Summary
An 18-year-old in Suffolk said school prom costs are very high, leading her to skip her own prom. Research shows many parents spend hundreds of pounds on prom, causing financial pressure and competition among families and students.
Key Facts
- Parents can spend between £250 and £500 on school proms, with some spending even more.
- Giselle Bartram chose not to attend her prom because of the high costs, which she called "extortionate."
- About 85% of secondary schools in the UK now hold proms.
- Prom costs include expenses like fancy cars, dresses, suits, taxis, and hair styling, which often increase during prom season.
- Some families feel prom creates pressure to compete over who can spend the most.
- A parent in Suffolk has saved £300-£400 for her daughter's possible prom attendance, despite uncertainty.
- A money expert advises saving money by reusing dresses or borrowing accessories instead of buying everything new.
- Prom costs add to other school-related expenses such as uniforms and trips, increasing the financial burden on families.
