Tickets

If dinner is not served at prom then the tickets usually cost between $40-$50 per couple. If dinner is included in the ticket price then it could cost between $90-150 per couple. Be sure to check with your school's Prom Advisor for exact ticket costs.

What To Wear

Most guys wear tuxedos to their proms, but in some places a nice dark-colored suit is acceptable. If you rent a tuxedo, the going rate is $50-$150 depending on the extras you might want. In most cases you will want the works including shoes, cuff links, shirt, tie, full-back vest or cummerbund, jacket, and pants. When you are fitted for your tuxedo a small deposit is usually required. Most places prefer that you get fitted well in advance to avoid last minute problems.

Check out our Tux Tips page for more tuxedo tips and styles!

Corsage

It is customary for the guy to buy a corsage for his date. Order it at least two weeks before the prom. You can either get one that you pin on her gown or one she wears around her wrist. It would be wise to ask her which kind she favors. If she is wearing a strapless gown, you need to buy a wrist corsage. The proper way for the corsage to be worn is the flower going upward and the stems down. If it is a wrist corsage, the bow is closest to the hand with the flower going up the arm. Both the wrist corsage and body corsage are worn on the left. Find out the color of her gown so that you can match the corsage. How much you spend varies greatly. Most guys spend between $25-$50.

Photographs

There will be a photographer at the prom. These picture packages can be rather expensive. Get the price list at school before the night of the prom so that you can plan accordingly. Most photographers take checks with the proper ID or credit cards. That would be safer than carrying cash. You could spend between $35-$150 on pictures. Check with your schools photographer for packages and payment options.

Your Ride

Renting a limousine can cost $400 or more. You could split the cost with a few other couples. Make sure that the limousine service is licensed by the state. If you are renting a limousine call on the morning of the Prom to confirm the time it will arrive. If this is too expensive you can borrow your parent’s car or drive your own. If you are driving, open the door for your date and make sure that her dress is not hanging out of the door before you close it. Make sure that your car is clean, working properly and has a full tank of gas.

Dinner

If dinner is not provided at the prom, you may want to go somewhere beforehand. Call the restaurant and make reservations. Be sure and check with your date first to see what kind of food she likes or dislikes. It is also important to follow proper etiquette when dining out. If you are wearing a hat, remove it when you enter the restaurant. The guy should always pull the chair out for his date and should also allow her to order first. Place your napkin in your lap before eating. If it is a large dinner napkin fold it in half. If for some reason you need to leave the table during the meal, put the napkin beside your plate. When the food arrives, eat at a moderate pace, otherwise you may end up watching her eat, which could make her feel uncomfortable. Make sure you leave at least a 15% tip.

4 Months Before Prom…

• Make a checklist.
• Start saving money.
• Plan your budget to cover all costs (clothing, tickets, dinner, etc.)
• Find out how much money your parents will contribute.
• If you already know who you’re going to ask, ask!

3 Months Before Prom…

• Talk with friends about who will drive and who will ride with whom.
• Consider forming a group and renting a limousine, or appoint someone to drive.
• Start thinking about a good restaurant for dining before Prom if dinner is not provided at Prom.
• Get fitted for your Prom tuxedo. Find out what color dress your date is wearing, and coordinate your accessories accordingly.

6 Weeks Before Prom...

• Purchase your Prom tickets.
• Discuss your plans for Prom with your parents.

2 Weeks Before Prom…

• Finalize any last minute details.
• Call the florist and order your date’s corsage.
• Get a haircut.
• Confirm all reservations for Prom night
• Finalize all Prom activities with your date, friends, and parents.

2 Days Before Prom…

• Wash your car, inside and out.
• Confirm dinner reservations one last time.
• Discuss with your date the time you will pick her up.
• Make sure you have enough cash to cover all Prom activities.

Prom Day…

• Confirm with your date the time you will pick her up.
• Pick up your date’s corsage.