Let’s do some math: 2 tickets at $35 each + 2 dinners at about $40 per person + $70 per person for a limo rental + the $20 you spent on flowers to ask her + $150 for your tux rental + $30 for the corsage = your bank account having the life sucked out of it, and dying a slow painful death, especially in this economy. As Prom season approaches, both guys and girls alike are feeling the effects of the dance on their wallets. For some people, the traditional “Expensive Clothes + Expensive Limo + Expensive Dinner + Dance” formula is not even feasible in these recent strained economic times. Mustangs are being forced to find alternatives to the norm in order to stay under budget.
Go Thrifty!
For those who either don’t want to pay for, or can’t afford to rent a tuxedo for the big night, the thrift store is a good alternative. Find gently used formal wear at stores like Plato’s closet or ARC to greatly decrease the cost involved with looking nice on Prom night.
Lose the Limo!
While most people would love to roll up to prom in a 20 ft long, 15 passenger Hummer stretch limo, but, when on a budget, the costs are astronomical, often being more than $50 per person for a total of maybe one hour of actually being inside the limo, the rest of the time is paid for so that the driver can sit outside the restaurant/dance and wait for you, a total waste of money. Skip the limo and carpool with your date and some friends, instead of paying $50 per person for a limo, get your carpool-mates to pitch $5 for gas, reducing the price to one-tenth of the original.
Eat for Cheap!
Going out to dinner is not necessarily required on prom night, contrary to popular belief. A nice dinner could, just as easily, be cooked, or even catered at home for less than going out to a fancy expensive restaurant. There are benefits to having your meal this way: there’s not as long of a waiting time for food, the cost is usually astronomically cheaper, and the menu can be decided beforehand to suit all involved.