Proms

[Momo123]

Hi Everyone just wondered if there is a justified amount to spend on prom paraphernalia? We have a limited budget but don't want our daughter to turn up as the pauper at the prom:/

I think what they actually look like on the night is more important than how much you spend. So it doesn't matter if the dress is from tk maxx if it looks fab!

I made my DD's dresses so they didn't cost very much at all and then there was money left for shoes and jewellery. DS has his prom this year and his suit was from a Next outlet and so was an absolute bargain and is a perfect fit.

as little as possibly

Much easier with a girl because they have so much more choice and don't have to spend a lot to look good. I've got a massively tall 18 year old son and am just quivering at the cost of hire suits (supposing they can dig out one with trousers long enough for him) and wondering whether I'm going to have to buy him one.

I've already forked out for his ticket which is a do in a hotel and, in a moment of sheer madness, said I would book him and his gf a room at the hotel as a post-exam treat.

I'm beginning to think I could have paid for them to go on a cheap holiday for what the prom is likely to end up costing me ...

My DD had her year 11 prom last year and I was horrified at the amount of money some parents spent on stuff for it. At the same time though, I wanted DD to have the fun of getting all her items together and to feel really special on the evening itself.

The dress is the main cost but you can get some really pretty dresses which are not overly expensive if you steer away from the proper 'formal' occasion wear in department stores. We bought DD's in Quiz for about £40 (in the sale as I had left it rather late) and were spoilt for choice and she looked lovely in it. I also found that the styles in Quiz were more suitable for teens - some of the other dresses I had seen just looked too 'old' on her.

I bought her some sandals which she has worn to other parties since then and got her hair bits in Claires.

HTH

I don't think what you spend is the issue and you don't have to spend a lot. Some people seem to go bonkers but it's not necessary. Both dds have proms this year, one for Yr 11 and one for Yr 13.

DD1 got her dress for a tenner in a charity shop so even with dry cleaning, it's a bargain and dd2 (after lots of help from MN!) got hers in the Oasis sale for £20. We got shoes for both of them in the HoF sale (about £60 for two pairs, maximum and they will wear them again for parties) and they will do their own hair and make up.

They will both need a clutch bag and dd2 will probably need a necklace, but those can be picked up cheaply in Topshop or Accessorize, or even H&M.

No limos or anything here either. They both think they are a bit tacky (phew!).

Definitely try the outlet shops, eg Ted Baker. My dd got a beautiful prom dress there for a fraction of full price. Shoes: look for the sales.

dd1 got her promdress online I think it was £50 some of the girls it was into the 100s she got her shoes from primark and a bag , my friend gave her a wrap my mum paid for her to get her hair up, look in sales online etc it doesn't need to cost a bomb

tk maxx has dresses I noticed the other day and quiz had prom type dresses in their sale dd2 was drooling over the frills last weekend

DD was looking at dresses in TKMax and hoping she didn't have a Partner, so she can arrive in friends OTT two seater sports car.

I fear I'm going to have 12 months of prom ideas.

startail dd isn't for 2 years and she is already planning hers but her school go in a coach all together so there will be no 2 seater cars or anything to worry about although at DD1s a girl had 2 dresses and was dropped off at the bus stop in a fancy convertible