Prom 2008 - My How Things Have Changed!

While I find myself the type of parent that is pretty much up to date on the happenings of our youth today, I guess I was way back in medieval days when it comes to how much money you have to shell out on the typical prom these days. Back in the 80's (now I'm giving away my age, darn) the guys rented a tux, the girls got a dress from the local mall, bought some nice flowers and away we went to have fun. Now it takes months of planning and preparation (much like a wedding, I'd say!) just to get ready. If you're not one of the first guys to rent your tux, you'll end up with last-years style vent and tie (thank God, no more cumberbunds). To rent a nice tux now runs about $145 including shoe rental - they charged my son $5.00 more if he wanted a stark-white shirt, as apposed to the dingy off-white ones.

Girls take typically months of solid planning to have a perfect prom. First is the dress - no, you can not buy it locally unless the dress store has a policy of not selling the same dress to more than one girl per school. My sons girlfriend shelled out $300 on a prom dress at a store across state, just so no one else would have the same dress. Shoes - approximately $50. Purse and accessories - anywhere from $50-$200, depending on the girl. Hair - you better have your salon appointment made about 3 months in advance, and allow 1-1/2 - 2 hours to get it done, cost - about $55. Nails - $50 if you're a first-timer, a little less if you just ned a touch-up and new polish. Tanning salon - yes, unless you have recently traveled to the Bermudas, you will need to have a tan, whether its spray-on or from a salon. Figure you better start 2 months in advance to get a nice, even, healthy looking tan. Cost of tanning - $50/month.

Other costs that parents forget about for the prom: tickets to prom $50/couple. Dinner afterwards: $100 average. Flowers: $50 average. Prom pictures: $50 average.