Prom Spot - How to Cut Your Prom Cost in Half -- and Not Even Feel It

The good news about this weird economy is that everybody's dealing with it, so you're not alone. And you can still have an awesome prom without making any big sacrifices. Saving money is cool (we promise!).

Own your look
It's smart to borrow jewelry and shoes -- hey, it's new to you (savings: $100)! And whether you buy it or borrow it, you'll still only wear it once. Forgo the blow-out ($45) and acrylic nails ($60) in favor of an at-home mani and DIY hairdo (or just have one thing done at the salon -- hair, makeup, or nails). If your friends insist on a trip to the salon, stick with your own plans. You may feel like you're on a short leash, but at least you're not totally dependent on the idea of having someone else do your own hair.
Savings: $205

Click here to give yourself a manicure at home.
Click here for some simple makeup trends you can do yourself.
Click here from some DIY beauty treatments.

Spend less on dinner
Instead of going out to eat, spend no more than $10 to $15 by having a meal catered at your home and dividing the cost between everyone attending. Many restaurants offer catering services (try a grocery store deli counter too). Place the food on nice serving trays, play snazzy music, and serve sparkling beverages in cute faux champagne glasses. Or host a pre-prom potluck. (Be sure to make a Facebook group or organize a way to work out who's bringing what so you don't end up with 10 plates of bean dip!)
Savings per person: $60

Save on your date
The easiest way to cut prom costs in half (literally) is to go solo with a big group of friends. You don't have to buy a boutonniere ($25) or his ticket or dinner ($150), especially if you invited him from another school. Then there are the items you might buy just to impress him, like perfume or a lip plumper you'll never use ($25). Besides, you'll probably have more fun hanging out with your friends and dancing with lots of guys instead of just one.
Savings: $200

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--Jenna Joyce

Photo: Veer