March 28, 2002

Planning Ahead Can Make Prom Night A Memorable Event

In a recent survey conducted by Debra Pankow, Family Economics Specialist for the NDSU Extension Service, a couple that attended prom last year spent an average of over $600 for the event and much more if they took advantage of all the prom promotional items.

"Based on a sample of 281 young adults (157 girls and 124 boys) who attended prom last year, results showed girls spent a total of about $350, which included $161 on average for a prom dress, $54 for grooming, $27 for shoes, and $17 for photographs", Pankow says.

"The cost was less for the boys, the average cost for a suit or tuxedo was $107 and additional expenses of about $63 for items such as shoes, grooming and flowers. Event cost was an average of $72 for dance tickets and $11 for post prom expenses. The total cost for attending prom last year was approximately $258," Pankow says.

"Who’s paying for all of this is the most asked question during this time of year," according to Pankow. Findings showed that only 13 percent of the girls and more than one fourth of the boys paid for their own expenses from savings and earnings. Parents of 18 percent of the girls and 24 percent of the boys paid the entire cost for prom night last year. The remaining students financed their big night with a combination of earnings, savings and parental help and in some instances an older brother, sister or grandparent assisted with expenses.

The survey also showed that the old tradition of the guy paying all the expenses seems to be eroding. In most cases, his date helped pay for some of the costs.

Although proms are elegant and special, young adults who are planning to attend prom in 2002 can take these steps to insure that they don’t spend more than they or their parents can afford:

• Plan Ahead
• Sit down with your parents and your date and decide on a reasonable amount to spend on prom
• Decide which prom activities you want to participate in
• Discuss who is responsible for which expenses

The cost of prom night can vary. It often depends on where you live and how formal your school makes the occasion, but remember, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune," Pankow says. Find alternative options to avoid the nightmare of overspending. With a budget, you can have the night of your life and enjoy yourself.

If you are interested in the 2002 NDSU Extension Prom Costs Survey, contact your local extension agent or contact Debra Pankow, North Dakota State University Extension family economics specialist , at (701) 231-8593 for more details.

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Source: Debra Pankow, (701) 231-8593, dpankow@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Richard Mattern, (701) 231-6136, Richhard.Mattern@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: JJ Camarillo, (701) 231-8371, jcamaril@ndsuext.nodak.edu