After college decisions and AP exams are done, there is still one more stress factor in a senior’s life: prom. While prom is supposed to be the most memorable, exciting part of a senior’s high school journey, it can come with an expensive price tag. The stressful costs of prom can cause students to push off planning until the very last minute. However, it is definitely possible for prom to be enjoyable and affordable.

For the girls, the most expensive and important part of preparation for prom is the dress. High end stores that specialize in formal and wedding gowns may seem like the best place to go to get a prom dress, but their dresses usually have a starting price point of around $300. There are many websites such as Rent The Runway that allow customers to rent prom and formal dresses for less. The majority of their dresses can be rented for about $70, even if the dress costs hundreds. If the dress doesn’t fit, they will overnight ship the correct size.

If online shopping isn’t an option, vintage or high end consignment stores may be the answer. Double Take Consignment Store located in Hilltop has vintage and high end pieces marked down that would be perfect for prom.

While a limo may seem like the only option for prom, it can be impractical and costly, especially in large prom groups. Most limos only seat around 12 people. If the prom group is larger than that, two or more limos would need to be rented, which would add on additional costs. Driving to prom in small groups saves a lot of money and allows prom groups to go to the dance and leave worry free.

The Chesapeake Bay and Seashore State Park are both popular areas for picture taking before prom so there’s no need to hire a professional photographer. Having one or two parents with digital or DSLR cameras photograph the group will provide great candid pictures.

After pictures, having a dinner or potluck at a classmate’s house is an easy way to fill up on great food without spending a lot of money. If everyone in the group brings one dish, there will be plenty of food to go around.

When the dance comes to an end, there are plenty of options available to keep the party going. Bowling alleys, such as Pinboys on Laskin Road, are open late on weekends and usually have special deals available. Bowling is a great way to finish off the night and will guarantee great memories with friends. If bowling isn’t a group favorite, go out for late night dessert at Skinny Dip, Tini’s, or Sweet Frog. A late night pool party is also a great way to cool off and relax after a busy evening.

Prom can be stressful, but taking these tips into consideration can lift a lot of stress, and debt, off of students’ backs.