Juniors, this one’s for you. I know you’ve been talking about it at the least once a day. Or at least you hear someone talking about it. You can’t even lie and say you don’t, because I’m so on to you. Prom is coming in hot. But it’s not all talk of excitement and how we can’t wait to get dancing, because that’s pretty straight forward. The talk is all about the preparations. Preparing for prom is truly an art that takes months and months of careful planning and money.

Is prom being built up too much? Are there unrealistic expectations? Will it be worth all of the time and money? Don’t get me wrong — I’m obsessed with prom dress shopping, and I probably talk about it in every class. If I could, I’d make prom dress shopping an official Scituate High School sport and write it on my college resume. Like all of you, I just can’t seem to get enough. However, one must consider the financial burden prom likely bears on most of those attending. How much does it really all cost?
To answer such questions, one must consider the costs both girls and boys have to incur prior to the big day. For the girls, consider the price of the prom dress, alterations, shoes, and jewelry. Hair appointments, makeup appointments, nail appointments, and spray tan appointments complete the package. Additional expenses include the ticket and a promposal if she chooses to ask someone in an extravagant fashion. Of course, not all girls will need all of these things, but this list pretty much covers all the things girls might buy in preparation for prom. For the guys, their list of purchases include a tux, a corsage, a ticket, and a promposal if they’re feeling romantic.

Now let’s talk money.  A survey from Visa Inc. found that on average, American families in the Northeast spent a whopping $1,104 on prom last year. Is all that money spent going to be worth it? After asking students at Scituate High School, it seems as though there are truly very mixed views on the subject. One junior stated, “I personally don’t like it. I think it’s very overrated. It’s just a glorified dance, and I’ve never really even liked dances.”

In contrast, when asked about her thoughts on having prom at the Aquarium, Sophomore Maeve Kotelly said, “Prom at the Aquarium is unique. I’m excited! I like penguins.” Similarly, senior Franny Donovan said, “Prom was wicked fun last year. Can’t wait for another great evening this year!”

   The only way prom can truly be worth the whopping $1,104 is if you live it up to its full potential and just take the opportunity to let loose, bond with your peers, and have fun. As high school students, stress is a commonplace. It can be easy to stress about all of the things you have to buy, who’s going to be your date, or who’s included in your prom pictures. Prom should be a stress release rather than a stress source, so please, keep calm and think prom.