At $1,079, Prom Night No Cheap Date

This year, the cost of a blow-out, pull-out-all-the-stops prom night will cost a couple about $1,079, up from about $984 last year, according to figures from an annual survey by Your Prom magazine.

Amid the bad news that prices are going up for everything from hosiery to flowers, “teens are joining financial purses and splitting the cost as a couple,” said Linda Platzner, associate publisher of Your Prom, published by Modern Bride.

According to the survey, 68% of couples share or divide expenses evenly. Forty-five percent rent limos.

One of the few items that has declined in price over the last year is the average cost of a gown, now about $188, down from $199 last year.

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Rising Costs

Here’s a break-down of average costs for items associated with the prom:

Hers

Gown: $188

Accessories (lingerie, hoisery, shoes, jewelry and dress clothes): $186

Makeup/toiletries: $23

Hair products: $18

Film: $14

Boutonniere: $15

Casual clothes and bathing suit: $96

Other expenses: $65

Total: $605

Last year: $519

His

Prom tickets: $48

Tuxedo rental: $92

Shoes and accessories: $45

Corsage $20

Share of limo bill: $151

Dinner: $50

Other expenses: $68

Total: $474

Last year $465

Source: Your Prom magazine