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I don’t think I need to tell you that prom can be expensive! Even if your budget conscious, prom expenses can really add up. According to a survey by Visa, the American teen will spend an average of $1,139 this year on everything related to prom night.
I want you all to feel super glamorous at your prom, but I also don’t want you to feel like you have to break the bank to have a fun time. Sticking to a budget is definitely a reality for some of us – it totally was for me when I was getting ready for prom. In the end, I think I maybe spent $50 on two years of prom, and I had a great time at both, so I know a prom on the cheap is possible!
We’ve come up with some creative prom ideas that can help save you money. I’ve done a little research as to how much typical prom items could cost and then offering some inexpensive alternatives right after. Honestly, if you have money for some of the splurge-y things, that’s totally your choice too! There are just a couple ways you can try to cut your prom costs. By how much? Click all the way through to the end to see your potential savings!
Shoes
You are going to want to dance the night away, so it's important to pick a pair of shoes you feel comfortable in. I love the look of these sparkly ones, but they cost $63.29. Buy them from TideBuy.comShoes
Our very own Jamie showed us how to make these DIY bedazzled heels yourself. Jamie said she's working with a pair of $10 heels and she said she got her rhinestones online for less than $3 each (so 5 bags at about $3 comes out to $15). Plus, a $2 jewel setter, costing you about $27 to make Jamie's shoes. Watch this episode of Do It, GurlDress
The Daily Mail spoke with a rep from David's Bridal, who said the average girls were spending on prom dresses there this year was $170. So we will go with that one (in fact the one in this picture costs $169.99!). Buy it now from David's BridalDress
You can look at your local mall or thrift store to find lower priced dresses than those online, but for an even cheaper fix, just raid a friend's closet. I borrowed my friend's dress for my senior prom and was able to pocket that money. Seriously, there's a good chance your friends have dresses that no one in your group has even seen before (like from weddings or family events), so swap among each other for unique and free dresses. Source: Shutterstock.comCorsage
You may buy your own corsage or your date may offer to, but in any case, a corsage can be kind of pricey. Still, there are a lot of beautiful options out there, like this one for $39.99 from FTD.com. Buy it now from FTD.comCorsage
You could forgo a traditional corsage (like my brother did for his dates...) or make one from a fresh flower in your garden. Another low-cost fix? Trying out Jamie's corsage tutorial. As she points out, her option costs under $15! Watch this episode of Do It, GurlFake Tan
Being tan is definitely not a prom necessity, but I know a lot of girls liked to go spray tanning (but seriously, avoid tanning beds!) before prom. According to my research, spray tans at a booth can run up to $60. Source: Shutterstock.comFake Tan
Our very own Caitlin swears by Fake Bake as a way to look tan without going in a harmful tanning bed. This product only sets you back $19. Buy it from Drugstore.comManicure
According to my research (and confirmed by my general experience), manicures can typically run between $10 - $30. That'll depend where you live and what kind of designs or style you want, but still, it's definitely something that you would have to budget into your prom spending. For this, we'll say it'll cost you $20. Source: Shutterstock.comManicure
You can use polish you already have at home, but if you need to buy some new colors or a glitter polish, Jamie said she got her four bottles for less than a dollar each, making this look cost only about $4. Don't trust yourself to do your nails nearly on your own? Get a friend or sibling to help you out and then return the favor. Watch this episode of Do It, GurlTransportation
You'll likely be splitting it among your friends, but even still, a limo can cost a pretty penny. I never did the limo thing, so I did some research and apparently it isn't uncommon for a company to offer a prom rate for the night (rather than paying by the hour). That could run between $500 - $1000 and then factor in how many friends will be splitting it. For the sake of this, let's say it's $600 and you split it with 6 friends, totaling your portion at $100. Source: Shutterstock.comTransportation
Have your own car? Clean it up nice in the days before prom (wash, vacuum, freshen it up) so it's basically like a new car for when you roll into prom. Also, you could ask to borrow your parent's car if it's a little nicer than yours. Still want the chauffeur experience? Ask your older sibling to drive you (they remember wanting to look cool at prom and will try not to say anything embarrassing). We'll say these alternatives all cost only $5 for gas. Source: Shutterstock.comFinal Total
Choosing all of the first choices, your prom budget could set you back around $453.28. Like I said, if you have the money to pay for that, you totally have the right to do so for your prom. Plus, you can always mix and match, deciding to splurge on some aspects of prom and save on others! Source: Shutterstock.comFinal Total
If you followed all of your prom alternatives, your budget only came to $70. Woohoo! Doing prom on a budget doesn't have to be dismal or tacky. There are definitely ways that you can still feel amazing and smile that you were able to save some bucks! Source: Shutterstock.comHow much are you planning to spend on prom? What are ideas that you have to save money on prom preparation? Tell us in the comments!
Your Complete Guide To Prom Prep
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