Make Your Prom Budget Last The Distance!

This prom budget will help you establish what you will need to pay for, whether individually or together with your date. If your prom budget is only small - don't despair, there are some things you can do without and the world will not end!

Traditionally it has always been your date who would pay for things like the prom tickets and transportation. But things have changed a bit now and cos it makes the cost of things a bit too much for the guy to have to pay for, so a new sort of custom has evolved where you both can pay for it.

So don't worry if you think your date might not have the funds to pay for things cos it's okay for you to share the cost. The best thing is to talk about it beforehand and then there is no embarrassment on the night.

A lot of people think the prom budget is a bit out of balance because when you think of it the guy pays for what - transport, tickets, tux hire, flowers and you have to pay for your dress, hair etc etc etc.

So when it comes down to it don't be too worried about it - discuss it with your date well in advance so that you can plan your prom budget and put it to its best use.

You may have a very gallant date who wants to pay for everything - fabulous! So the breakdown for the stuff you need and then everything else works out at a roundabout dollar figure of $500 for you and $400 for him.

So when you then say you'll split the cost of the night with him, that means you'll be paying half of the $400 as well as your $500!

That's why I say again - talk about it with your date. Most guys will agree to pay half the TOTAL cost of the $900 which works out to about $450 each - now that's fair.

Now on to the what costs what part.......

PROM TICKET

This depends on where the event is held and what you get for the price. It can be anywhere from $25 each if it's in the school gym to about $40 or $50 each if it's at a hotel or club.

This price will NOT include dinner! If dinner is included you could be looking at anything from $85 - $140 each depending on the place.

TRANSPORT

This is the opportunity to use a limo - everyone seems to do it! There are heaps to choose from too. The most economical way to hire a limo is if a few couples hire it together and share the cost.

An average cost is $350 - $400 for the night and prices generally start at about $225 for the first three hours and about $50 - $80 an hour after that. (That doesn't include the driver's tip either - usually $20) This price does not include tolls, parking or any other extra. So sharing the expense is the best way to go and can be a lot more fun too!

PHOTOGRAPHS

Professional photographers are really a must have - Mom and Dad will want to keep the precious memories and there will be profesional photographers at the prom as well.

The photographers usually offer a special prom package which would include a certain number of photos of certain sizes and an album to keep them in. Anywhere between $35 - $60. You can add things to this package but it will of course push the price up.

THE POST PROM PARTY

This can be up to the individual - they are all different and it depends what your crowd wants to do. It's best to have all these decisions made in advance as sometimes if you all plan to go somewhere it can be hard to find somewhere that isn't full up! So it's best to make a booking and reserve a spot whether it be to a club, (some have a special night for prom goers) to miniature golf, or bowling.

Just remember to decide what you are going to do and make sure you reserve a place if you need to. Probably looking at about $85 say.

Sometimes a small group may rent a hotel room or rooms and they party on there. There are a lot of other extra things couples do for each other that I haven't included in the prom budget. This ranges from extra flowers to surprise gifts during dinner and anything else you could think of.

These expenses are not necessary for prom night and you can live without them if your prom budget won't stretch that far.

So whatever your prom budget is, don't despair if you can't have the most expensive of everything. The night is about having a fabulous time and looking gorgeous. It's not about who spends the most money.

If your prom budget is tight, save some money on your prom dress. Look through all the bargain sale racks, or buy your prom gown on line - you can literally save hundreds this way.

So whatever you do, have a fabulous night!

To go from the Prom Budget page to our Hot Prom Dress page please click here