This school year was full of surprises,maybes, and “what-if’s”. Prom being one of them. As the school year rapidly progressed, Prom seemed like just a figment of imagination ,it wasn’t until March 18 when junior and senior students got the announcement that Prom was still on ,and set for April 30 . With a little over two months notice, class of ‘21 and ‘22 students grapple to save money ,and find everything they need. But, what are stores doing to avoid breaking pockets this Prom season ,and what advice do other students have for Prom budgeting? 

When Prom shopping starts the first thing people start thinking about is what they will wear. Prom dresses, suits,and other attire/ accessories can be pricey. A few neighboring stores have deals implicated for this year especially. Pure Couture Prom & Pageant, a locally owned prom dress shop in Dayton Ohio that is opened year around to provide formal dresses of all the latest styles, did a free dress giveaway May 14 2020 due to lack of sales from COVID-19. The whole event was free of charge the owner Lisa wanted to give back to the community through the tough time. Another store, Macy’s located inside the Dayton mall is currently running a 30% off discount on their formal dresses. Men’s Wearhouse, a tux and suit store also in the Dayton mall has a 80% off of anything on clearance running through April. These are only a few neighboring stores that have largely advertised their sales. 

 The most important people to have a say in Prom shopping and budgeting are the students. In a few interviews with a couple of WCHS juniors and seniors about what advice they would give to help save money. WCHS Marching band Drum Major, Margot Houser, says she recommends “eating somewhere inexpensive, like Fazoils, you can still have fun but cheaper!”. Junior Sam Sawyer suggested “Macy’s” she said, “it’s pretty well priced for good quality dresses”. 

Personally, I recommend looking on cheap sites like Shein, Fashion Nova, and Etsy. Also, looking on websites like Groupon for dinner coupons ,and calling to see if restaurants offer group dining rates. Though it can be difficult and take time, don’t hurt your pockets by spending money on a dance that lasts three hours. Budgeting can be cute too!