom can be an affordable event that even your teen will find acceptable.

Prom Dresses and the Tuxes. Prom dresses have changed over the years. Dresses used to come from local bridal and formal wear shops with virtually no exception. Now formal dresses are available at a number of lower cost department stores or boutiques for $75 to $100. If your daughter seeks something different, don't be afraid to check with local bridal shops. Sometimes they have specially designed and ordered dresses that were cancelled-and can be marked down by more than 50%! As for the tuxedo, rentals are certainly the best option. Begin looking early for special discounts-and don't forget that group offerings are available for more than just weddings. If your son and a group of friends rent tuxes from the same shop on the same ticket, they could be in for a hefty discount.

Prom Hair and Makeup. Expensive salon visits can certainly break the prom budget, but there are many ways to cut this cost dramatically. Consider checking with a local beauty school or even with a "walk in" chain salon. Both are significantly cheaper than full service salons and you may notice that the stylists find prom preparation fun or nostalgic and will give the girls "upgraded" treatment. Many girls even select hairstyles and makeup weeks in advance and practice making the looks just right. By prom time, they have become nearly "style experts" and can have a pre-prom hair and makeup party.

Flowers. Both boutonnieres and corsages are simple to make with just a few flowers, floral tape and some ribbon. Consider making your own from fresh or silk flowers.

Dinner Reservations. Plan a group dinner party instead of the expensive pre-prom meal or opt for a less expensive restaurant. The purpose of the traditional prom dinner is really about the attention and the chance to feel grown up in public. This can be accomplished without a $100 meal check. If the prom couple is set on a certain restaurant, look for discounts or coupons in advance. Sometimes booking as a large group gets a discount as well.

Transportation. Arriving in style in an attention getting fashion is often the goal. Whether this is by limo or horse drawn carriage, there is often a dream involved on the part of the prom couple. Again, sharing the ride with a group of friends reduces the costs-but, doing some cost comparisons and early bookings often yield a lot of savings.

Prom Pictures. Not to be cynical, but the odds are good that in 10-15 years, your daughter will not want to visit Aunt Suzy with the husband and three kids in tow to see a picture of the cute high school prom date pose on the mantle. Prom is great-but, the photo package does not really need to be larger than one to accommodate the parents and the couple and maybe a couple of close friends.

Making just a few minor changes throughout the event preparation can save a lot of money without losing any of the memory making effects. Enjoy the milestone-and look forward to the next one!