[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Let’s face it  — prom is expensive. Sure, your date might be paying for most of it, but girls have a lot to do and none of it is cheap. Fortunately, there are lots of options available that will make the best night of your life easy on your wallet.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][heading]The Dress[/heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_text_separator title=”Do This” title_align=”separator_align_center”][vc_column_text]

• Think thrifty – head straight for the clearance section, or the back of the prom dress section.
• Don’t start with the dress itself, start with the price tag. Pile dresses as you see ones within your price range; sift through them later in the dressing room.
• When shopping online, use filters on the side to sort by price, style etc.
• Go to sites like Aliexpress or Lightinthebox for sale price dresses that have more bang for your buck.

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• Stop scrolling through Pinterest boards of potential dresses, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Most of those model dresses are well into the $200-$1,000 range.
• Shopping in department stores and picking up the first dress you see hanging is dangerous. They’re meant to entice, but beware: They’re not worth it.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][heading]Bonus: Corsage/Boutonniere[/heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_text_separator title=”Do This” title_align=”separator_align_center”][vc_column_text]

• Make your own! Using silk flowers rather than fresh ones not only saves you money, but also lasts longer. Not to mention worrying about leaving a trail of petals after yourself.

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• Buying a pre-made corsage/boutonniere can often be costly due to the use of fresh flowers; even the most basic wrist corsages cost around $25.

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• If you’re confident enough to do your own makeup, you’re saving a lot of money.
• If you’re leery of messing up your face on prom night, hire a good friend who’d probably be willing to do it for free or a cheaper price.
• Also, don’t be afraid of using cheaper makeup. There is not much difference in quality between MAC or L’Oreal.
• Rather than going to the salon, buy manicure sets from Walmart or Target and do it yourself. Some brands of stick-on nails last just as long and won’t cause damage to your natural nails.

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• Going to the Macy’s makeup counter three hours before prom is very costly; getting your makeup done so far in advance has you running the risk of ruining it while getting ready.

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• Find somewhere that’s easy on your wallet. That doesn’t necessarily mean going to Chili’s for your prom dinner, but a moderately priced place that won’t make you seem overdressed.
• Find Groupon deals that will make your meal less costly and more effective.

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• Just because everyone else is going downtown for dinner doesn’t mean you have to.
• Often times, the more expensive restaurants aren’t even worth it, requiring advance reservations and small portions.

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• Borrow your mom’s van and pile everyone in.
• Make it your “party bus” by decorating the car with window markers and ribbons.
• Blast fun music and sip fancy non alcoholic drinks (bottled of course).
• If you have a willing parent, they can dress up like a chauffeur and take your entourage to the event.

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• Renting a limousine is both unnecessary and costly. Unless your prom group is so large that renting a limo is the only way to travel, limit your expenses by taking your own car.

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• If you want to save the extra $10 going to post-prom, arrange one yourself!
• Get your group together and decide on a movie night at home, or a party just between the girls.

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• Stay safe throughout the night; don’t fall into peer pressure in going to a house party in the late hours of night.
• Post prom organized by the school is another $10 to your expenses list, and while it might not be that much, you want to save every dollar you have.

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