Prom: How to Make High School Prom Fun On A Budget

by Susan Krueger on April 15th, 2012 | 1 Comment »

It's prom season again and sometimes that makes us think of one word: EXPENSIVE! The tux or dress, flowers, tickets, shoes and hair. It all adds up. Here are just a few ideas that can make your child's prom meal feel like an expensive affair but actually is a little easier on the wallet.

The outfit is a really big deal on this day, but choosing from these hi low prom dresses for sale will help you to save money.

How to Save Money on Food at High School Prom

Here are 3 ways to save on prom food:

1. Find an Interesting Venue

Prommers think they have to go to a fancy restaurant for dinner before prom and that is just not the case. It just requires a little help from mom to pull off a great dinner that can also be fun! Look around and you may be surprised at the amount of interesting places you can have a dinner. A cool walking bridge or the roof top of a building; the sky's the limit. Last year my son's group of friends wanted to do a beach theme, so we rented a local clubhouse and brought the outside in. We pooled everyone's resources, put up a large umbrella decked with lights, and put together a table that everyone could fit around. Then added candles and great food (prepared by the moms) and it was a really great evening!

2. Order Out the Food for Dinner

For Homecoming, they wanted to order Chinese and eat on a large grassy island by a busy street. So we loaded up the tables and chairs and found a beautiful spot under a flowering crabapple tree. Everyone driving by smiled and waved and enjoyed seeing fancy dresses and tuxes. And the kids felt like movie stars. We had tiki torches for light and a modge podge of tableware. And no one had to cook!

3. Have the Kids Do the Cooking

This year we set up in my husband's art studio. Another big table with candles everywhere. Each couple got together and made their food assignment before hand (their menu was Italian). The atmosphere was perfect. The proof that it was a success was the lingering and laughter! Who wants to go to the dance anyway?

The prom experience can be magical with just a little thought and collaboration. It can also be memorable with creativity and an open mind. Use your local dollar stores and thrift stores for candles and decor. Most everyone has a portable table and a few folding chairs these days. Dig out your silver and china and put them to good use. It's only once or twice a year. Have a little fun!

What creative ideas have your kids come up with to make their prom fun?

Susan lives in Boise, Idaho, and is a self-taught artist and a jack of many artsy trades. She is married to professional artist and has two great teenagers. She has her hand in a lot of pots. She is very involved in her community and church. She loves friends, family, movies, eating out, laughing, and vacationing to warm destinations! She just started her own blog! Visit susansspinningplates.wordpress.com.

Feature image from flickr

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Susan Krueger

Susan lives in Boise, Idaho and is a self taught artist and a jack of many artsy trades. She is married to an artist and has two great teenagers. She has her hand in a lot of pots. She in very involved in her community and fundraising for her kids choirs. She loves friends, family, movies, pj's, laughing, and ART! She just started her own blog: visit [email protected]