Prom on a Budget
It’s that time of year again… For many people it’s the best time of the year, but for others it’s the worst. Between finding a date, determining hair and makeup, and picking out the perfect dress, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Let’s face it: we use prom as an excuse to spend money we shouldn’t. When you find that oh-so-perfect dress and that one of a kind pair of pumps, the price tag is typically overlooked and mom or dad’s wallet opens up. So the SKHS Style Guide is here to help when your parent says no to your pricey selection.
Shopping on a budget can be extremely difficult, especially when you have expensive taste. But you’re in luck, as there are hundreds of cheaper alternatives out there that will fit your style. There are many brands that recreate tons of fabulous looks for a reasonable price, so if you find a dress you love but it is out of your price range, just keep looking!
Tip: When looking for dresses online, many websites offer filters to narrow down results to fit your style and budget.
Professional hair and makeup can get very pricey. If you have a friend or family member that has the necessary skills, you can ask them to do it for you. Also keep in mind, you don’t have to have someone else do your hair and makeup. There are plenty of looks you can practice doing on yourself in the weeks (or even months!) before prom arrives.
Tip: Websites like Pinterest are great for finding hairstyles and makeup ideas. (Many posts contain links to video tutorials!)
For the juniors at SKHS, this year’s prom will be a totally new experience. For the seniors however, preparations for prom are sure to be a lot smoother than last year, since this is “prom round two.” Mistakes made during last year’s prom preparation can be used as lessons learned and help you make better decisions during this year’s prep.
Tip: Don’t forget to include ticket price in your budget. Ticket prices range anywhere from $20-$100 depending on the venue (This year’s senior prom is at Belle Mer.).
Something every girl seems to forget is dress sharing. Remember that dress you totally loved that one of your bffs wore? If she’s about the same size as you, ask to borrow it! This works especially well with friends that go to other schools. That way, the dress is new and nobody can say: “hey didn’t *insert bffs name* wear that last year?”…
Speaking of wearing a dress someone else has worn, there are prom dress consignment shops and websites where you can buy a barely worn prom dress for a fraction of its original price. Granted it will take a little extra time and effort, but the results can really pay off.
Prom season is a time of stress and spending money, but with a little extra planning, you can save time, money and yourself!
