Prom Problems

Everyone knows that Prom is an event of glitzy dresses, smart tuxedos and wacky vehicles where students come together to celebrate the end of their exams and let down their hair with their fellow classmates before they set off onto their different career paths.

But the thought of expensive dresses and suits, of makeovers, hair stylists and transport, plus admission tickets, makes me and many parents wonder if it’s all worth it.

Well-known high-street shops jump on the fact that Prom is nearing and that people will be looking for outfits. They display dresses and tuxedos in their shop windows and bump up the prices.

It’s a bit like Christmas, when gifts and decorations are sold months and months in advance; I bet that shops are already ordering in their bulk order of traditional maxi-dresses and smart tuxedos.

However, some parents simply can’t afford an outrageously flamboyant dress or a lavish suit, which makes us wonder, are the outfits really necessary if students are only going to wear them once? Parents are also expected to fork out for prom tickets and original modes of transport, when really, there’s no need to.

And let’s not forget the vicious competition that is brought out in the youngsters due to the allure of the awards for best dress, best hairstyle, and best vehicle and of course: Prom King and Queen.

I have my Prom coming up soon, and I worry that my parents will struggle to pay for it and how much time I will have to take out from my studying to organise the event.

This poses the question: do parents (and the students) have the time and the money for Prom any more?

I don’t have a problem with Prom; I’m all for having a good time, especially after the stress of my exams. It does only happen once and is a successful way of enabling students to release some steam, despite it being a little overrated.

However, I just wonder if there’s a way for students to enjoy themselves without having to break the bank.