Prom-enomics

The prom is more than just a dance. It is THE dance and the beginning of an adult life. Parents open their wallets and share in the celebration of the end of high school. But the tradition can cost a bundle.

Ilene Freeman has shepherded three children through the rites of prom. Each experience was quite different from the others. Her daughter attended the masquerade prom this year at the high school at Moorpark College.

“Quite a few of the girls did the full mask, just like Phantom of the Opera,” Freeman said. “Some of the girls had Cinderella/Barbie-type gowns.”

A few years ago, her eldest son and his date did their prom shopping at vintage stores. Her middle son did the whole prom thing to the max: dressed to the nines, limo until dawn. Freeman said this year her daughter’s expenses ran a modest $100 for clothing and accessories.

So how much does it really cost for two kids to attend the prom? That depends on how much money they chose to spend. Here is the breakdown:

Prom tickets for Moorpark High School cost $90 each. That is nearly $200 for a boy and his date to walk through the door. The location is the Reagan Library. Dinner is also included in the price of the ticket.

The girls usually need to buy a new dress. Depending where they shop, there is a large range of prices and looks. For those who preferred to spend their money on other things, Target had a few nice dresses for as little as $29 on sale. Kohl’s had a bigger choice and most of the dresses were under $100.

Then there is Macy’s. Most of the prom dresses were priced under $100. The look was short, sassy and shiny, and strapless is de rigeur. For elegant Greek-inspired column gowns, the pricey ones approached $350. And then there were the designer formal gowns—yes, even for prom—reaching the stratosphere at more than $800. 

Because all of the dresses were sans sleeves, a wrap or shrug is part of the outfit. Those cost between $35-$50. Shoes could be found for $35 but at Macy’s they cost $50-$225. The purse, a necessity, cost $20 at a small boutique and up to $180 at Macy’s. Add in the alterations for the dress, which run about $40.

Some girls want to have their make-up done by a professional.  One session costs about $45. Having their hair done would cost about the same. Hair accessories, jewelry, and perhaps Spanx to help them slide into the tighter gowns, add another $75-$100.

The boys need to rent a tux. Generally, the cost runs between $60-$150. Shoes included. Plus, a corsage for around $20. Not bad, compared to the ladies. 

Then there is the limo rental at about $100 a person. The rates run about $100 an hour for a regular limo up to $185 an hour for a stretch SUV. Figure a three-hour minimum, at the very least, plus a fuel surcharge, a 20 percent service charge and the tip. My, oh my.

For the girls, assuming they pay for their portion of the limo and the ticket, the modest expenses run about $300. At the high end, it can total $600 and up. With a really expensive dress, add another $200.

The boys get off easy. They can expect to spend between $250-$350.

Without any post-prom expenses, a trendy couple can easily blow $1000 on Prom Night. Even for those who are careful, figure it will cost a couple at least $500 between them.