School dances are supposed to be highlights of your high school experience. But with the prices of dresses, tuxedos and even tickets for these events being consistently expensive, these times of year can cause a great deal of stress for students and parents alike.
According to Amarra.com, an international design house and wholesaler, a person can expect to spend between $85-$700 on a prom dress. In addition to that, other costs can typically range from $50-$120 for tickets, $30-$150 for shoes and $45-$200 for jewelry and accessories. With various other expenses, the total cost for their big night can exceed $1,000.
There can be some social shock when people learn that the cost of these events can move into the hundreds or even thousands if you add the makeup, hair, dinner and flowers.
The Prom Shoppe, a local dress store located in Oswego, is a popular option for Kaneland students looking for prom and homecoming attire. Manager Stacy Shaw says they offer a variety of dresses at different price points.
“We have dresses that start at $200, however we carry the majority of name brand vendors so the average price is $400,” Shaw said.
Prom is not the only event that can be expensive. Other dances like homecoming and winter formals can come with similar financial implications. In addition to the cost of dresses on their own, people will often choose to customize what they wear or need alterations to make sure everything fits.
“I customized my [sophomore year] homecoming dress because I had a vision,” junior Brooklyn Brown said. “My homecoming dress was $975 before they added the final bow.”
Along with the expenses that come with the clothing itself, jewelry and shoes can also rack up the total cost.
“For jewelry, it is an extra cost because I make sure it matches my dress,” Brown said.
For many students, homecoming offers a chance to become involved with the festivities related to the start of a new school year. At Kaneland, students in all four grade levels are allowed to attend homecoming, while prom is intended for only juniors and seniors. To fit in with their peers, students might feel as though they need to be spending at least $1,000 for a three-hour dance.
Brown said that she doesn’t think it needs to be so expensive, but there is a common desire amongst teens to look good when you show up to school events where everyone else also looks nice.
Some parents may decide to use school dances as an opportunity to provide a teachable moment to their kids. According to Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary, a parent can ask themselves, “Did [I] set specific limits for all the expenses: dress or tux, shoes, hair, corsage?”
These limitations can put in perspective for students that not everything is in reach at such a young age. Deciding not to hand kids hundreds or even thousands of dollars on one school dance can be a valuable lesson for them in the future.
