Blog Post: Do Proms Need a Reboot?

It's prom season. The high schools generally stage their proms in May and it's the school's social event of the year. But I can't help but think that the event itself at many high schools has kind of outlived it's usefulness. First of all, My son is four years out of high school so I'm not exactly in the center of it all, but my neighbors' kids are "promies" and have been busy lately.

The prom is expensive. A prom bid for a couple can be anywhere from $50-$200 depending on the school, the place where the prom will take place and the menu. (prices may be higher or lower at some schools; I don't know now!) So then the girl has to get that prom dress. I have read that some girls have spent as much as $5,000 on a prom dress. I'm hoping that the average price is closer to $200. But who knows these days? If the girl wants new jewelry and accessories and new shoes, the costs add up.

The boys just rent a tux and buy a white shirt for usually less than $150 and they are good to go. Again....girls get the short end of the stick here (and I haven't even factored in all the hair and makeup work on the day of the prom!) Beyond the tux, the guys also have to spring for a corsage if that is what is expected.

Then you have the transportation. Some couples pool together for a limo or even a party bus. Neither is cheap.

Here's the most fascinating thing I've discovered about proms lately: the whole idea is that your prom "group" or posse goes to a nice restaurant BEFORE the prom (more cost to the guy), everyone shows up at the prom just to take pictures but few actually eat the food (it's gross, many claim) and then everyone dances a couple of times and heads out for another activity. Time actually spent at the prom can be very short. So......why have it? I'm just asking. It seems like a rather obvious waste of money. I know the tradition is important and a big deal for "dating" couples. But again, I propose that maybe it be redesigned, rethought or reorganized to make it more appealing for the kids.

If a young man just wants to take his date out to a really nice local restaurant and also give her an evening of fun, teen (family-friendly) activity they could probably have much more fun, spend far less money and kind of have a similar, yet more satisfying experience doing other things at other places.

Maybe proms should all be like a Flash mob experience where the location isn't announced until the day of the prom and it becomes more like a spontaneous rave in an unconventional location. I don't know. I don't know why I was even thinking about proms. They don't really matter to me at this point. But as I'm listening to people talk about prom costs and stress levels. I'm just thinking that for as staid and predictable as these things have become, there must be a creative alternative out there somewhere that would be more relevant to the kids.

Personally, when I die and come back as a hot studmuffin I want my next prom to be epic and cheaper and more fun. But maybe that's just me  :)