School discos used to be the event at the end of the year, an underwhelming dance with little fanfare. This has changed however with the introduction of the Prom, a glamorous and large event that people plan for months on end…
What used to be the humble school disco with cheesy tunes and body glitter has now evolved to school proms. Originally a large American fare, it is a big celebration to commemorate the end of exams. A much more exuberant celebration than a disco, it sees stretch limos, lavish ballgowns and luxurious destinations become the norm. While it is undoubtedly a great event for pupils to celebrate their end of year, to unwind with friends and relieve a bit of the post-exam stress that they have all been feeling. It’s also often usually a last chance to see many friends before heading off to different sixth-form colleges or apprenticeships.
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The prom first reached the UK at the break of the Millenium and is attributed to the rise of American school dramas, sitcoms and films shown on our TV’s. Proms are now a £100 million a year business with parents feeling the buck of the extravagance. Many feel the pressures of providing their teens with expensive dresses, cars and tickets to the event, which can come to over £500. Girls shop for their dresses well ahead of time and often spend over £100. They also get their hair and makeup professionally done in an effort to look their best and to keep up with pressure from their peers. Another large expense is the transport to get there. Turning up in your parents car or a taxi is a massive no-go and many opt for large, luxury limos or other novelty transportation means which parents also feel they have to shell out for.
A recent study in 2016 by leading retailer Simply Be, discover that the total cost of having a prom in the UK has risen by almost 75% since 2011. The largest rise in costs is for hair, with more than three quarters of parents saying they would take their daughter to a hair salon to get her tresses styled for the big day. Others said that their daughters would get their nails and makeup professionally done and certain schools even put on “prom fayres” where attendees can see a range of dress suppliers, hair and makeup artists, photographers and other things. This is the sort of high maintenance planning one would normally only have on a wedding day! Similarly to wedding photo sharing, wedding makeup and hair, it all can be a bit overwhelming.
A spokesperson for parenting website Parentsoutloud.com told the Daily Mail that proms are “verging on madness … this is an American trend we could have lived without, a total mass marketing event which runs on parent blackmail.” For example, even popular high street clothing brands have also jumped on the bandwagon, with many high street retailers bringing out “Prom” collections, with glamorous dress, shoes, bags and accessories.
While a school prom is all well and good, it’s important to remember that it is just one night and not too go too crazy. When it comes to spending and budget, that money could be better spent on a night away or something that will last longer.
What are your thoughts on a school prom? Let us know in the comments below!
