Spending Hundreds for One Night: The Concept Never Appealed To Me

We all know of those occasions that cost a lot of money, but are sometimes once or limited to a certain number in a lifetime. Then you have to make the decision: is it worth the cost? One such occasion is senior prom. I decided to skip my senior prom for various reasons, and one of them was that I did not want to deal with all of the costs involved. However, is the sentimental value worth all of that money you are putting into it? These occasions that only happen once or twice may be worth it, but I never thought so.

I find it ludicrous how much one of these very highly regarded nights costs. I may have skipped prom this year, but I went to my junior prom (what a joke that was), and spent approximately $300. The tuxedo rental itself costed around $160. Two tickets (one for me and one for my date) were $100, and the corsage was at least $20. This cost was calculated with my date and I eating at a friend's house (no dinner cost) and not going in a limo or party bus, but rather driving ourselves. With a limo or party bus involved, it is a whole new ball game. Usually, the cost will come out (depending on how many people are in your group and the original cost of the whole limo/party bus) between $50 and $200 per person.

But even worse, look at it from the lady's point of view. Some of them will spend around $100 on a dress; some will spend $1000. It always depends. Of course, they must get matching shoes, their hair done, and a manicure/pedicure so that they are ready and looking good for what seems to be the most important night of their lives. Luckily, the guy usually picks up the tab for their ticket and dinner. However, a girl can spend between $300 and $1000+ for one night.

I know prom is expensive, as are many sentimental events. The limo services, tuxedo rental stores, and flower shops know that their services are necessary, and therefore, they will tend to overcharge for everything. Could you imagine spending that much money for one night? For between five to seven hours of fun? Though the pictures will last forever, the $60 hair style will not. The $160 tuxedo is, in most cases, returned the very next day. The $1500 party bus will never be heard from again. Congratulations, you spent $1000 for extra memories.