In the whirl of excitement around prom, it’s easy to forget that the costs of attending the formal event can really add up fast. For girls, especially, it be a stressful time, but the hope is that it is worth it in the end.  

Things to plan for include: the dress, shoes, hair, pictures, and prom tickets, but don’t forget the other extras  like makeup, spray tans, limos, jewelry, manis, pedis, flowers, and after prom activities. 

The average costs for prom can vary by year and region, but if girls start planning early, they can save and budget for the night of your dreams. Girls need to start saving for prom as early as six months ahead of time so that the costs of prom don’t sneak up on them. 

It’s smart to create a realistic prom budget. If girls are lucky enough to have a parent or guardian contribute to their prom fund, be sure to discuss the matter together before setting a budget.

First, girls need to decide how much money they would be able to spend for their necessary prom purchases. 

Then, girls should make a list of the extras that would make their prom perfect.

“I started making a list of everything I wanted for my prom night the second I found out when prom was. When you make a list it makes everything easier so you know you aren’t forgetting about anything,” said junior Ellie Vahl. 

Next to each item, girls need to note how much they think that they can put towards it, making sure that it does not go over the total amount they had initially decided that they could spend. Everyone needs to do a little research online for businesses in their area, then jot down the estimated cost for each item in the next column.

Once girls have their budget figured out, it’s time to start the search for essentials.

Hopefully girls have all of the accessories for the prom dress picked out and purchased by one month before prom. That’s also the time to order the boutonniere or corsage from the local florist.

Girls need to finalize and verify any hair, nail, or make-up appointments that they have made for the day before or day of prom.

Be sure to choose jewelry, shoes, and a clutch that beautifully accent the dress without overpowering it.

If prom includes sleepovers or weekend trips with friends, they’ll need to be prepared to have spending money for that as well.

The day before prom is a good day to prepare all prom stuff and pack a change of clothes, depending upon the after-prom plans.

Girls should lay out their prom makeup, stare at their beautiful prom dress for a minute, scrub their face, and get themselves to bed early for well-deserved beauty sleep.