Prom pressure? Cut costs without sacrificing glam

Prom season is fast approaching! If you’ve got a teenager about to leave school and step into the big wide world, the end-of-school prom can be an emotional and exciting occasion.

But let’s be honest, it can also be expensive.

The average cost of a prom in the UK is now around £400 for girls and £240 for boys. Outfits, transport, beauty treatments and accessories can all add up fast.

Prom spending

Money Wellness carried out a poll on prom spending. Here’s what we found:

• 40% of parents expect to spend between £250 and £500.
• One in ten parents admit costs could climb above £500 once tickets, outfits, pre and post-parties and travel are included.
• Over half said the cost-of-living crisis is forcing them to spend less this year.

So if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone.

Mums vs dads

Interestingly, mums and dads seem to worry about different things:

• Mums are more likely to cut back because of general household bills. Over half said rising costs would affect how much they’re willing to spend.
• Dads are more affected by peer pressure. 42% said ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ is a big factor in their spending decisions.

Are you borrowing to pay for a prom?

Many parents are relying on credit to cover prom costs:

• a third of parents plan to borrow to cover prom costs

• one in four plan to use a credit card
• 15% are turning to buy now pay later services
• nearly half of parents say they’ll cut back on other spending or dip into savings

Mums are more likely to tighten the household budget (26% vs. 12% of dads), while dads are more confident about using their disposable income.

But the good news is that with a little planning and a few savvy tips, you can help your teenager have a memorable night without putting yourself under financial strain.

Here’s how to trim the costs

Find free or affordable outfits

You don’t have to spend hundreds on a dress or suit.

A number of charities offer free prom dress and suit loans:

• Prom Alley
• All Dressed Up

• The Cowshed
• Kitted Out
• The Cinderella Initiative 
• Belle of the Ball

Also:

• Ask your child’s school if they loan out outfits from past students.
• Browse local charity shops, Facebook Marketplace, or resale apps like Vinted, Depop or eBay. Prom dresses and suits are often worn just once and there’s some great bargains out there.

Get hair and make-up done for less

Beauty schools and colleges are always looking for models. Students may be happy to do hair or make-up for free in exchange for photos for their portfolio.

You could also:

• Book a make-up lesson at a department store counter, which typically costs around £30. The fee is also sometimes redeemable against products.

Split the cost of travel

Hiring a limo can cost upwards of £500. But you don’t need to go it alone.

• Team up with other parents to share the cost.
• Know someone with a cool car? Ask them for a favour!
• Consider hiring an open-top bus, they’re often cheaper than a limo and can transport more kids at once.

Ask for help with tickets

If prom ticket prices are a struggle, don’t be afraid to ask for support:

• some schools have hardship funds, so it’s worth enquiring
• visit Turn2Us, a charity that helps families in need

With these simple tips and a little creative thinking, you can make the night unforgettable for all the right reasons.