by Sora Millay

Created on: April 27, 2008

Starting with the girls first, since we're living in the internet age, there is no reason why anybody would need to buy an expensive prom dress if they didn't want to. The internet is the bargain hunter's paradise. You can get both new and used gowns on ebay, craigslist, and hundreds of websites selling gowns in any style you want, even cheong sums and saris, and often the stores throw in free shipping. I myself have bought an evening gown online for $10, which looked like it costs 10 times more. The same goes for bags, scarfs and most accessories.

My exception is for shoes, which you need to try on to check that they fit well and feel comfortable, so I wouldn't get those over the net, but check out thrift stores or try to jazz up a simple pair of heels. Of course, if you can borrow or be given everything you need, then you've really lucked out as minor alterations don't usually cost much, and neither does dye, if you need to change the colour.

As for accessories, while borrowing is a good solution, it might not be so easy to find matching colours. I'm going to suggest making your own jewelry. If you start planning in advance, you can quite easily learn how to make beaded jewelry- and that's a great way to get a whole set of matching necklace, earrings and bracelets. If you've got a group of friends, do it together! It would make for some great memories, and amazing keepsakes.

On the day itself, I agree that you should do your own nails and makeup, but splurge on a salon hair-do (unless you have a relative who can do great up-dos). And then just relax and have a great time!

For the boys, if you have to have a tux, then you'd have to rent one as it's quite unlikely you can borrow one. But I'm going to say, "Hey, why the need to go with a tux?" High fashion styles look great at a prom as well- right now a very popular look is a twist on the normal tie-and-suit, except with a tucked-in scarf under your shirt instead of a tie. It's a easy look to replicate and could cost a lot less. But of course, if you don't know much about fashion, just go with the tux ;)

The more stressful thing would probably be having to pay for corsages, the limo and the dinner, to which your best strategies would be to look for contacts and to get group discounts.

If you have contacts, such as a neighbour who grows beautiful roses and are willing to give you some or a parent's friend who runs a restaurant, ask for favours. Trust me, people will find it really hard to turn you down if you ask really nicely and they know it's your prom. Also, don't always think about paying in terms of money. The neighbourhood florist might be willing to sponsor flowers if you did her delivery for a month, and the restaurant might accept payment in installments.

If you haven't any contacts to speak of, generally try to get group discounts for the limo and meals. But in the end, I think it comes now to how you and your date feel about the prom- you don't need to be extravagant to have a good time. I suggest discussing with her how you want to celebrate your prom, before you start making all these plans.

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