OMG! It's My Prom!

Wall-to-wall bling isn't necessary to have a perfect prom night.

Malia Norman, like most high school seniors, had expected prom night to be one of the best nights of her life. But the 2006 graduate of Springfield Public Schools (where I teach) looks back on her prom experience with a bit of irony. “I thought it was kind of a big deal to have the prettiest dress, but now looking back, I realize that so many girls had so little to spend on their dresses that I just felt kind of awkward and snobby, like I had gone a bit overboard,” she says. Malia, like so many high school students attending prom this year, gave into the pressure of planning the perfect prom. But no matter how many times attendees are told by their parents that it is “just one night,” there are nationwide marketing campaigns convincing teens that this one night is so much more than that. So, to keep you from going overboard, here is a sensible guide to all things prom.

The Budget

According to Your Prom magazine, the average couple spends $1,000 on prom, making going to prom a $4 billion industry. Here is what you can expect to spend on prom essentials here:

The Duds

Pulling a dress out of the closet from a past dance or your cousin’s wedding probably won’t do. Patti Miller, manager at Charlie’s, says long dresses range from $228 to $400. Plus, the store registers prom dresses; that means they keep track of both style and color for promgoers at local and out-of-town schools, ensuring nobody shows up as your mirror image.

Karl’s Tuxedo has tuxedo rentals ranging from $35 for a standard look, to $90 for a designer style. Although most tuxedo rental stores can accommodate the last-minute male, Karl’s suggests ordering your tux four weeks in advance to ensure the best selection.

It’s Time to Accessorize!

You may be able to borrow a fabulous pair of diamond earrings from Grandma, or you may have a friend who has the perfect shoes to match your gown. The trick here is to look around in others’ closets and jewelry boxes before you buy. If you must have something new, don’t bust your budget here. Try to keep the cost below $100.

Hair and Make Up

Traditional up-‘dos are down this season. Soft curls and more natural looks are in. Try and hit your regular stylist for more up-to-date special event hair. If you choose to go to a make up counter or a salon to have a prom-night makeover, be prepared to purchase any item they use on your face. These two services could cost up to $150, so budget wisely or be prepared to grab a friend and do it yourself.

Nails

Here is where things can start to get out-of-hand. A full set of acrylic nails can cost $20 and up (not to mention the fills that will inevitably be needed weeks later). Don’t be afraid to have a simple manicure done for $10 or make a night of it and have your friends over to paint your nails together.

Flowers

Still the most traditional of traditions are the corsage and boutonniere. Don’t skimp here. Even the most expensive carnation will still look like a carnation. Roses are the safest bet, but lilies are in this season, so go for something different. Be prepared to spend $10 if you go for the carnation, or $30 for something that will really make a statement.

Tickets

The national average for tickets is anywhere from $50 to $150. Luckily in 417-land, places like University Plaza are a little more reasonable. Some proms include dinner, which can be a huge bargain. You should go for it! Sure, it may be banquet food but it is probably only going to add $10 to $15 to your ticket price. You couldn’t even get Fazoli’s for that price! Plus the best part about eating at prom is the chance to spend more time with your friends. Form a table, and make a group date out of it.

The Ride

A limo is a great way to roll up to your prom, but be prepared: This high-style look will cost you around $125 per hour plus tip. Most limo companies have a four-hour minimum, so the bill can add up quickly.
If you must roll in high style, pack the limo with friends who are willing to split the cost.

Safe and Sober Prom Night To encourage teens to keep alcohol out of prom night, Larson Law Firm founded the local Safe and Sober Prom Night initiative in 2005. Students take a pledge, signed by their parents, to remain sober on prom night. One senior at each participating school will win $1,000, drawn from the signed pledge cards. In addition, Kurt Larson and sponsors award one high school in each region a grand prize for getting the highest percentage of cards signed. To date, Larson has 15 participating 417-land schools. After this year, the law firm will have more than $10,000 in prizes. “It is a chance for our entire community to pull together to remind our students that we care about them and that their lives are very valuable,” Larson says. To become a sponsor for the project, contact sspn@larsonlaw.com.

Smile Pretty!

Once you’ve paid for a dress (or are lucky enough to be a guy and only pay for a tuxedo rental), tickets, flowers, hair, make-up and possibly a limo, you still aren’t done. Prom pictures tend to be more expensive than picture packages at other high school dances.

Be prepared to ask Mom for a check, as photographers expect to be paid the night of prom. The average package will cost
around $40, but you can split the bill with your date.

Budget? What Budget?For some Springfield seniors, budget simply isn’t a factor. One soon-to-be-graduate (who wished to remain unnamed) spent $600 on a Neiman Marcus gown. “I love the line in Monster-in-Law with Jennifer Lopez where she says she’s fitting a dress to her body, not her body to a dress,” says this top spender.

High school senior Allie Prater, who attended two proms last year as a junior, looked outside Springfield to find the perfect dresses. “I wanted something classic for Parkview’s, and something fun and different for Central’s,” she says. Allie purchased one dress online ($215) and the other on a trip to Chicago ($330).

Dress To Impress

Be warned This isn’t your mother’s prom. It isn’t even your big sister’s prom. Look for sleek styles, unusual appliqués and unexpected material. “This year poofy dresses really aren’t in,” warns Andrea Alcorn of Gracie’s Bridal. “But the mermaid style is back.”

Another trend to look for: Ruffles. Don’t be scared. This isn’t the traditional ruffle. The new ruffle can create a tummy-flattering ruched pattern. Black and white is also big this prom season. Past designs have focused on plunging necklines and cutouts at the stomach and lower back. The good news for moms and dads out there: Super-mod modesty is in.

For the guys

The brighter, the better. Bobbi Sweeten with Karl’s Tuxedo and Bridal advises guys to not be afraid to match their dates’ brightly colored gowns. “In the past, guys would try to match as much as possible but would shy away from the bright pinks and greens,” she says. Not anymore.

The AfterParty

Although most of the pressure of prom comes from figuring out what to wear, the remainder comes from where to go after the chaperones turn on the lights. Stories of drinking in hotel rooms often accompany most prom stereotypes, but today’s seniors may be a bit more savvy about their post-prom mischief.

One 2007 graduate (who requested anonymity) says that most parties start with groups who don’t want the night to end. Some go bowling or out to eat, but some end up at house parties. The student says: “The parties were at houses [more than at hotels]; the parents were there and were the ones supplying alcohol. It was like a giant sleepover that involved drinking and watching movies and swimming.”
But Samantha DeArmon, who attended prom last year as a junior, says the afterparty she attended was alcohol-free. “It was really just to prolong the night and hang out with friends longer,” she says. “It was the whole ‘prom night’ complex, and never wanting it to end.”

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