Prom: The rising financial expectations and Jesuit is working to combat them
Over the years, the overall net cost of Prom per student across the country has rapidly increased as social pressures and comparison between students has worsened. Today, students on average are said to spend between $800 and $1,500 on prom alone, including transportation, beauty, and dress services.
Compared to previous years, an article from The Washington Post mentioned the cost of a ticket alone has gone up 128 percent along with personal care services such as hair and nails rising one hundred and ten percent. When comparing these costs to typical everyday costs of living, they outpace them largely as meal costs have suddenly become equated to the price of a prom ticket.
These financial requirements of prom have created a division between those who can attend prom and those who can’t. A common experience such as Prom brings communities together, but making those experiences exclusive to teens from wealthier families makes it more divided than connected.
“There’s just so many extra costs like prom tickets and then parking at the venue so it can definitely add up really quick,” said junior Peyton Bechtold. “I can see how if you’re going to prom that might be something that stresses you out, instead of looking forward to it.”
With the financial burdens of prom, there are also many organizations that provide various prom accessories such as dresses in order to lessen the cost of the event. Places in Portland such as Abby’s Closet is a non-profit Oregon-based organization that offers free prom dresses, accessories, and shoes to students. These organizations lessen the divide between students and the memorable experience such as prom so everyone can have their prom night looking and feeling their best.
At Jesuit, student activities director Lauren Lakey is in charge of the dance and works hard to make each and every student feel included in the experience.
“We start with a realistic budget and ask ‘what can most students reasonably afford?’ Then build the event around that,” Lakey said.
Although there are many social pressures to “overspend for prom” organizations such as Abby’s Closet help out with these pressures by providing formal attire.
”I think a lot of the dresses you see online are more expensive, but I also think there are alternatives that work as well and you can still find cute dresses,” mentioned senior Ava Carnese.
Jesuit High School teams up with organizations such as Abby’s Closet and provides their own “clothing swap” for students to exchange and borrow various formal pieces.
“There’s so many different brands that have cheaper dresses,” added Senior Grace Palinsky. “No one’s gonna be able to tell how much it is.”
“We work really hard to make sure our events cost low and are accessible for all students. We team up with Abby’s Closet and our schools own clothing swap to provide formal wear available for any student to grab in Knight Lobby for free,” mentioned Lakey. “We prioritize the atmosphere over expensive extras. Students usually remember the venue, energy, music, and being together with friends more than the luxury detail.”
With the attire for Prom, there also comes the ticket prices and pre-prom festivities that impact cost. From photo locations to dinners and tickets, these aspects also add up quickly onto the cost of prom. Given this, Jesuit works hard to lessen the costs where they can in areas such as ticket pricing along with encouraging alternatives to pre prom festivities.
“Jesuit High School currently has the lowest prices for Prom in the Metro League,” mentioned Lakey. “Students can make Prom fit their budget. For example, I encourage students to make a pot-luck dinner with friends or recycle forms; wear with friends. Thrifting is always a win and great for the environment.”
Jesuit plans to continue providing attire around school dances overall and will be hosting their Prom this weekend May 16th. The community hopes for all students to have a fun and memorable experience.
