Prom-it’s considered a rite of passage in high school. Girls and boys alike (okay, mostly girls) spend months preparing for the big night. Many high school students see prom as the highlight of their high school career–the one night where they get to be on top of the world. But do we really realize how much we are spending in time, effort and especially money, preparing for a just few hours of adolescent glory?

The number one reason why prom is so stressful: the cost. Hundreds of dollars go into the event.

Usually prom costs from $400 to $3,000 per person, according to USA Today.

Prom-goers spend excessive amounts of cash on tickets, clothing, accessories, photos, flowers, transportation, and after-prom parties.

“Prom is overpriced,” junior Corinne Lizzio said.  This is unfortunate, but true.

Prom tickets at MHS have usually been about $90 dollars per person. If you add that number to all of the countless other expenses related to prom, you will have spent well over several hundred dollars.

 “It’s extremely expensive,” senior Ashley Hogan said. “My dress last year cost $150, I can’t imagine what it’s going to cost this year.”
Transportation is also a huge financial burden. Many high schoolers choose to forgo their SUVs for classier vehicles.

 “The limo is costing my group $480.00,” Hogan said.

 Many people are splurging on limousines and party buses to get to prom. Prom-goers should be prepared to spend at least $400.00 on transportation, according to msn.com. That is almost half a thousand dollars for a few minutes of stylish cruising.

The word “prom,” according to the dictionary, is simply defined as “a formal dance.” Considering that prom really is just a dance, it is ironic that teenagers across the country are paying $10-$125 on tickets, according to USA Today, to listen and dance to music that they have on their iPods.

Here is another issue to ponder.  Does anyone consider that the big night can pose a number of potentially embarrassing moments for prom-goers?  Those expensive dresses and tuxedos can easily be subjected to wardrobe malfunctions. Your date could be a horrible dancer. Or worse yet, your parents could sign up to be chaperones; here at Massapequa, we don’t do this, but the list still goes on.

The bottom line is that prom is essentially viewed as the coolest social gathering of the year, but you should really think about whether this event is right for you.  If dressing up, dancing and spending a ton of money is your thing, go for it.

If not, you may want to consider a more low-key activity. There are many alternative ways to have fun, and your wallet will probably thank you.

Here’s hoping nobody runs into too many promblems.