The lights are low and the music is loud. Laughter resonates through the dance floor as students pose for photos, soak in the magical night, and of course, dance. However, behind every perfect photo is a price tag. Sometimes, a very large one.
From the perfect dress, fresh haircuts, and lashes last minute the costs of preparing for prom can stack up very fast. Students at Amherst High School spend a lot of money every year preparing for prom. Some students think it’s worth it while others don’t.
Preparing for prom isn’t just about the perfect outfit, it’s a whole production with a very big price tag to match. Students spend hundreds of dollars every year for prom on a wide range of essentials. Just buying outfits for prom can chew up hundreds of dollars. For example, purchasing a nice suit can cost up to $200 especially if tailoring is involved.
Now add in money spent on jewelry and shoes the price tag just keeps getting higher. Beauty costs are another major factor, many people choose professional nail, makeup, and hair appointments leading up to the big day. Prom tickets at Amherst high school cost $20 per person. The total cost for prom is already really high without including optional items such as flowers and professional photos. All in all, a single night can come with a hefty cost.
Courtney Groholski, a student at Amherst high school, spent $300 on her prom dress, $45 getting her nails done, $20 for a boutonniere, and $25 on various jewelry. This adds up to $390 spent on her big night. Despite the costs, Courtney believes the money spent was worth it: “Yes, specifically for junior prom.” Courtney had high praise for the dance, “It was a 10/10 one of the best proms ever!”
Calee Schulist, another student at Amherst as well as the queen of the dance, bought a dress for $200, got her nails done for $60, and spent $30 on jewelry. Calee budgeted herself at $400 and stayed under that number with room to spare at $290 Calee wouldn’t cut costs anywhere and similar to Courtney believes that the money spent was worth it for their junior prom. Calee was very happy with her overall experience at the dance Calee exclaimed, “Best prom yet!”
FInally, the King of the night and beloved student at Amherst Judah Cole, Judah rented a tux for $275, $30 on a corsage, and $50 for a “fresh cut” just in time for the dance. With a grand total of $355, Judah believes the best place to cut costs would be to get a suit instead of a tux, though a tux is only fitting for a king. Judah had a rather unique opinion on the dance, “Life is roblox, I’m just living it”
In the end, the money spent on prom was well worth it. From memories made on the dance floor to the details that made the theme come to life. Students walk away from prom 2025 with memories that will last beyond high school. Everyone seems to agree this year’s prom was a night to be remembered.
