AMARILLO, TEXAS -- From the dress, to the makeup, to the tux, to the ride -- guys and gals are dropping the dough for their special night. But, they're not getting ready to say "I do", they're just getting ready for their high school prom.
A recent survey predicted that on average, families with teens are expected to spend an average of $1,078 on prom this year. If you think that's a little high -- it is. That amount is up from the $807 families spent on prom last year.
"Every year it seems like it's been a gradual increase, everything is going up," said owner of Apple Annie's Formal Wear, Patricia Rhyne. "I've heard girls say they spent thousands on a dress."
If you're a parent of a teen going to prom, you know it's not just one large expense that's emptying out your wallet, it's several. Yes, for most girls, the big ticket item is the dress. But, that's certainly not all.
"Shoes, the jewelry, then you have to get your hair done, nails, makeup," added Rhyne. "Some girls go to all different places to get each of these done other than doing it themselves."
Owner of Braxton Paul Salon, Wade Hagler, said the cost of getting your hair done can range anywhere from $60 to $120, but to the girls and parents coming in, it's just as important as the dress.
"If you look good, you feel good. If you look good, you’re confident," said Hagler. "So hair is what it's all about."
Dads are pulling out the plastic for their daughter, but don't think boys headed to prom are getting off scott free. Pretty soon, they'll be strapped for cash just like the rest.
"They have to worry about getting the tickets for the prom," said Rhyne. "Again, the gas, the vehicle to get them there and then the meal before or after so he catches it in the long run."
The same survey also showed families in the South and Northeast will spend less than families in the West and Midwest. Southerners are expected to spend $1,047, Northeasterners about $2,000, and folks in the West and Midwest an average of $744 and $696, respectively.
But it seems no matter what the cost, families are willing to fork it up for their teen to enjoy one last "hoorah" with their friends, loaded with bling and dressed to kill.
"It's a once in a lifetime evening," said Rhyne. "It's not something you are going to go to ever again. A lot of people will see if in the fact, okay, this is what I want to wear, this is the last time I will ever get to dress up like this so I'm going to go all out."
