Ah, the quintessential high school rite of passage: prom. Prom has been glamorized in movies, tv shows, music videos, and books for decades. It’s an opportunity to get decked out, dance your heart out with your friends, and begin the downhill ride to the end of your high school career.
Between hair, makeup, the cost for a tuxedo or dress, limousines, and food, the price tag can add up quickly. We’re here to dispel the myth that prom has to be expensive to be memorable, so we’ve highlighted six ways to save beaucoup bucks and still have the prom you’ve always dreamed of.
If you’re in search of the perfect prom dress, one easy tactic to save money right off the bat is to try shopping for your prom dress in the last quarter of the year. Most stores are looking to make room for next year’s dress collections, so they’ll have deep discounts on a lot of their inventory.
For tuxedos, renting is a popular option but do some digging - you may be able to buy one brand new for the same price as renting. The advantage of purchasing a new one is that you’ll be able to wear it multiple years (if your prom is for more than just high school seniors). Another option would be to consider wearing a suit and tie instead of the more formal tuxedo. You could also consider borrowing a tux from a friend or family member - the cost of dry cleaning is minimal compared to purchasing or renting one.
Finally, for either option, vintage or consignment stores often have formal dresses and suits available for a fraction of the cost of new. Prom attire is often only worn once, and people tend to donate their lightly used formal wear. If your style is on the quirky side or your prom isn’t super formal, these kinds of retailers have everything you need for a unique, perfect-for-you look.
If you find the ideal outfit for a stellar price, but it doesn’t fit quite right, just have it altered!
Scratch the plans for an expensive dinner and have a potluck at someone’s house. You can set a fun theme, give everyone a budget so no one is spending too much on their dish, and be more relaxed while enjoying the meal.
You could even spice things up a bit by having a contest to see who made the best food or add a mocktail bar with fancy non-alcoholic drinks! You’ll save a ton of money by staying in but won’t sacrifice any of the fun.
Prom is the perfect time to raid mom and grandma’s jewelry boxes. You can don their sparkliest jewelry or longest string of pearls, and it won’t cost you a dime. Wearing a tux? See if dad or grandpa have vintage cufflinks or a tie pin for you to wear.
If you share a shoe size with a relative and there’s a cool pair of kicks in their closet that you’ve always admired, see if they’d let you borrow them for the night, and your prom outfit is complete!
These days, it’s easy to find an online tutorial for easy formal hairdos and makeup looks. Find a look you love and practice recreating it several times so you’re a pro when prom rolls around. Maybe you’ve got a friend who’s talented with a makeup brush or who loves doing hair. See if they’d be willing to help you get ready at home. Or you could scout local beauty schools or junior stylists who would be able to help you achieve your dream look for less.
Skip the fancy limo and hitch a ride with a bunch of your friends in the family car instead. Not only will this save you money, as hiring a private car service is pricey, but you can make it a ride to remember. Decorate the car with washable paint and streamers so your ride is as fancy as your dress. Put together a playlist to get you hyped on your way to prom. Just make sure everyone has their seatbelt on, and you’re good to go!
While flowers are beautiful, don’t feel compelled to adorn yourself with them for prom. They’re an unnecessary expense, and they’ll likely get wilted and beat up by the end of a night packed with dancing anyway.
If a corsage or boutonniere is a must for you, DIY it! Grab a bunch of flowers at your local grocery store or farmer’s market, and using a little floral tape and floral wire, you can channel your inner artist to create your own masterpiece to complement your style.
At prom and beyond, PSECU is here to help you navigate all the important milestones in your life. We offer banking services and a full suite of financial education resources to help you succeed for a lifetime. Check out our WalletWorks page for more helpful tips, and learn more about becoming a PSECU member.