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. If this is the case, you may want to offer to split the cost of the ticket with your date.

Prom Dresses

The style of dresses varies from year to year. Looking in magazines can give you an idea of what is popular. You can go to a dressmaker to have one custom made, but that can get very expensive. Shopping around in local stores and bridal shops will give you a chance to check out the latest fashions in your area. Shopping on line has become a very popular way to see a variety of dresses in one place. Many on line retailers offer detailed instructions on sizing and selection to insure proper fit. Most girls spend between $100-$350. One of our online favorites is PromGirl they have a great selection of dresses and they also feature a nice selection of plus sizes. Click here to check out some of their specials at PromGirl.

Accessories

Stay away from big earrings. Try on stockings beforehand to make sure the color looks right. Carry a small purse that is just big enough to hold lipstick, money, an extra pair of hose, and possibly a camera.

Boutonniere

It is customary for a girl to buy a boutonniere for her date. Normally it will be either a carnation or rose with baby’s breath. It should be placed on the left lapel. A boutonniere runs anywhere between $10-$30.

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.

Hair/Nails/Make-up

Usually girls have these done professionally for prom night. Some salons will do all three for you, or you could schedule appointments at different places. Look at magazines to get ideas or check with friends to see what they like. If you do your own hair and want to try a new style or temporary perm be sure to experiment before prom.

Try different styles up to six weeks before to work at a look you like best. If you use a professional, make sure the stylist knows what you want, otherwise you may dislike the results. Take in a picture from a magazine that show's the look you're going for. The cost for a manicure can vary from $10-$50. You can have extensions put on or just a manicure with your own nails. You can also get a pedicure, but have this done 2-3 days beforehand. Most make-up artists charge $15-$40. You could have it done free at a department store with a purchase, but make arrangements for this in advance. Just make sure that you have the makeup applied after doing your hair.

4 Months Before Prom...

• Make a checklist.
• Find out how much money your parents will contribute.
• Start saving money if necessary.
• Pick out that special dress (put it on lay-away if necessary).

3 Months Before Prom...

• Begin to maintain your hair and nails.
• Pick out your accessories to coordinate with your dress.

6 Weeks Before Prom...

• Purchase your Prom tickets.
• Make an appointment to have your hair, nails, and makeup done.
• If you are doing your own hair, start trying out different styles.
• If you have not been asked for a date yet, check to see if the one you would like to go with has asked anyone, or ask a close friend before it’s too late. You can also go with a group of friends and have just as much fun and sometimes more.
• Discuss your plans for Prom with your parents.

4 Weeks Before Prom...

• Start wearing your Prom shoes around the house to break them in.
• Pick up your Prom dress.
• If you haven’t already done so, introduce your Prom date to your parents.

2 Weeks Before Prom...

• Confirm all reservations and appointments you have made for the day and night of Prom.
• Take care of last minute details: pantyhose, film, etc.

Prom Day

• Pick up your date’s boutonniere.
• Go to your hair, nails, and makeup appointment(s).
• Put some extra cash in your purse.