1) The Dress
Yes, get the best, get the one you want, and get the one you LOVE. But don't forget that price is a factor, you can find your amazing dress at a low cost. Often mall stores like Kohl's and Belk's have dresses at a low price and typically local stores known for weddings or tailoring also sell prom dresses on the side at a low cost. Some around Simpsonville and Greenville, SC are Boutique of Dreams and Carolina Bride and Groom, as well as numerous others. The typical price is $500 to $600 for a prom dress and that's crazy! The recommended stores average price is $300 or lower. Designer dresses are cliché, you should be able to choose your own style based on what you like, not what's popular or "the trend". You can also rent prom dresses or shop online as well as borrow a friends that you really love. But don't lower your standards for a dress that you don't really love.
Learn more about saving money on dresses at http://www.brashiermiddlecollegenews.org/on-your-mind/finding-a-reasonably-priced-prom-dress/
2) The Hair/ Makeup
The hair and makeup are an all day event. The obvious way to lower costs are to do it yourself, or have someone with more experience help you. You can find makeup and prom hair tutorials all over youtube and Pinterest, just make sure it's a reliable tutorial before you begin. If you must have it done professionally, there are many places with reasonable prices, but take the time to look around in various areas. You can even go to the mall, go to their makeup section, buy a small product for like $15, and they will do your makeup for free.
3) The Corsage/ Boutonniere
The flowers are a girl's best friend and typically the guy's worst nightmare. Flowers often are made to match the dress, but to lower costs do a color that matches everything, like white. White is usually at a lower cost because it is at a lower demand, and it causes less stress because it matches everything! It will also please the guy because he won't end up wearing pink or purple. White is dressy and classic, as well as neutral. Also look for stores that aren't as well known. Often family organizes flower stores do the best job for the lowest prices, with a great quality product. You can even have a little fun and make your own corsage or boutonniere! Then it is perfectly suited to you and your taste and you have had the personal pride of making it. And if the prom is a masquerade, get creative and make your own mask!
4) The Tux
The guys can rent a tux as well as borrow one from someone. Some guys actually already own tuxes for a fine arts program that they are involved that, and they can just use that! There are some stores that will provide a discount for couples if they both get the dress/tux from the same place.
5) The Dinner
Don't go too fancy, a place that is nice but not too expensive will work just fine. Cheddar's or Olive Garden are a popular favorite and have reasonable prices and good food. Get reservations though, because often prom is on the same night for many different schools. Carpool to prom and the restaurant to save on gas, and take your own pictures to save money as well.
These are some ways to save on prom and still have a great time! Get creative, take your time, and set your own trends, and you will surely have a night to remember.
