Prom: One of the most important moments in a high school senior’s life, yet it also seems to be one of the most expensive events students pay for. Last year, North’s prom ticket prices were $80 per person attending. Now the price has increased to make it $85 per person, which by comparison is not that high to be considered a noticeable change. However, any North student who was affected by the time change of school starting at 7:20 to 7:15 knows a small change still feels weird.
“Prices went up as prices of food have gone up. We pay for plated meals at prom. This was a decision both schools made and prices for tickets are the same across the river,” said Megan Libberton, student council adviser.
Almost every aspect regarding prom costs money. Depending on where you live around the U.S., the costs can vary, but according to a blog on prom costs, some students spend $150 to $2,000 for the special night. The prom dresses and tux rentals are usually bought to only be worn the one night, ranging from $100 to $700 or more, which could be sold for cheaper on sites like Facebook Marketplace.
“I’ve spent roughly $400 dollars,” said Alex MacDougall, senior. ”I wish it were cheaper, but I love the idea of spending money on the stuff to make me feel like a princess.”
However, it is kind of insane when you think about how these high school students are most likely paying for this event out of their own pockets with money coming from working part time for minimum wage when they have time outside of school, clubs, sports, family and friends. There is always the option that the student’s parents would help with the costs, but it is highly doubtful all parents would want to pay for all these costs of corsages and boutineers, prom-posals, hair, makeup and nails for one night. It seems to be a formal dance that over 59% of American students find overrated with some choosing to skip it altogether.
Prom is one of the most expensive dances students spend on for a high school event, but it is one of the last memorable moments high schoolers have before their inevitable graduation. It was a dance created in the 19th century meant to teach manners and etiquette to graduating students, and it has now become one of the last events seniors have to celebrate with each other before going down their separate paths to college or entering the workforce.
“I think it’s worth it because all the money you spend goes straight into one of the best times of your life. You have some fun with the people around you, and I feel there is no better way to spend the final moments we have together in highschool. I don’t regret a single thing,” said MacDougall.
Prom is definitely an expensive experience, but it is a memory most seniors will look back on when they are older. Setting a budget for prom is the wisest option to make sure a student does not just blow most of their money on a high school formal dance. It again depends on the students’ understanding and value of money, but if seniors have a good final night of fun with their friends, then it is worth it.
