As March comes to a close, prom is the only thing on students’ minds. For most of our childhood, prom has been advertised as one of the best nights of our teenage lives. After watching our Disney Channel favorites dress in extravagant gowns and get asked out by their Prince Charming, it’s only reasonable to be left with high expectations. However, these fairytale stories forgot to mention one thing: the cost.
With most prom dresses ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars, many people feel pressure to shell out for a one-time-wear dress. On top of dress costs, it’s common for students to pay upwards of $100 for manicures and pedicures, another $100 for shoes, $60 for a Sephora makeover and another $100 for hairstyling. That’s all before you even pay for your ticket or transportation. Needless to say, the expenses add up quickly. Although some prom-goers may want to spend this kind of money to design their fantasy night, this budget is unrealistic and frankly unnecessary. Here are some ways to make prom more affordable without sacrificing any elegance or excitement.
The Prom Boutique
The annual prom boutique, hosted this year by The Village Corte Madera, is an excellent option if you want to be stylish and trendy but pay no money. Leadership has organized the Prom Boutique for the last three years, gathering donations from brands like Windsor and Birdy Grey. This year, the Prom Boutique boasts 1,000 items, with around 800 dresses, all free of charge. The boutique also offers bags, purses, shoes and other accessories and is giving out suits and tuxedos for the first time. All attire sold at the boutique is either brand new or lightly worn, ensuring great quality at no cost. Not only is this a good option for your wallet, but it is a good option for the community. Shopping at the Prom Boutique is a great way to support your fellow students and is a more environmentally conscious option compared to shopping at fast fashion brands like Lucy In The Sky.
By Rotation
Another great option that many students don’t take advantage of is prom rentals. Although it’s common to rent suits and tuxedos, many overlook this option regarding dresses and gowns. By Rotation is a luxury rental service listing designer dresses from brands like House of CB, Reformation, Zimmerman, Christian Louboutin and Chanel. By Rotation makes it possible to rent a $745 Retrofête dress for only $30 per day. There are even less expensive options, including dress rentals for less than $10 per day. If you are looking to spice up your prom night attire with designer shoes, bags or hair accessories, By Rotation also allows you to do daily accessory rentals. However, if renting doesn’t appeal to you or if you want to keep your dress as a prom-night keepsake, this service also allows you to buy used dresses and accessories at a discount of up to $200.
Rent the Runway
Another luxury rental service, similar to By Rotation, is Rent the Runway. With this platform, you can sign up for a subscription plan, pick five to 10 items (depending on your subscription plan) and only pay your monthly fee. During prom season, you can pay the flat fee, receive multiple options in the mail and choose from a wide array of luxury dresses. If you don’t want to make a subscription, you can rent individual prom dresses by clicking on the event tab and selecting “prom.” With over 750 designer brands, Rent the Runway allows one-time rentals for four or eight days, ranging from $35 to $80 per day. Shipping is free for individual dress rentals and you are also guaranteed one free back-up size if the original dress doesn’t fit.
DIY Flowers
Rather than spending even more of your prom budget on a corsage, boutonniere or bouquet, make your own floral arrangements! Going to a flower shop or even going on a walk and picking your own flowers can be a beautiful and fun way to start your prom preparation. Get with a group of friends, gather some yarn, cut-up grocery bags and set out on your adventure. This activity is also a great photo opportunity if you want more casual or artsy pictures with your friends.
Pre-Prom Party
If you feel unqualified to do your own prom hair and makeup, get ready with your friends! You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars just for a basic glam makeup look and a simple half-up-half-down hairstyle. Your friends and family may be more aesthetically talented than you realize, so just ask for help! Sharing makeup with friends is not only fun but also allows you to test and use different products for free. Doing hair and makeup with your friends is cost-effective, more fun than a salon and a great way to start the festivities early. Any friend with makeup experience or who knows how to use a curling iron can significantly help in the hours leading up to picture time.
Prom doesn’t have to be stressful or financially draining as long as you prepare far enough in advance. Your prom night can be just as glamorous and memorable as you’ve always imagined it, even if you don’t break the bank to do it.
