Is Prom Too Expensive? Three Great Ways to Save Money

As you excitedly prepare for your prom night, you may realize that the price tag of one fancy night of dancing is getting rather steep. Fear not! Your prom night will be memorable and fun, even if you're working on a bit of a budget. Believe it or not, you can still get your hair done by professionals, wear an amazing gown, and dance the night away in style without breaking the bank. Don't get discouraged by the high price of prom! Just follow the following tips to keep your prom glamorous and still within your means.

Get your hair and makeup done at your local college of cosmetology
A friend of mine did this for every one of our formal dances, and always looked gorgeous! Getting your hair and makeup done by students will save you a lot of money, because most beauty schools will give their students credit for practicing on you, while charging you very little, or nothing at all. The students get practice, and you get a cheap up-do, and everyone wins!

Buy your dress in the off-season
I know it can be difficult to get into the shopping mood when prom isn't looming, but if you shop for dresses in the months after prom instead of the months before, you'll save a ton of money, and still find a high-quality gown. So, if you're a junior, shop for your senior prom gown after this year's prom! Not only will you save a bundle of cash, but it's possible that this year's prom dresses won't be available in stores next year, so you'll definitely stand out from the crowd at next year's prom.

Don't bother with a limo
Honestly, this is one of those aspects of prom that's much more important in movies and mythology than it ever is in real life. Riding in limos is cool, but it's way overpriced, and the limited limo seating causes more social drama than it's worth. Do you really want to be crammed into a limo with as many people as will fit just because you all wanted to save some money? No! You'll be wearing a beautiful (and possibly voluminous) dress, your hair will be perfect, and you don't want an overly cramped car ride to mess you up before your big evening. Trust me, there's no shame in riding in a normal car with friends, or in having your dad drop you off around the corner. Of all the things you remember about your prom night, your transportation really won't be a biggie.