Money Saving Wednesday…or Thursday…Prom

March 03, 2010 Comment

Yes, prom season is almost here. Start your planning now. I have always have a love hate relationship with Prom. When I went to prom I wore a dress that I had worn as a bridesmaid. I wore it for two years! That would be unthinkable by many now. For me this is another case of priority. I did not marry either of the guys I went to prom with, in fact I never saw one of them after he graduated. I had a great time at prom but in reality it really was just another date.

It is time to end the idiocy of prom. I was blown away when my oldest told me some of her friends were going to rent a limo for the EIGHTH GRADE DANCE!! Prom and eighth grade dances can be memorable, fun nights on a budget.

Boutonnieres and corsages are easy to make. Our son was invited by a friend to prom. It was her senior year and she hadn’t been asked. They decided they were going to enjoy the dance and friends but that they were not going to spend a fortune on a prom that was just a night to have fun. They both thought spending money was crazy. I told him he had to have a corsage and we were going to make one. I went to the yard and picked some miniature roses and wild flowers and made a wristlet. It was gorgeous and cost us nothing. There are plenty of places on line to get directions for corsages and boutonnières of all types.

Make your own jewelry. Rather than have others give you strange looks prom night you will more likely be the one who is the talk of night with unique jewelry which perfectly matches your gown. Again there are lots of directions on line.

Instead of renting a limo, borrow a car. Someone in your family is bound to have a car that will blow people away, a convertible, classic car even a classic truck. If you just have to have a limo, go for it but split the cost with friends.

Hold a Spa Day with friends. Let’s admit it half the fun of prom is being with your girls friends.
Keep your hairdo simple and do each others. Don’t stop there, do each other’s makeup, manicures, and pedicures.

Have a group dinner at a home. We have done this several ways. Our son and his friends all chipped in $5.00 for the cost of food and I made a fabulous four course dinner. We had candles and flowers on the tables, used our best dishes and served as waiters. Another year the girls all got together and made dinner. Again we served and of course, we did all the cleanup.

Host a dress swap. If you don’t sew ask a friend or family member to help alter a dress to change the look or to update. Adding sleeves, adding a scarf or sewing on some pearls or rhinestones can completely change the look and no one will ever notice that it is the same dress a friend wore previously. If you have family member who live in another area swap dresses with them. Dresses can also be rented or just borrowed. You can also check out discount store, bridal shops and even consignment stores. One year I got a winter formal dress for my daughter at a bridal shop that was marked down from $149.00 to $29.00!

It is also lots of fun to go vintage. Check the attic and closets of family members for their old dresses. My bridesmaid/prom dress was multicolored and looked like someone had taken a paint brush and just flung the paint. It was turquoise and pink….today’s hot colors!

And then there are shoes. Be comfortable. Prom dresses are usually long and a date is not paying attention to your shoes. I know so many girls who have gotten flip flop or other simple sandals and added rhinestones for a unique, comfortable, look.

Skip the photos. After dinner at home we would set up a camera on a tripod and take lots and lots of pictures. Couple pictures, group pictures and pictures that were designed to highlight the hobbies and interests of the couple. One of our son’s friends is an awesome musician. We took his picture with his date at the piano. This is what we do with wedding pictures. We don’t stand the bride and groom in front of a phony backdrop.

Hold the after party at a home. Many families now have theaters in their homes or at the least, big screen TVs. Show a fun movie and serve popcorn and root beer floats. If you have a home with a pool, ping pong table, foosball…what more could the kids want? If you don’t have those things but a friend does, borrow them. Host an after prom breakfast. Make a buffet with pancakes, fruit, eggs, muffins, juices, hot chocolate…. When I went to prom one year we all went home after the dance and slept for a few hours. At 9am the guys picked us up and we went to the beach for the day. That was the best! We were somewhat rested, got out of those uncomfortable formal clothes, and had a terrific time, twice.

Everyone can enjoy prom and create wonderful memories while not breaking the bank. Give kids a budget and tell them what they save they can keep! Make the budget small enough for you to be comfortable.

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