Saving Money on Prom Expenses

As with everything else in this world the cost of everything associated with attending prom is rising. A USA Today survey indicated prom expensees range anywhere from $400 to $1500 depending on the location and how elaborate everything involved is. Prom is a memorable event for high school students that they should not be denied of due to the expense. Here are a few suggestions for ways to cut prom expenses:

Prom Dress-Rather than spending big buck on a new dress check with friends or family members to see if they might have a an appropriate dress to borrow. You may be able to find a nice used dress at a consignment shop or on Ebay. If you are not able to borrow a dress consider purchasing one that you know you will at least be able to get more than one night's wear out of. Something classic and in a solid color can be dressed up with accessories.

Jewelry- Search through your jewelry box to see if you might already have appropriate jewelry. If not invite your friends over for a jewelry exchange where everyone brings their own jewelry to see if you could borrow from each other. No luck with that, than purchase some costume jewelry or take a jewelry making class at a local craft store and make your own.

Shoes- Remember you will probably only wear these shoes a few times, so it is not necessary to spend lots of money on a pair of shoes that will last a lifetime. You can find some really trendy shoes at discount store like Payless and Target.

Hair- Decide if you are going to wear your hair down or in an updo. Check with friends and family. If you do not have a friend or family member who is good with hair you might want to make an appointment. Contact a local cosmetology school to see if you can schedule an appointment for an updo or styling. Their rates should be cheaper than a professional stylist.

Makeup- Many department store cosmetic counters offer free consultations. Begin checking at your local department stores early in the season and schedule an appointment.

Nails- This is definitely an area to save money. Yes, your nails should look nice, but there is no need to spend $45 or more on them. Have a friend or cosmetology student do them for you.

Tuxedo- Guys can save money on tuxedo rentals by shopping around. Many tuxedo rental stores offer a free father of the bride tuxedo when the groomsmen's tuxedos are rented which is equivalent to a group discount. Check with the local shops to see if they could give a group discount if you are able to get a certain number of your friends to rent from them for the prom.

Flowers- Boutonnieres are fairly easy to assemble. Buy store bought flowers and check on line for directions(http://www.ehow.com/how_17568_make-boutonniere-wedding.html). Wrist corsages are better left to professionals. Another suggestion is if your school or another one in your area has a horticulture department, you may be able to order your flowers through them for cheaper,

Limo Rental-Begin comparing prices and booking early in the season. The closer you get to prom the higher the rental price will go. Try to get the maximum occupancy for the vehicle and split the cost between all riders. Alternately, if a family member has a really nice vehilce ask to borrow it or ask an older sibling or friend to chauffeur.

Dinner- Save money on an expensive meal out by eating at home. Guys, your dates would be really impressed if you prepared a meal for them. Create some ambiance with candles and flower petals or do a picnic in the park or on the beach. This creates for a much more relaxed dinner, you can enjoy at your own pace.

Some businesses may offer you a discount on their product or services if you provide free advertising for them. You could pass out flyers, hang a magnetic sign to your car, advertise during your school's morning announcements, or coordinate a prom fashion show. So you see there are ways to look great for prom without breaking your bank.