Pricing the prom

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Apr 7, 2005 by Sharon Haddock Deseret Morning News

Timpanogos High students Carissa Hansen and Casey Greer didn't jump onto a plane together for Disneyland for their prom activity.

That's something Ashley Warner's brother did last year; and even though the teens at Timpanogos High School are still talking about that little jaunt, most of them can't afford the fare to California for a day.

However, prom is still pretty pricey.

"I probably spent $175 last year," Greer said. "We went paintballing, and that's expensive."

"I'm just trying to spend no more than $100 this year," said Kylee Janis.

"I have my jewelry from last year, and I'm making my dress," Hansen said. "Last year I spent way too much. My dress was $500."

"I can't tell you how much my dress cost," said Angie Knudsen, "but it's a lot."

Prom is "all about the dress" according to the teenage girls from Lehi High School's student council.

It's also about getting the proper group together because there's a lot of "hanging out" time involved between picking up a date for the all-day pre-prom activity to the dinner to the dance to the parting at the porch (unless there's an after-prom party that goes into the wee hours).

Whatever it is, prom is an expensive ride -- from the limo rental to the fancy dining out, say the boys who are somewhat surprised to find a prom is just as costly for the girls.

In fact, it spawns a good deal of creativity in both camps just to survive it financially.

The day activity, which has become as much a tradition as attending the actual dance, can be as simple as a four-wheeling adventure in the hills, a day at the zoo or as elaborate as spending the day at a spa, at Lagoon or in Las Vegas.

Riley Rampton likes to get the shotguns out and spend the day teaching his date to bring down clay pigeons. Others recommend snowmobiling or skiing.

Very rarely is the cost of attending the dance limited to buying tickets to get in the door.

The boy is expected to buy a corsage that matches his date's outfit, and she is supposed to buy him a corresponding boutonniere.

She has to find the perfect dress while he has to rent a tuxedo with a vest that matches her dress.

Even the invitation process has become complex. No longer can the boy just call up the girl to ask her out. He has to come up with an original way to invite her to the dance that involves at least a few dollars. The girls' reply has become equally creative -- and complicated.

It all costs money unless you're willing to cut out some of what's expected or make do.

"You can make your own boutonniere," said Andrea Dahle. "And you can wear flip-flops instead of heels."

"Pictures are a rip-off," said David Allgaier. "I'm not paying for them again."

"I won't be buying another top hat for $35 like I did last year," said Rampton. "I never wore it since."

"Last year, I wanted to impress my date so I rented the baby blue tux for $80. You can get them for a lot less," said Jarom Randall. "And I'm going to take a motor home this year instead of a limo. It'll be a whole lot cheaper. My dad can get one for no cost, and it'll be something different."

Alice Flores likes the limo ride. "It's definitely worth the money," she said, "because you can get 10-12 couples in an Excursion limo and split up the cost.

"Never trust anyone to do an updo. I had to do it over myself after I'd paid to have it done," said Dahle.

"I don't know why girls do that because if I can't touch it (the hair), it's not fun," said Rampton. He also recommends getting a big group together not only to help defray expenses but to ensure a better time all around.

Popular restaurants include the Lion House and the Roof in Salt Lake City. For a more modest budget, the Old Spaghetti Factory in Orem is popular.

Who pays the bill?

In most cases, the parents split the costs with the kid, but in some cases, the teenagers have to come up with the money. "My parents make me pay for everything," said Cameron Bales.

E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com