Saving on Prom Costs, from Limo Rental to Prom Dresses

While many teens look forward to Junior and Senior prom nights, others worry about how they'll manage to fit in and afford the costs. Even modest prom costs for females can run as high as $500 or more (and that isn't counting limo rental) while the males get off a bit easier at around $300 or so.

But there are some ingenious ways to trim the budget while ending up with a night that no one will know is inexpensive or any different than those who spend thousands. Here are the major expense for prom night and how to save to each.

Start with the prom dress

This is the natural focus for many young women. Unaccustomed to dressing formally, trying on prom dresses can be nervewracking. It can be worse if the budget is tight. Try these options and see which one works best for your budget:

One site I find very helpful is www.promgirl.com/shop/promdresses-by-price/promdresses-under-100 at the Prom Girl online store. Even if you feel a bit wary of buying a dress online, you'll find plenty of helpful info at this site. Look through the various prom dresses and check out the section on finding a dress by body type, type of prom and other features. There is even a Dress your Date section! Prices for dresses start at around $79.00

If even $79.00 or up is too much for your budget, have a look at www.princessproject.org/princess/resources/events-near-you/ also know as the Princess Project. This site was featured on the Tyra Banks show.The Princess Project provides prom dresses, absolutely free, to young women who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Accessories and other items are also available.

Contact your local dry cleaners. Amazingly, some of them have prom dress drives, offering to take dresses that have been worn only once and then donating them to needy young females.

Then there is Ebay at www.ebay.com My only suggestion would be to check seller feedback carefully. Make sure there is a reasonable return policy.

Don't ignore designer outlet stores or even thrift shops. Some have excusive sections for prom dresses and upscale clothing.

Once you have an idea of what prom dress you want, consider hiring someone to sew it for you, using fabric you've bought yourself, preferably at a bargain rate. Even with labor thrown in, you could get a great dress.

Line up a limo or have someone else drive you to the prom

You can check out the availability of limos across the country from this site, www.limos.com/limoSearch.aspx at Limos.com, as well as get some good tips on saving money without running the risk of a late limo driver. After all, what good is saving on prom expenses if you don't make it to the prom in time? To make the most of your money and not waste the cost of those prom expenses, be sure you get a signed contract from the limo company and make sure you see a model of the limo you'll have that night.

To save even more, consider splitting costs with another couple for limo rental. Finally, think about the ultimate way to save on the cost of a limo - don't use one but cut back on prom expenses even more by having a family member or friend drive you to the prom. That way, you'll have more money to spend in other areas.

Saving on the cost of a tuxedo

First of all, don't buy one unless you get a super deal. Instead, consider borrowing one from a friend, sibling or someone else you know. Not all school proms in a town occur on the same day so it is possible that a friend's tuxedo could be worn by you the week after he does. This only cuts back on prom expenses if you happen to be the same size as your friend or can wear the same tuxedo. If so, you're in luck!

Other options are Craig's list and Ebay. You can find Craig's list at www.craigslist.org/about/sites.html and the Ebay link is provided above. Both may have prom dresses. Don't forget the classified section of your local newspaper.

Saving on dinner or the before and after prom meals

Call around town and see if any restaurants are offering special prom package deals. If not, think about having a dinner with friends at your home,which has the benefit of being more personal, less noisy and potentially more fun than eating in a restaurant.

Consider planning and cooking dinner with your date or, at the least, have it picked up from a restaurant. Split the cost with another couple. If your parents are good cooks, consider asking them to help out and splurge on one wonderful signature dish from a restaurant.

Prom Photos

While you may want to use the services of a professional photographer part of the time, also bring along your own portable or even disposable cameras. That way, you won't spend a fortune on great photos but will have some taken by a professional as well.

Prom expenses: saving on flowers

Getting fresh flowers and making your own corsage is not hard.Yes, the guy may want to pay for one but you could learn to create your own as well. He could pick up the flowers.

Consider the total effect

Candlelit dinners, even at home and printed menus could make things easy.

Special tips that could save more money

Always ask about student discount, especially for package deals. Plan ahead and get your dress and hairstyle figured out in advance.