Planning for a Frugal Prom

This might seem like a strange post to have at this time of year but I have just had to pay the £15 deposit fro MasterShoestring's prom ticket, even though the actual event will be held June 29th next year !

The first thing we had to decide was whether he really wanted to go or not. The ticket is expensive and although the school offers 5 free tickets, it was highly unlikely that he would qualify for one of those, so he checked how many friends were going and only decided that 'yes' he would like to go on the day of the deadline. Then start to budget for the ticket. MasterShoestring's school offers a payment plan via ParentPay so we shall be taking advantage of that as it does not cost anything extra.

The ticket includes a meal and soft drinks and we will not be having anybody over before hand for a pre-party supper etc., they can eat their fill at the event ! Getting to the venue is often something people spend lots of money on but unless you are sharing the limousine with so many friends that it brings the cost per head down to the price of a taxi, do without and drop them off around the corner !

Similarly, with photographs, take your own, don't shell out for expensive professional ones, unless this is part of a present for another event, e.g.) a 16th birthday. The outfit may or may not be worn again so a second hand or online purchase is the way to go. There are lots of good websites now specialising in clothes for special occasions which are a good deal cheaper than special 'prom' clothes in the high street shops. MasterShoestring needs to stop growing before we can buy him something but I suspect he will go casual and polish up his school shoes !

Now I know that we have it slightly easier because MasterShoestring is a boy but we were in the USA for Miss Shoestring's prom which was held on a boat going down the River Hudson, very posh and we did the same ! Cheap dress, bought online, our own photographs and Dad's car for transport and she still had a lovely time, so please don't spend a fortune on just 1 night !!