How to Prepare A Budget For Your Prom For Girls

When you start planning for your prom, you need to make a budget. In order to make a budget, you need to make a list of all the things you need and estimate how much each will cost. This way you won't be hit with a big surprise a few weeks before the Prom!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and paper to make a list!

1. Girls, your biggest expense will be your dress. You will of course, want to have an idea of what color and style dress you want. Browse the internet and get a ballpark figure of the price of the style of dress you like. Expect to pay anywhere from $125 to $300 for a nice designer dress. This price may also exceed $300, depending on the details to the dress. Take an average of the prices you are finding and add $25.00 to it. Put this on your list under "dress".

2. Your next item will be matching dress shoes. Plan to purchase a pair of comfortable heels to match your dress in the same color or go with a nice flashy gold or silver shoe. Black or white will also be versatile and allow you to wear them again and again. Add $60 to your budget for shoes.

3. Accessories is another important item that you do not want to forget. You will want a matching clutch for Prom night. If you can't match your dress, go with a sequined clutch in black, gold or silver. Tack on $30.00 for a clutch. Another accessory that you may want to consider is gloves. This will depend on your dress style. Add $25.00 for gloves.

4. Jewelry is another "must-have" item for the big night! Look for some stunning rhinestones or cubic zircornia for dangling earrings and matching necklace/bracelet. This should run around $30-35, depending on the store and what you find. Claire's is a good place to find pretty accent pieces at very inexpensive prices.

5. You will also need to plan a trip to the hairdressers for an "updo". This will add $40-60 to your budget.

6. Having your nails done at a local salon will be another expense. This will be around $25.

7. Pictures is another expense that your date may or may not cover. You should talk this over before the big day and decide who will pay for the pictures or if you will split the expense. Plan on $25-30 for pictures if you buy the package.

8. Miscellaneous things! There are always unexpected expenses that add up. You will probably want to bring a disposable camera with you for random shots of friends. You also need to have some cash on hand just in case of an emergency like your date runs short on cash or leaves you. Add $25-50 for these little "extras".

9. Now that you have your list made, add up your expenses. This is an average amount you will need for the prom. Start saving early! Or you can get a part time job after school to earn a bit of money, just remember to tuck some away in your savings account and not spend your whole paycheck!

Tips & Warnings

• Having an idea of how much money you need for the Prom BEFORE the prom will help you to better prepare for it. You may want to get a part time job to help cover the expenses instead of hitting up mom and dad for a big amount of cash all at once.
• If you need to cut costs, see if you can borrow accessories, dress, shoes, etc. from friends or family members.
• Start saving at the beginning of the school year so you don't have to "sweat" it!
• Have fun, do not drink and drive!

[LissaK]

on 9/30/2008 Yep, I went through it too, you're absolutely right.

[HowardBThiname]

on 8/6/2008 Great information. Thanks for sharing.