By Andres Picon
With prom less than two months away, many students are beginning to make their plans, including what to wear and who to go with. But behind all the glamour there is a huge price tag. In fact, the excessive cost of prom is making some students think twice about attending in the first place.
Senior Henry Green exclaimed, “The prices of prom tickets are absurd!” He and Joelle Herbert, among others, actually considered not going to the prom because of the expenses. Herbert said, “One night of my summer is not worth $600.” She says that if she were to not go to prom, she would attend a concert instead, where she would pay less and have more fun.
The average price for a tuxedo rental (including shoes) ranges between $100 and $200. The bouquet of flowers used for the “promposal” can cost between $20 and $40 and the corsage costs about $30. Tickets themselves cost about $85 each, so if the guy were to pay for himself and his date, he would have to pay at least $170. In total, the average guy could easily end up paying more than $400.
For girls the cost is often even greater. Prom dresses can cost around $200, the shoes alone can cost $100, a professional hair-styling costs around $100, getting one’s makeup done could cost around $75, a pedicure and manicure can cost up to $40 together, and the price of jewelry varies depending on preference. The total cost could end up being more than $515, not including the price of the $85 ticket, which would make it at least $600.
But the IHS student council has recognized the fact that going to prom can be quite expensive. This year, Bryce Deziel, a senior member of the student council organized a fundraiser that would pay for improvements to the prom, while keeping the price of the ticket the same. More than half of the staff at IHS purchased black long-sleeve t-shirts that said “Irvington Staff” on them, raising more than $400 to pay for a photographer, flower centerpieces, and balloon decorations.
Senior Brandon Hirsh, who will be going to the prom, said “I’d be mad if the expenses made the school a profit, but I understand the reasons for the cost.” Hebert has also decided to go despite the expenses. “It’s easy to bargain shop and spend less,” she said. She plans on spending around $130, allowing her to have a good time without draining her wallet.
