How to Save Money on Your Daughter's High School Prom Expenses

Dress, shoes, and a boutonniere are prom must-haves --- other expenses might include a purse, necessary undergarments (e.g., strapless bra), hair styling and/or hair accessories, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and, of late, pre-prom spray tans! All of these expenses, while not as high for the girls as for their escorts, can really add up. What to do? How to save money? Follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Be practical and different! Honestly, the dresses in the mall all look alike. Get out of the mall - go to Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Filene's, Burlington Coat Factory and on and on. Don't forget the outlet malls...and if you can sew, all the better! While shopping for the dress, keep an eye out for shoes and for the undergarments you need. Try to keep these as basic and practical as possible. For example, if both black and pink shoes would match the dress, buy the black shoes --- your daughter will be able to wear them again with other outfits. Same with the undergarments -- a flesh-colored bra with removable straps would probably get worn a lot more than a strapless black bra.
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2. Look up beauty schools in your area if a hair cut/styling is a necessity. Many popular salons have schools where the instructors supervise the trainees. The cost is less than half that charged in regular beauty salons. Your daughter can also get a manicure and pedicure (and waxing!)less expensively at the beauty school.
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3. Have your daughter use spray-on tan! Pick a brand based on reputation -- or check online for recommendations. Type "spray-on tan" in your search window and you'll get lots of information.

4. Buy the boutonniere from your local grocery store's floral department. Call several days in advance and order -- you'll be pleasantly surprised at the price and the quality. No difference between the grocery store and florist versions but the price.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget your camera!

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on 9/18/2009 Sell yourself as a prom date on Prom Date Depot to raise money http://promdatedepot.com