Since it is prom season right now I thought that it would be the perfect time to write about prom. This is my experience with prom and how I saved and splurged.
I went to cotillion (my high school’s version of prom) during my junior year and prom during my senior year. For cotillion and prom, I set a budget and my priorities for each dance. My priorities for both were finding a dress that I could dance in and was not super expensive. Since I knew that I would have to get my dress hemmed so I would not trip. I included a breakdown below on how I spent my money.
Ticket: I bought my ticket for both events the first day they were available. Since my school raised the prices as the event got closer. My cotillion ticket cost $60 and
Formalwear: I wore a dress to both events but you can wear what you feel comfortable in. At Prom people wore unique dresses, and one of my friends rocked a jumpsuit. Everyone was happy and confident in what they wore and nobody could tell how much money people spent on
Hair and Makeup: My sister had already offered to do my hair and makeup for free.
Alterations: I got my dresses altered at a local tailor for cotillion and the dress store for prom. My mom generously offered to pay for my alterations. Alterations can get expensive so shop around and find a tailor that fits your budget.
Shoes: For cotillion, I bought a pair of sandals off of Amazon using an Amazon gift card. Then for prom, I bought a pair of silver wedges for around $60 from DSW.
Transportation: I carpooled with friends for cotillion and prom.
Photos: My family took photos of me and my friends before we went to cotillion and prom. Then at the dances, we took photos of each other
Jewelry and accessories: I bought a clutch from DSW using a gift card for cotillion. Then for
Remember that you shouldn’t feel pressured to spend a lot of money at prom or any other formal dances. As long as you have a good time at prom that is what matters.
