It’s Prom season yet again, and many questions still remain unanswered. Where did this tradition of Prom come from? Why has the cost of Prom increased so much? Do other countries have traditions similar to Prom? Is Prom even worth it?
For many, Prom is a rite of passage. Prom is short for promenade, which technically means “a paved public walk, typically one along a waterfront at a resort”. Prom dates back to the 19th century, in which universities in America held balls for their graduating class. Typically, it was an event that was more common in universities and colleges, but by the 1940’s, Prom became a norm in American high schools. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that it become more popular to hold Prom dances in rented clubs or resorts.
Nowadays, people can expect to spend hundreds of dollars on Prom and Prom-related preparation. Both parties attending, and their parents, are responsible for the cost.
The price of prom has increased in the past decades, from factors such as price and style of dresses, cost of food, cost of tickets, shoes, and hair and makeup. Prom dress prices averaged around $200 in 2005, given that the dress was new. The average tuxedo in 2005 cost $125.
The total for a couple in 2005 averaged at around $500, including cost of tickets, food, shoes, hair and makeup, and other costs.
In 2015, the average price of prom increased to about $1,393. In Northeastern states, families will spend even more money on prom, averaging at $1,528. Prom dresses have become more intricate, thus raising the price, to crazy amounts such as $1,822. Most are more reasonable, but the fact that this dress even exists shows how expensive Prom can really become. The price of a tuxedo rental can come to $185, and to purchase a tuxedo may cost even more.
The “promposal” itself averaged a cost of $324 in 2015.
Of course, these numbers vary by region, the amount of money parents make, how much parents contribute, and how important prom is to the dance attendees. It is also more popular now to make Prom affordable. You can purchase prom dresses at thrift stores or get dresses passed down. Having a meal at home can cut the cost of food immensely. Having a friend do your hair and makeup can save you $40-$100. There are lots of ways to make Prom affordable and fun.
Prom seems to become more expected as the years go by. It’s expected for juniors and seniors to go to these dances, either with their friends or with their dates for at least two years of their high school career, if not more. It also seems to be a rite of passage that many view as the end of high school, and one of the last fun times with friends.
Is Prom prevalent in other countries? Well, yes, and no. Some countries have more of a ball, a graduation ceremony/gathering, or “end of year socials." For example, in South Africa, they have what is called the Matric Dance that occurs before the end of the third quarter of school, and right before final exams. In most South African schools, the 11th-grade class is responsible for planning the Matric Dance. In Europe, the traditions vary by country.
The traditions in Belgium and the Netherlands are my personal favorite. Senior students will celebrate their last 100 days of high school with a 100-days party (100-dagen feest). On this day, students can prank their teachers and other students, march loudly through the school, and perform a show at school typically involving a parody. Towards the end of the day, students go to a club or other party. Teachers will party alongside their students as well. In homes where a student passed their final exams, the parents will often hang the backpack of their child on a flagpole on the side of their house.
In the end, we must ask: is Prom even worth it? It really just depends on who you are. If you want to go to Prom, and want to have an extravagant, wild night, then go ahead. Prom is the countdown to the final days of your high school experience, so why not have a little fun?
For others, Prom might seem overrated. Everybody is sweating, the dancing or the music is bad, everything is too expensive, and you have exams the next week so you can’t have fun without thinking about how you should be studying. Or, you might take an unexpected dive while attempting to take photos, like these people.
To some, Prom is the greatest night of high school. For others, it’s a night where you have fun with your friends and have a great time. And for others, Prom is a night in with popcorn, studying materials, and a good blanket.
I’m more like the girl on the left when it comes to Prom.
But, if you like the idea of Prom, and don’t want to go to the official Prom at your school, try going to an “anti-Prom” or “Morp." Prom is supposed to be a night to celebrate your achievements as juniors and seniors in high school. It doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive, if you plan it right.
