How much will Prom cost me?

How much will prom cost me? Here is our experience of a special prom experience that was on a budget.

It may be in the next year, or it could be something you are thinking about much more in advance? The cost of prom is something that can be a financial worry for some, looming on the horizon.  I’ll admit having gone through the process this year, I really didn’t know what to expect, but knew our budget was not big.  So I’m hoping that I can give you some ideas and allay a few fears too.  We all know that these figures will differ depending on the style of prom, and also what your child is like. Also you may have a larger or smalled budget than us.  I want to give you some ideas today, maybe a little nudge to believe that you can save money.  Believe me, it can be very expensive but with careful planning, I firmly believe it doesn’t need to be.

This is my daughter with her friend at a pre-prom party.

So from the start, there are some things that you can’t effect. The first being the cost of the prom ticket.  It’s also important to note that some of these costs as I have a daughter may not apply if you have a son. Some things we did ourselves others we delegated to the experts and I think we got a happy medium. I think it’s a good idea to say to your child very early on that its important that they have a great prom experience, and that you’d like to work with them to make it that way. that way you can open up the subject of budget.

Our Costs

Prom ticket – £25

Makeup – FREE

If they enjoy makeup and have had lots of experience, then the most cost-effective way is to do it yourself.  It might mean you need to buy a few items, but of course they can continue to use them.  This might not be an option for you though, so asking a makeup mad friend or relative could be the next best cost effective option.  You can even make an appointment at places like MAC and they will do their makeup and also add false eyelashes if you wanted them.  Make an appointment early though, as these go very quickly!

Hair – £15  It could cost you much more, however.

We saved money as when Nia went to have her haircut as normal, she asked for her hair to be styled as it would be on prom night.  Then Nia tried on her dress to check we were happy with it once we got home. So we only needed a wash and style on the day of the event,  This will change depending on what you need, but the cost on the day for us was £15.

Nails – £25-£50

You can, of course, do your own nails (including toes) and this may save you money. However, if you factor in the polish, top and base coat it might not save as much as you think. In the end, my daughter wanted acrylics, something she’s always wanted but I’d always vetoed so that’s the way she went.  She considered it an investment for the summer.  I must admit they looked great and held up well.  However, she did say she wouldn’t have them in the future.

Eyelashes £35+

Lash extensions do seem the norm at prom time.  We are really lucky to have a very local beautician that offers lashes and lash treatments, as well as facials etc.  In the end, rather than apply lash extensions at £45+ that would last around two weeks Nia went for a lash lift that would last for the whole summer.  On the day Nia added a few individual lashes. So she looked really natural but they really opened the eye up. A pack of individual lashes can be picked up for around £6 at places like Boots and Superdrug.

Dress or Suit – Cost? £££

I really do think this is something that you can be really creative on.  Think outside of the box in order to save money.  Look in the sales just after Christmas, as that tends to be the time when shops discount eveningwear. Visit Depop and eBay for dresses teens have worn the previous year. Make sure you take measurements though and use those to ask all of the right questions. Also consider hiring, as it may save you money if there is something very specific that you need.

Or do what we did, which happened quite by fluke.  Nia’s Aunty was sending to charity a bag of clothing and dresses and within that bad was a brand new with tags Versace dress. She tried it on and it fitted perfectly. However, we would have considered altering it if it needed it. So if you have a relative or friend who happens to have a really cool evening dress then don’t be afraid to ask if you can borrow or buy something from them that they no longer need.

Bag, Jewellery & Shoes

The time of year you buy these could be crucial as around Christmas time and winter you do seem to find items suitable for proms, and waiting for the sales in January, the price is even better. Now for us, the jewellery that my daughter used were pieces given to her by family.  So they actually meant something as well looking very vintage and unique.  I gave her a really delicate diamond necklace that her Dad gave to me many years ago and it just worked so perfect. Shoes were a tricky one for us, Nia is quite tall but wanted to wear something with a heal that suited her dress. We eventually found some kitten-heeled ones in the sale, and because her dress was so long, you couldn’t actually see but a mere hint at the shoe. Handbag wise, this is another one where you can use your imagination, visiting vintage shops or ebay looking for something someone else no longer wants, and you get a bag that no one else will have!

Incidentals

Always have a cushion of money for unforeseen things that may happen at the last minute, as well as travel to and from the event.  Often with these events, there is a pre and post-prom party, so those need to be also accounted for.  We need a dress for that too! In terms of travel, many times one family may arrange a form of special travel and that actually was a brilliant idea as the bus was something I don’t think anyone will ever forget. I do hope that this has helped answer the burning question of how much prom will cost.