Prom: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that individuals from across the globe dream of from a young age. It’s often glamorized as a spectacular night filled with stunning outfits and a luxurious venue. However, there’s more behind the scenes: the dream prom experience does not come without a fee.
In the modern day, from the dresses and suits attendees wear to the ticket of the event itself, everything carries a hefty price tag.
Dresses and suits have become exponentially more costly in recent years. Students are expected to purchase clothing worth hundreds of dollars for a one-time event; teenagers have reported spending anywhere from $100 to $700 on a prom dress. Junior Ava Obara of Brielle comments on the expectations of this new trend.
“It’s crazy how it’s become the norm to spend all this money on dresses, shoes and accessories every year,” Obara said.
On top of the clothing, many other factors of prom preparations could pose a financial burden to students. Although the costs may seem manageable when deconstructed, the expenses for prom can quickly add up. Senior Molly McCarthy of Manasquan lists some of the expectations for prom attire and tradition.
“It’s definitely an expensive event,” McCarthy said. “Beyond just the dress, the hair, the makeup, the shoes, the jewelry, it definitely adds up. On top of the prom ticket, if you do a prom house, it can get very expensive very quickly.”
Furthermore, teenagers often feel pressured to wear a conventionally accepted style, despite the prom’s lack of a formal dress code.
“People can be very aggressive about their opinions on dresses in general, especially since I know people have been bashing the more simple dresses,” McCarthy said. “I think that’s silly. Everyone has different tastes. If someone’s going to spend $200 on a dress, they want it to be a dress that they can wear to different events aside from prom.”
The costs of purchasing a brand new outfit could be one that many students struggle to afford. However, prom dresses often become disregarded after a one-time use. Instead of frowning upon reuse, the idea should be embraced. Not only is it more relieving on the behalf of the attendees, but reusing an expensive outfit allows for a more environmentally sustainable clothing industry and higher quality.
The price also accounts for invaluable memories. Students often attend prom only once or twice in the entirety of their high school career. Instead of worrying about the expenses of appearances, they should focus on the night itself. Brigitte Hung of Marlboro Township expresses her belief that prom should be looked forward to for this reason.
“I think it is for the experience,” Hung said. “But people can feel however they feel. Let people do what they want.”
Attendees should feel free to spend the way they want. They have complete control over how they would like to allocate their money and spending.
“How much you spend should be personal choice, and that’s not anybody else’s business or opinion on what you do,” McCarthy said.
