Prom night, one of the most anticipated nights of the school year. But, there is a lot more that goes into it than just thinking about going. Planning and preparation should start long before tickets go on sale. It doesn't matter who you are, the Prom cost money. Don't wait until last minute.
Money
Most people don't take into consideration the real cost of going to the Prom. We all know we have to buy the ticket and the dress, but what about everything else?
If you don't already have a job, or other means of making money, start now. You should start saving for this night at the very beginning of the school year. Start a savings account that is strictly for the expenses of the Prom, this way you won't have to worry about how much you have.
Dress, shoes, jewelry, hosiery, hair, Limo, flowers, and anything else forgotten; it adds up and quickly. The last thing you want is to not have enough money for an essential item.
Attire and Accessories
Depending on how frugal you are, these items could cost you anywhere from $200 to $1,000. Research the type of items that you are going to want so that you can anticipate the costs. Certain styles come with certain prices tags; keep this in mind when shopping.
Transportation
Consider how you are getting there. Are you going to take the bus, drive your car, rent a limo or other type of livery service? Consider the costs of renting a limo when you are saving. This can run up almost near $1,000. If you are the only couple renting, this is huge; probably over the top. You don't always have to rent a limo. Sometimes renting something from a car rental place, such as a nice Lincoln Town Car and having a family member drive you there are back might save you a lot of money, and still just as elegant.
Photographs
Talk to the Student Council or the group that sets the Prom up and get information from them regarding the pricing of some of the picture packages that will be offered. This will give you an idea of the additional cost that will follow the Prom. Most will still purchase at least one picture from the Photographer that attends, but you can also look into what it would cost to have another professional take your pictures. Price shop, you might be able to save quite a bit of money. Average cost for something like this is between $50 and $150, dependent on how many pictures you purchase.
Prom Tickets
Again check with the Prom Committee to see what their anticipated price will be. They will have a good idea, considering this isn't the first year the school has put on a Prom.
Anything Else
Start a list of all the items that are possible going to cost you money, tackle each item and research the cost of each. Don't forget anything; if you think that there is a possibility that you are going to want it, write it down. This will give a good idea of the amount that you are going to need to make the night a success.
As time goes by and you tackle each item, purchased that dress, reserved the Limo; check each item off your list. This way you will know that you haven't forgotten anything.
Prom Night Itself
Now that you have everything in perspective and everything is done. Start preparing for the night early. You want enough time before you leave to make sure that you remembered to do everything. You don't want to show up to the Prom and find out you forgot to wear deodorant.
Take your dress and other items out and place them in an area where they won't get disturbed, ruffled or wrinkled. All items that you are going to need right after the shower and put them in a certain place in the bathroom so they are easily accessible and nothing can be forgotten.
Doing these things will make for a less stressful night, you won't have to "remember" anything. Don't wait to show up to the Prom to breathe. Relax and take the night slow, don't rush anything and give yourself enough time so that you don't have to.