As another school year comes to a close this spring, most teen girls are focused on prom and looking their best for this exciting yearly event. What they tend not to realize is that prom can be a great expense for parents, who are often expected to pay for everything from that perfectly styled hairdo to the dream dress she's set her heart on. Throughout my years as president of Wilhelmina Kids & Teens, I've spoken to so many mothers and daughters about their experiences with prom planning, and I know just how frightening the price tag for the night can be. I always tell moms that with a little bit of communication and planning, you and your teen can work together to create the ultimate prom night, all while staying within the family budget.
Step 1 - Create a "Prom Budget" with your teen. When she says she needs a new pair of heels, have her do a bit of research to find the best possible style at the lowest available price. Sometimes this will mean she may not end up with her first choice item, but until money grows on trees, a bit of compromising is essential. The "Prom Budget" is a great start to teaching the basics of financial planning and reasonable spending.
Step 2 - In keeping with the family budget, you and your teen should be prepared to bargain hunt in unlikely places. Ensure that you both keep an open mind while the two of you scour the shelves of thrift stores and consignment shops. These shops are especially great for finding unique vintage accessories -- you'd be surprised at the tons of gorgeous jewels available at discounted prices! Remember, shopping at second-hand stores doesn't always mean having to buy second-hand goods. You're also very likely to find brand new items mixed in with the older treasures. Many consignment shops also specialize in pre-owned formal wear. Since most girls only wear their prom dresses once, chances are the dresses you find will be in like-new condition. Why pass up a deal like that?
Step 3 - discuss possible alternatives to costly professional services for nails, hair, and makeup. Offer to give her an "at-home manicure" with a new bottle of her favorite nail polish. If it's a fancy 'do she's after, mention that by buying hair products and helping her style her own hair at home, she'll be able to achieve the same look many times over instead of paying loads of money for a one-time salon visit. Soft curls pulled back into a loose ponytail makes for a simple yet classic prom night look. Perhaps your teen even feels comfortable doing her own makeup; if not, many department stores offer a "beauty makeover" for free, with the purchase of just one product from the salesclerk (try Elizabeth Arden or Estee Lauder). Call them up and talk to them about making an appointment.
Step 4 - Prom night transportation can be a huge expense, so it's time to discuss ways to save. For just about all prom-goers, a limo is the undisputed way to go. Tip: Don't rent a limo for the entire evening. You'll end up paying mostly for time spent waiting around in parking lots! Instead, consider dropping off your teen and her friends at dinner, and then hire a limo take the group from dinner straight to the prom. The larger the limo the better -- more room means more people to share the bill!
Step 1 - Create a "Prom Budget" with your teen. When she says she needs a new pair of heels, have her do a bit of research to find the best possible style at the lowest available price. Sometimes this will mean she may not end up with her first choice item, but until money grows on trees, a bit of compromising is essential. The "Prom Budget" is a great start to teaching the basics of financial planning and reasonable spending.
Step 2 - In keeping with the family budget, you and your teen should be prepared to bargain hunt in unlikely places. Ensure that you both keep an open mind while the two of you scour the shelves of thrift stores and consignment shops. These shops are especially great for finding unique vintage accessories -- you'd be surprised at the tons of gorgeous jewels available at discounted prices! Remember, shopping at second-hand stores doesn't always mean having to buy second-hand goods. You're also very likely to find brand new items mixed in with the older treasures. Many consignment shops also specialize in pre-owned formal wear. Since most girls only wear their prom dresses once, chances are the dresses you find will be in like-new condition. Why pass up a deal like that?
Step 3 - discuss possible alternatives to costly professional services for nails, hair, and makeup. Offer to give her an "at-home manicure" with a new bottle of her favorite nail polish. If it's a fancy 'do she's after, mention that by buying hair products and helping her style her own hair at home, she'll be able to achieve the same look many times over instead of paying loads of money for a one-time salon visit. Soft curls pulled back into a loose ponytail makes for a simple yet classic prom night look. Perhaps your teen even feels comfortable doing her own makeup; if not, many department stores offer a "beauty makeover" for free, with the purchase of just one product from the salesclerk (try Elizabeth Arden or Estee Lauder). Call them up and talk to them about making an appointment.
Step 4 - Prom night transportation can be a huge expense, so it's time to discuss ways to save. For just about all prom-goers, a limo is the undisputed way to go. Tip: Don't rent a limo for the entire evening. You'll end up paying mostly for time spent waiting around in parking lots! Instead, consider dropping off your teen and her friends at dinner, and then hire a limo take the group from dinner straight to the prom. The larger the limo the better -- more room means more people to share the bill!
Marlene Wallach, President and Owner of Wilhelmina Kids & Teens, takes pride in nurturing young talent in the modeling and talent industries. For over 10 years she has been assisting kids and parents as they navigate through a sometimes daunting industry. Miss Wallach has written the Tween Lifestyle Collection of four books published by Simon & Schuster that was released summer 2009 - MY SELF, MY LIFE, MY LOOK and MY BEAUTY. In conjunction with Marlene's book collection, she developed www.justaskmarlene.com. At the core of these books and the site are messages of empowering girls to find their unique beauty and have it shine from the inside out!
Become a JAM member at http://www.justaskmarlene.com/ to get all the inside scoop and greatest and latest tips on modeling, fashion, beauty, fitness, and self-esteem from Marlene Wallach's Secret Journal.
Become a JAM member at http://www.justaskmarlene.com/ to get all the inside scoop and greatest and latest tips on modeling, fashion, beauty, fitness, and self-esteem from Marlene Wallach's Secret Journal.