How To

How to Plan an Affordable Prom Night

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Prom night doesn't have to break you or your parents. A few simple money-saving tips will help to curb the potentially high cost of this special event.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Corsages
  • Formal Gowns
  • Tuxedo Cummerbunds
  • Tuxedo Jackets
  • Tuxedo Pants
  • Tuxedo Shirts
  • Tuxedos
  • Boutonnieres
  • Fabric Chalks
  • Fabrics
  • Sewing Machine
  • Limousines
  • Disposable Cameras
  1. Step 1

    Consider sharing a limousine with two or three other couples. This will allow for a decadent atmosphere without forcing you to spend an exorbitant amount of money.

  2. Step 2

    Ask for student discounts when renting a tux, or consider borrowing one from a friend or older brother.

  3. Step 3

    Shop at designer outlet stores when purchasing a prom dress. Consider purchasing your own fabric and having a dress made to save money.

  4. Step 4

    Call around to find the best restaurant for your money. Ask to see menus, and get friends' and family's opinions regarding local restaurants before making your decision.

  5. Step 5

    Take your own camera to the dance. While you may want to purchase one formal prom picture, you will save money by creating your own memories with a personal camera.

  6. Step 6

    Consider handpicking flowers and making your own corsage or boutonniere. Choose one or two firm flowers with strong stems. Arrange them next to each other and tie the stems together by wrapping twine around and forming a tight knot. Your date will appreciate your creativity!

Tips & Warnings
  • If your culinary skills permit, consider cooking a romantic dinner at home for you and your date. Light candles, put on soft music and serve up a feast at a fraction of the cost of a restaurant meal.

Comments  

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Instead of a limo, why not have Mom or Dad rent a cool car. Then the ride is more original.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 12/28/2005 Corsages are not hard to make. My Mom helped out at a florist shop one day (her friend owned it) and she learned in a snap and made mine for prom.

Dresses - Ask around and find a good seamstress. Last year I designed my own dress and had it made. I was the talk of the dance for it. And I only paid $100 for it. Some girls at my prom paid up to $400.

Food - Not hard at all, ask your Mom (or whoever is the cook in your family) for a good recipe. Sadie Hawkins is in December and my menu includes - fillet mignon, farfalle (bow-tie) pasta in a pesto cream sauce, asparagus (an aphrodisiac), and cheesecake. All of which are very simple to make as long as you've got a good recipe. Plus, even with an expensive cut of meat you save a ton on the fancy restaurant.

Hair - Everyone knows somebody in hair school that would love the practice and would do it for free! If not, and you're not feeling particularly creative go to a hair school place. It's much cheaper and they're usually more innovative any way.

Transportation - Limos. Classy right? Overdone. How cool are you when you drive up to prom in a limo and you're waiting in a line of limos that runs 10 cars back? It's no longer original or extravagant. So just have your date drive you, or drive him. Or have a parent or sibling chauffeur you. Make them wear those corny hats and gloves. That's so much more fun (especially if you take pictures)!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 the best dinner I've ever had for a dance was at my friend's house. Each couple got their own little table and we ordered takeout from a restaraunt. My friend's mom was the waitress. We had sparkling cider to drink, romantic music in the background, the works. It was so much fun! I burned a CD for each of the girls in the group to remind us of the dance... dinner was so fun, and it was really cheap.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Take care of things like hair and atux early. Then spend the day with your date cooking for the dinner together... pack in in a basket to enjoy on a picknick after an enjoyable walk in the park. It's romantic, gratifying and inexpensive.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Here's what my sister's date did:

He rented a 15-foot U-Haul truck and parked it in his driveway (flat driveway, mind you). Then he put a table and couple chairs in the back and decorated it like mad. I'm not sure if he cooked dinner, but his parents dressed as waiters and served them dinner in the back of the truck.

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