These are the best hacks to save money on prom if you're on a budget.
Prom is probably best known as an American tradition, but it is fast establishing itself in the UK, and most schools across the country will hold a prom to celebrate the end of secondary school or sixth form. It's a huge milestone for most pupils, and sometimes a last chance to spend time with some of their peers.
As such, it's no surprise that students want to look perfect on their big night, but many might struggle to find the money to. We've collected our best tips to look your best on a budget, including how to save money on your dress, hair, makeup, and travel.
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The first step is to set yourself a realistic budget, estimating how much you're happy to spend on each aspect of the night. You should include costs like accessories and after-party plans that can sometimes slip through the cracks, try to stick to the plan you make.
Pink Boutique created a list to help you manage your budget, and how to save money on each: dress and shoes, hair, makeup, spray tan, accessories, travel, and after party plans.
Dress
Most people consider the dress to be the most important part of the night, and it can be difficult to avoid the temptation to splash lots of money on the perfect dress. Finding the right one will probably take some time, so it’s encouraged you start shopping way in advance of the big night. Yes, it may cost a lot of time, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
Finding affordable party dresses in the UK can be straightforward if you know where to look. Try browsing the sale sections of your favourite brands, check out the local charity shops, or see if a family friend has anything in their closet to offer.
The price of your dress – or even where you get it from – has nothing to do with its style or how well you carry yourself in it. There are no set rules to feeling like a glam princess. If you feel fabulous in it, who cares where it’s from or how much it cost?
Hair and makeup
The most budget-friendly option here is to do your hair and makeup yourself, but if you're not handy with a curling wand or an eyeshadow pallet this might not be an option for you. You can get more familiar with DIY-ing your hair and makeup with free tutorials on YouTube and TikTok.
It's worth practicing any looks you want to try ahead of the day, so that your techniques will be on point when it comes to doing your hair and makeup for your prom. If you decide that doing your own hair and makeup isn’t for you – or if you just want the full pampered princess experience – look around to find local MUAs and hair stylists that are professional yet inexpensive.
Chances are, they’ll have dedicated websites or Instagram pages where you can see their work and enquire about costs before finally making the best decision for you.
Travel
Your cheapest options for getting to prom will be public transport, or getting a lift from your parents if you can swing one. If you want to make a bigger entrance, you can look into flashier travel options like minibuses and limos, which you can split with friends to reduce the price.
When you discuss costings with hire companies, don’t forget about the power of negotiation, too. You might be able to swing a deal.
Remember, the most important part of prom is to enjoy yourself, and that won't have anything to do with how much you spent on your outfit, or anything else. Chances are, when you look back on this night, you’re not going to remember the exact way your hair was pinned up or which colour of eyeshadow you wore.
What you are going to remember, however, is marking this huge milestone in your life and how much fun you had doing it.
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