Money Saving Tips for the Prom

According to Seventeen Magazine's prom issue, the average prom costs $790! Unfortunately, most parents are left footing the bill. The major costs for a teen who is going to prom include prom tickets, the dress or tux, hairstyling and makeup, flowers and transportation. Figuring out where you need to splurge and where you can scrimp is the key to a memorable night that won't break your piggy bank.

You can still have your daughter look like a princess without spending hundreds of dollars. Search through the sales racks at department stores and check out discount stores like TJMaxx to find a dress well below retail price. Keep in mind that many thrift stores are filled with racks of special occasion and bridesmaid dresses that were probably only worn once. If money is really tight there are plenty of charitable organizations such as the princess project and the glass slipper project that collect gently used dresses and give them away to low income high school students in an effort to help them go to prom.

Getting their hair and makeup done for prom is important to most teen girls, but try to get them to do one of the two on their own if possible. If there is a beauty school in your area, see if you can make an appointment to have them do her hair, nails and/or make-up. Most beauty schools offer professional salon services at about 1/3 of the price. You can find more information about saving money on beauty services in a the blog I wrote called Save Money on Beauty Services.

You can also make an appointment at the cosmetic counter at your local mall. Most cosmetic counters offer professional makeup services for free, but they will try to pressure you into buying something. Even if you have to make a purchase, it still is a good deal considering it would cost you at least $40 to get her makeup done professionally somewhere else.

For young men, I would highly recommend you buy a suit and shoes at a discount store instead of renting one. You can get a nice suit on sale for about $100 which is about the same price you would pay for a tux rental. The big difference is that you actually get to keep the suit. Checking out your local thrift store or borrowing a suit from someone you know is also good option to explore.

Other helpful tips that can help you and your teen save money on the prom is getting mixed seasonal flowers or carnations instead of roses for the boutonnière, corsage or bouquet. Also try to have them share the limousine with as many couples as possible or have them skip renting a limo altogether. Keep in mind that professional prom photos can be pricey, but are a keepsake most teens refuse to skip out on. Save money by having them order the smallest package they offer, just enough for them and their date. After all, the pictures they will end up actually treasuring and trading with their friends are all the random shots they took with their own camera. Upload all these pictures to an online album and send the link to all your friends and family who can then print the pictures they like on their own.

CoolSavings.com offers a variety of health and beauty coupons as well as jewelry and accessories coupons to help you save on the prom.