Planning ahead can significantly cut down on prom expenses, say local retailers. But it will require a little shopping around, they say. Those who plan ahead can save hundreds of dollars on prom dress, accessories, flowers and transportation for the big night. Here are some tips to cut corners on prom costs this year:
The dress:
According to Ray Gilson, the assistant manager at Encore Upscale Resale Shop in Southfield, girls can buy gently used prom dresses for $8 to $20 in his shop. And no one needs to know it was worn once before, Gilson said.
Dresses at retail stores and boutiques can be costly, so another strategy is to consider buying a dress online to bring down the cost. This means you can’t try on the dress until after it is delivered, so shop early in case it’s necessary to return. If alterations are needed, you can work out all of your fitting issues and height requirements and make sure the dress is everything you dreamed of without paying too much for it.
You could also find a dress on craigslist. Many people sell their dresses on the online directory, and it is sometimes possible to meet up with the seller and try on the dress before buying it.
The jewelry:
Why buy new jewelry when Mom and Grandma have a stash that they never wear? Take a dive, with permission, of course, into a relative’s jewelry box. You might be surprised what antique jewelry you could make fun and modern for your prom and make the perfect accent to your dress.
The flowers:
Corsages at flower shops can cost a nice chunk of change (about $24 for a corsage and about $12 for a boutonniere). Instead of buying flowers, put together your own floral pieces with flowers clipped with permission from a neighbor’s garden.
Hair and nails:
Fifty dollar sew-ins at the weave shop on top of buying the hair itself? Paying $35-$50 for a press and curl? Extra charges for up-dos? Forget that. Put your friendships to good use. On the day of prom, have a pamper party for you and your friends. Do each other’s hair and nails for the spa effect, without the spa cost.
The ride:
Limo and rental car prices have you nervous? Find a relative with a cool car instead. Use your natural charm and wits to your advantage or consider offering to do errands for the relative in exchange for borrowing the keys. It may seem like mission impossible, but with a little conviction and proof of responsibility, Dad’s Mustang or Uncle Lester’s Chrysler 300 could be yours for the night.
The party:
Hotel rooms are not cheap, especially during Prom season. Instead of paying a load of money to have an after-party, attend someone else’s.
If you still feel the need to be the life of the party, you and 34 of your friends could split the cost for a party bus instead of a limo. A 35-passenger party bus will cost approximately $150 per hour if rented from Party Bus Detroit. That comes down to about $4.29 cents a person per hour. A steal!