7 Ways To Do Prom On a Budget

Prom season is fast approaching, and for the average American high schooler, that could mean spending over $1,100 on everything from the outfit and accessories to the tickets themselves. Celebrating prom night with your closest friends is something every student should be able to do, no matter the cost. There are so many simple ways to make each part of your prom experience easier on your wallet, without giving up on the glamorous night you’ve always wanted. Who says you can’t be bougie on a budget?

The Outfit

1. Shop the sale rack...or consider renting over buying!

When it comes to dresses and tuxes, the earlier you buy, the better. Shopping sales during the “off-season” will save you the stress (and spendings) of a last-minute purchase. You can also browse your local consignment shop for dresses and dinner jackets, if a full tuxedo isn’t your style. But buying new isn’t the only option. There are tons of fashion-forward sites like Rent the Runway that offer designer brands at super discounted prices.

2. Repurpose a friend’s or family member’s gently-used formal wear.

What if we told you that you could wear a chic vintage outfit to your prom, free of charge? All it takes is a generous friend or family member to give you their gently-used prom attire (and maybe a good tailor). Repurposing a dress or suit is a great way to get creative with your look and cash in on major savings.

Getting Ready

3. Turn your house into a salon.

Getting your hair, makeup, and nails done by professionals on the big day can be a huge expense. Instead of worrying about the cost of spa and salon appointments, have a pre-prom pampering party at home with friends! Grab some face masks, drugstore beauty products, and find a few easy to follow hairstyling tutorials on YouTube, and you’re good to go.

4. DIY your corsages and flowers.

Fresh flowers might seem like the best option, but the truth is, you’re likely to be overcharged. Hit up your local craft store and find a handful of lifelike flowers to transform into corsages and boutonnieres. They’ll survive the night without wilting and can even be reused the next year!

Pre-Prom

5. Homemade potluck > fancy dinner.

When you’re all dressed up, it can be tempting to show off your style and head out to an expensive dinner. But hosting a pre-prom potluck at your house instead can majorly cut down on extra spending and be so much more fun! Pro tip: Set a price limit so no one feels pressured to break their budget. Or skip the cooking entirely and just order pizza!

Transportation

6. No limo? No problem.

Though you might have seen yourself pulling up to prom in a sleek stretch limo in your wildest prom night fantasies, this isn’t exactly the most affordable option. Traveling in a party bus with a larger group is a great way to lower the individual cost of transportation. You could even drive yourselves (and see if your friends will chip in for gas!).

Post-Prom

7. Keep it low-key.

Seems like all the movies show post-prom at a lake house or somewhere out of town. Unless someone’s parents are lending their place for the night, try another safe and cost-friendly way to celebrate after prom night ends, like hosting a movie marathon or a late-night bonfire.
Stressed about other prom stuff? Check out our guides on body image/confidence, finding a date, sex, and drinking. Or use our Prom Anxiety Textline by texting PROM to 38383.