Youth Realize Prom Can Be Affordable And Fun

Students realize the high costs associated with prom and are looking for ways to save money according to a 2003 prom survey done by Debra Pankow, North Dakota State University family economics specialist.

“Kids are becoming more aware of the expenses prom entails,” Pankow says. “Parents and kids should discuss how they plan to budget prom expenses and how much they plan to spend. Planning for an event like prom can be a great financial lesson for young men and women.”

Based on the survey of 151 males and 331 females, males spent an average of $210 while females spent $337. Of those surveyed, many girls wore borrowed dresses and had a friend do their hair to help lower costs. Males commented on driving borrowed vehicles and eating at a friend’s house to save on expenses.

Compared to a 2002 survey, male’s average spending decreased by $25 while female’s increased by $38. The average cost to rent a tux for the evening was $105 and females spent an average of $155 for a dress. Girls spent an extra $126 on jewelry, shoes, flowers, etc. compared to boys who spent $41 in that area. Males spent slightly more on transportation, eating, photos, the dance, etc. with a total of $58 while females spent $49.

Most kids are not expected to pay these expenses alone, however. The majority of males (30.7 percent) and females (27.8 percent) said their parents paid for the entire prom expense. Twenty-eight percent of males and 10 percent of females paid for their total expenses through earnings they had acquired. Twenty-six percent of males and 20.8 percent of females said the bill got split between a combination of parents and kid’s earnings.

Although prom night is an expensive outing, there are ways to avoid the high costs involved.

“The prom doesn’t have to cost a fortune,” Pankow says. “By following these simple steps, you can avoid overspending and still have a fun-filled evening.”

Contact your local extension agent or Pankow at (701) 231-8593 or debra.pankow@ndsu.nodak.edu for information on the NDSU Extension Prom Costs Survey.

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Source: Debra Pankow, (701) 231-8593, debra.pankow@ndsu.nodak.edu
Writer: Emily Barenthsen, (701) 231-8371, emily.barenthen@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu