Looking back "After- Prom"

Looks like many kids were feeling the pinch of Prom this spring. This has always been a rite of passage for young people. My daughter had been waiting longingly for a couple of years. Here are a few things that my daughter and her friends did on their own to save money for Prom this year.

Dresses: These can be the most expensive part of the event. Some kids will drop $400 (more than some wedding dresses) for a lavish dress that will be worn once.
To save many of the girls did a "swap" a couple of months before. This gives an opportunity for reuse and any alterations if need be.
Additionally , my sister in law, who happens to be my thrifty guru went with her daughter last year, after prom to all of the bridal stores,fine fashion stores and found dresses that had retailed formerly for $400 down to $25. She bought eight! She has 3 daughters. Beautiful. Not dated.
Therefore, my daughter promptly went to her cousins and raided her closet.

Shoes: Remember the fancy high dollar heels that match? Now girls are trying the more "funky" fun options. Flip flops, Converse, etc. all personalized for the occasion.

The Ride: What Prom is a Prom without some kick butt ride? A Stretch Hummer limo. 14 kids got together and made a deal with the local limo guy. He couldn't pick them up early enough to be to the destination in time for pictures (due to a previous commitment) but would cut the price in half and drive for them the remainder of the evening (until 1 am)!What a deal.

Pictures: Since the kids were going to miss pictures anyway, we met at a pretty backdrop destination to do our own. Our house , at the pond. Beautiful but a bit windy. When we look at the pictures they turned out great! Her cousin found a beautiful park setting, nothing but a green back drop. Stunning.

Accessories: With all of the other savings, some girls opted to have their hair and makeup done , but most did their own. Actually , the comments I heard after , were that everyone who had their hair done , all had the same style!

Tuxes: Guys, it stinks. You shell out almost $150 and you don't even get to keep it! Not that you would wear it again either. Mom will almost certainly look for coupons for a tux. Don't be afraid to use them. It's the new chic. Five years ago, it used to be bragging rights to see who spent the most money on something, now ,who save the most wins!

Off to find this years "clearance prom" dresses!