Enjoy Special Nights Without Busting the Budget
What about food?
Potluck dinner anyone?
Potluck Dinner, Anyone?
What's easy and costs almost nothing?Instead of going out to eat, have your group of friends all make a little something to bring for a potluck.
Close No one likes to go out without being fed, so you and your companions need to choose where you would like to eat.
Where you go strongly depends on what your group enjoys to eat. Do you like Italian? Chinese?
Got coupons?
Coupons and Gift CardsJust like when purchasing clothing, coupons and gift cards are great if you do want to go out to eat on prom night.
They can easily cut your bill in fourth, third, or even half. Most restaurants now have either gift cards or gift certificates you can purchase online or around the holidays for less than full price.
Even better, go online and try sites like restaurant.com. Generally, you can purchase gift certificates for up to 50% off that you print.
CloseHow about going out to eat at one of the locally owned ethnic restaurants? They have lower priced meals that taste delicious, and you would also be helping to support a community business!
Maybe you would rather have something simple such as some hamburgers. Sometimes going out to eat can be very pricey, so why not stay home with some pizzas? It’s tasty, inexpensive, and can feed many!
Though many people spend hundreds of dollars on prom, you don't have to...
If you spend wisely, you can save a ton on the items you need and want for that special night. Here are some ways to do so.
Be outrageous!
Be Outrageous!
We know how to have a good time!
It may be outrageous to even think about wearing a dress you have previously worn, but sometimes it makes a lot of sense.
I wore the same dress to my freshman and sophomore proms, and no one cared. Dresses can be expensive, so try to get some use out of them.
Close Save on attire
Consignment Stores are Cool!You may not think its “cool” to wear a used dress, but chances are it has only been worn once, or maybe twice.
Besides, prom dresses are expensive and if you plan to wear it only one night don’t pay $400 for it.
Close Organize a Dress SwapIt’s a great chance to see many different styles and sizes. If you can swap for one night with minor alterations, go for it.
Close Hit the Sale RacksSale racks are great because what once cost an arm and a leg may now be very inexpensive.
Close The All-Important CouponThese little pieces of paper could end up saving you a lot of money, especially if it’s already on sale.
Close Get the DealYou may have a coupon that is also usable online, so check out the store websites. A coupon can save you a lot of money, especially if the dress is already on sale.
Prom dress websites are abundant and may have some great deals, plus you have a larger variety of colors and sizes you can choose from.
Be sure to consider the cost of shipping: It may be coming from China. Consider the time factor, too. Will the dress show up before prom?
Close Save on accessories
See what jewelry friends and family have that you can borrow for the night. The same goes for shoes.
Get together and help each other with hair and makeup. You can plan an at-home manicure, pedicure, and facial date!
Not everyone is good at things like painting nails, but when you are in a group there’s always someone willing and able to help.
Borrowed Jewelry is SweetJust because you are going out does not mean you have to buy a bunch of new jewelry.
Borrow something from a friend, your mom, sister, aunt, or wear something you already own.
It's even sweeter as you remember that person every time you see it on your special night.
Close $125 and Wear Them Once? Not!Not many people wear high heels often, so don’t go buy a new pair of shoes that you’ll wear once only because they match your dress.
Use a pair you have, or buy a low-priced pair that you can wear with other outfits. Silver or black are a good choice, because they match almost anything.
Close Make it a Group Effort
If you have ever been in a school play or some kind of group presentation, you know that everyone helps when getting ready.
Make doing hair and makeup a group effort. Though prom is a very special night, you don’t have to be professionally made up. Try developing different hair styles and techniques with your friends.
It’s very cheap and will leave you with lasting memories of a great time, plus do’s and don’ts in hair styling!
Close Got your back
The nails have it.
The Nails Have itSolid colors...French tips...cool designs... give them a try and see how creative you can be.
Such a simple task doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
Close When going out, it is always a good idea to have some back-ups or buffers. Here are a few extra tips to ensure that you special night goes smoothly.
Allow yourselves ample time. Don’t rush yourselves to get ready, eat, and get to your destination.
Don't RushIf you’re a bit late, who cares? You don’t have to be the first people to arrive.
Don’t worry too much about traffic. Just drive safely and pay attention to the road, not the clock.
All rushing does is stress you out.
CloseRemember, your night out is supposed to be fun. Don’t take anything too seriously and go with the flow.
Go With the FlowIf something doesn’t go as planned, don’t fret and make a huge deal about it. Take a deep breath and remind yourself, Tonight is my night to have a blast with friends!
Oh no, someone has the same dress! It will all be okay. It happens. Know that you look beautiful and just keep doing what you’re doing. No one will care.
If you accidently do something totally embarrassing while dancing, just go with it. Play it off as nothing and no one will ever know!
Keep a cool head and don’t forget what the night is about.
CloseRemember your camera. This is very important, especially if you are like me and love to take pictures to look back through and laugh at.
A Camera Is ImportantIf a friend happens to forget hers, you have yet another reason to keep snapping away.
Bring back-up batteries and a back-up SD card, just in case.
Memories last a lifetime and pictures are worth a thousand words!
CloseKeep an adult figure handy. If something comes up, it’s always nice to have a good problem-solver close by.
Problem SolversMothers, aunts, friends of the family, and yes, even fathers can be very helpful in times of need.
You never know what may happen but, if you are prepared, you’re likely to enjoy your night that much more.
CloseSpecial nights, such as prom, don’t need to break the bank. You can look great, have fun, and make memories without spending a lot!
True or False: Ben Franklin organized the first insurance company mostly to protect houses from fire.
Click Ben's head for the answer.
TRUE: In 1751, he founded the first insurance company and called it the Philadelphia Contributorship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire.
Age 16
Westby, WI
WRITTEN BY:
Samantha
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