Posted on: Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Prom on the cheap
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
With senior prom more than two months away, Kamakana Tataipu isn't rushing to find a hot date or pick out a snazzy tuxedo.
But there's one thing he's already sure of: He wants to cut costs on the often-expensive high school soiree, starting with transportation.
"Instead of just me paying for a limo, we're getting a bunch of friends together and we'll split it so that it's cheaper," said Tataipu, 17, a senior at Damien Memorial School. The Kahuku teen is leaning toward a Ford Escalade stretch limo to drive him and his friends in style to the Damien formal on May 10 at The Royal Hawaiian hotel.
Tataipu joins hundreds of students statewide who are gearing up for the big and sometimes budget-crippling high school bash, which typically takes place from March to May.
The average prom costs $790, which includes prom tickets, dress, alterations, shoes, hairstyling, makeup, flowers and transportation, reports Seventeen magazine's prom issue. But getting a jump start on planning can save students both stress and cash, experts say.
Pitching in as a group of students for a particular service — like Tataipu's limo rental plan — is a great idea, said Keri Shepherd, co-owner of The Wedding Planners; wedding expenses, such as formal wear and flowers, are similar to prom expenses.
"Another option is to hire a hair and makeup person, like someone who does weddings, and have them come to someone's house to do hair and or makeup," Shepherd said. "(You) might be able to get a better deal that way, as a group."
Want more advice for a cheap yet chic formal? Experts offer 10 tips for a budget-friendly prom:
Check out consignment shops to find great deals on dresses, Shepherd suggests.
Do you have girlfriends who go to different high schools? Shop for a potential prom dress in their closets. "Although the dress is not new, it is new to you," said Laura Ann Lewis, owner of Parasol Events LLC.
Consider renting your dress. "That way it doesn't have to stay in the closet for years to come," said Kane'ohe mom Angie Fujiyama. Her daughter, a high school junior, is paying for her prom expenses herself and trying to stick to a $200 budget.
For the guys: Consider getting your suits at discount department stores. "Several of the students in previous years have gotten their tuxes and suits at Savers and saved a lot of money," said Hilary Stevens, director of student activities and a teacher at Damien Memorial School.
Other than comfort for shoes, the next priority is style, rather than brand. "Shoes at discount stores such as Payless and Nordstrom Rack that only need to be beautiful for a night are the way to go," Lewis said.
For jewelry and other accessories, check out stores such as Claire's and Ross for inexpensive faux bling that looks as good as the real thing, Fujiyama said.
Get makeup done at a cosmetic counter. "You can make an appointment or you can buy something, and most cosmetic counters will do it for you for free," Shepherd said.
"You can also try beauty schools whose students need volunteers to practice on," said Susan O'Donnell, owner of Aloha Wedding Planners.
"Keep flowers simple and focus on wearing them versus carrying them," Lewis said. Having them in your hair or pinned in an original spot is fun. Maybe have an anklet of dainty fragrant flowers. Or have a gorgeous single orchid strung on a silver or gold thin ribbon and wear it around your neck, she said.
"If you plan to order a bouquet of flowers, consider a mixed seasonal bouquet," O'Donnell said. "It will consist of flowers the florist has on hand, rather than what may need to be special ordered (which would be pricier)."
Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.
