“What color is your dress going to be?”
“Have you bought your ticket yet?”
“Who are you going to vote for king and queen?”
The ‘night of all nights’ is right around the corner, and it’s all anybody can talk about. 
Questions spiral 24/7, but nobody talks about how prom can be a one-way ticket to debt.
For instance, you’re paying $70 to float around a ballroom and awkwardly smile through small talk. If you add on a flashy limousine and high-end dinner, that’s another $150.
Oh, and we can’t forget about the overpriced dress or tuxedo you’re itching in for three hours.
Why do we throw so much money around for a night that falls short of our childhood dreams? It seems like everyone turns a blind eye to the hefty price tag and sucks it up, but is anyone really getting their money’s worth?
The way I see it, prom is a high school souvenir. It’s your last chance to get dressed up and let loose before adulthood asks you to straighten up. Even so, you should not have to break your bank to enjoy your last moments of the crazy teenage life you waited for all your childhood.
So if you want to make the most out of the ‘night of all nights’ without blowing your wallet, consider these alternatives!
Dress with no stress
“Cheap” and “high quality” aren’t typically a packaged deal, but they do cross over sometimes. Instead of spending hours at the mall shuffling through half-empty racks, you can surf the web and find a plethora of styles tailored to your interests and budget. Online clothing stores like Cider, Lulus and Princess Polly offer fashionable, trendy dresses for manageable prices with durable fabrics.
If you still want to experience the thrill of shopping in-store, renting or thrifting your dress or suit might be the next best option.
DIY your dazzle
Although accessories may not be the centerpiece of your outfit, they add flair and fun. For example, a corsage and boutonniere give your look a touch of romance and classiness. Since they tend to be on the pricier side, you can hand make your jewelry to match the aesthetic of your dress or suit with earrings or a necklace. All you need to do is gather materials from your local craft store, find your toolbox and design it yourself. Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Dollar Tree may have the items you’re looking for, so search there before you add that accessory to your shopping cart.
Not only will this ensure that your accessories are up to par with your vision, but it also allows you to put a productive twist on your prom experience.
Dancing and dining
Treating yourself to a quality meal on a special night is a must, but dining at a fancy restaurant isn’t the only option. You can always invite your friends over before or after prom for a potluck dinner. The food palette is in your hands for the night, ensuring that there is variety for all different taste buds.
If preparing a dish and hosting a food party won’t fit into your schedule, fret not! There are a diverse array of restaurants waiting for you to walk through their doors. Be sure to scour the internet for a nearby location that offers reasonable prices within the time frame you desire to dine.
Now, these aren’t your only avenues to budget for prom. There are so many nooks and crannies of prom that you can budget with. Just remember that no matter how grand the opportunity, it shouldn’t cost you a fortune. You can most certainly dance the night away without a trail of debt following you.
