Plan your prom budget by pricing formal dresses, prom accessories, and beauty services such as hair makeup and nails. Start saving money for your prom gown as well as other items you'll need so there will be enough money when you need it.
Three Months to Go
About three months before your prom, start maintaining your nails and hair so they'll be the style and length you want for prom night. You can't grow long hair or nails in a week or two, but you can grow them and start maintaining their beauty over a three-month period. Also, this is the time to buy your prom dress if possible - especially if ordering online. You'll avoid last minute crowds and get the biggest expense out of the way. This also gives added time for alterations if needed.
Start looking for accessories online to go with your prom dress. You might buy these along so you won't have to spend as much money at once. Begin making reservations for your dinner date, and reserve a limousine if you plan to travel in luxury!
If you want to lose a little weight before the prom, now's the time to start. Begin a daily exercise regime and start eating less at each meal. Opt for fruits instead of sweets and cut down on carbs and sugars. But don't lose too much weight if you've already ordered your prom gown!
With Two Months Left....
Get your prom dress alterations if needed. Make appointments for hair, nails and makeup at a hair salon. It might be a good idea to make an appointment for a trial run so you'll know how your hair and makeup will look beforehand. Then you can make any changes to the styling if needed. Buy your prom shoes and have them dyed to match your dress. Select undergarments for your prom dress.
With Four Weeks to Go
Within four weeks, go ahead and purchase your prom tickets. Wear your prom shoes around the house to break them in for more comfort. Also, introduce your date to your parents if they haven't already met him. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and treat skin acne to get rid of blemishes.
Three Weeks before Prom
Confirm all appointments to be sure there are no problems. Try on your prom dress after alterations to be sure it fits properly. Make sure your trial hair appointment goes well before settling on a hairstyle.
Just Two Weeks to Go
With two weeks left, buy your last minute prom items such as pantyhose, camera and film, a handbag and jacket to match your dress, gloves, and other items. Be sure your prom night schedule includes a time of relaxation such as a nice dinner before and a fun time with friends afterwards. Get together some materials and a scrapbook to record all the important moments of your prom.
On Prom Day
When prom day finally arrives, eat a healthy breakfast and lunch. Do something relaxing to soothe those stomach butterflies! Stuff your handbag or purse with touch-up makeup, cash, a camera, identification, etc. Don't wash your hair if you plan to wear it pinned up. Get your hair, nails and makeup done at the beauty parlor (wear a button-up shirt so you won't mess up your hair). Pick up your date's boutonniere (store in refrigerator). Most importantly, get ready for a wonderful time!
Planning ahead months in advance for your prom will help you get through the preparations with minimal stress. You'll enjoy the prom day and night more if you don't wait until the last minute to do everything.
Look around online for prom dresses early so you can find styles you like. Many online prom retailers carry affordable prom dresses by various designers with stunning looks for every figure imaginable. They might also sell homecoming dresses, ball gowns, and all sorts of eveningwear. With so many choices, you can easily find what you need for the prom from your own home computer while saving time and money.
When the prom arrives, prom dresses and accessories can be expensive. You want the best for your daughter, but within reason when it comes to expenses. Proper budgeting for her prom dress and other prom expenses can help keep spending low without sacrificing your daughter's happiness on this most joyous occasion.
Shopping for Prom Dresses
The prom dress will likely be your biggest expense. Start looking around early on for affordable prom dresses so you can find just the right dress at the right price. Set a certain price range for your daughter (such as $250 to $350) so she'll know which dresses to consider. It's a good idea to shop around online as well to see all the designs available in various price ranges. *Tip: Be sure to consider the shipping charges with your purchase, and be sure to take your daughter's proper measurements before ordering. Never guess at prom dress sizes, and make room in your budget for possible alterations if needed.
Online shops often carry a wide selection of formal dresses by top designers such as Jovani, Mori Lee, Clarisse, Faviana, Dave and Johnny, Paris and others. Your daughter will have numerous colors and designs to choose from within her price range so she can find a dress that suits her figure and personality.
If you're on a really tight budget for her prom gown, try thrift shops, consignment shops or department stores, or hire a local seamstress to sew a dress for her.
Prom Dress Accessories
Accessories for the prom dress include shoes, hose, gloves, a jacket, a handbag, jewelry, and hairpieces. If ordering online, try to order these items from the same prom store where you purchase the dress. Combining your purchases will save on shipping costs. You also might try local stores for accessories if your daughter prefers to try these in person.
Beauty Expenses
Your daughter might want to have her hair, nails and make-up done before the prom. You can save money by doing these yourself, or maybe you have a friend or relative that can do this similarly to a professional. You might even get a free facial and make-up session for your daughter through a local cosmetic consultant if one's available in your area. Opt for home manicure and nail kits if you're on a limited budget. Having all three of these done with a professional beautician can cost anywhere from $100 to $250.
Prom Tickets, Dining, and Photos
Don't forget to budget for prom tickets, dining and prom photos. The cost of prom tickets usually depends on where your daughter's prom is held. If it is hosted by an elegant hotel or held in a ballroom with dinner and beverages provided, then expect higher prices - usually ranging from $100 to $250 per person. If the school holds the prom in an auditorium or gymnasium, tickets are usually much cheaper. Also, consider the photos. Some school prom committees arrange for photos to be taken at the event. You can pay for these photos, or use your own professional photographer. If you own a high quality digital camera, you might even take the photos yourself.
Be prepared for other expenses as well. Other costly needs may arise as your daughter prepares for the prom. These include a boutonni're for her date, limousine rental, after-prom celebrations, and prom gifts.
By creating a prom budget for the prom gown and other items, you'll be prepared for all the little things that may come up along the way. Start preparing early for this big event to eliminate financial stress before the prom. Many online shops carry a variety of affordable prom dresses, homecoming dresses, ball gowns, and other types of eveningwear so your daughter will have plenty to choose from. After all, it is one of the most memorable nights of her life - make it count!