Teen Criticizes High Cost of School Proms
An 18-year-old from Newmarket, Suffolk, has described the expense of attending school prom as "extortionate" after choosing not to attend her own event.
Giselle Bartram, who grew up in Newmarket, decided against going to her end-of-school prom and expressed no regrets about her decision.
She noted that her sister attended her prom last summer and spent £600 to ensure she could participate in style.
Research provided exclusively to the BBC by the debt advice charity Money Wellness revealed that one in four parents would spend between £250 and £500 on prom-related expenses.
"Drive People Apart"
"I understand why people spend that much money, but nowadays it's a lot," Bartram told BBC Radio Suffolk's Wayne Bavin.
"My sister went to prom and we spent £600 on her. I find it extortionate in my opinion."
Proms, a tradition long established in the United States, are increasingly common in the UK, with the British Council estimating that around 85% of secondary schools now hold proms for their leavers.
Bartram expressed concern that rising living costs have increased financial pressure on families during prom season. She observed that taxi companies, hair salons, and other related industries often raise their prices around this time.
"A big aspect of prom is how big can you go," she said.
"With my sister's prom, we had a whole motorbike show up, a fire engine.
It is more showing off than the experience - who can do the coolest thing, who can wear the nicest dress, things like that.
For people who can't afford it, it really does drive people apart."
"I don't think people realise exactly how much money it can actually be because £600 was a lot for my sister, but I've had mates who spend over a grand on their prom because they hired fancy cars, hired a really lovely suit, they got their hair done."
"Added Expense"
Mel Collins, a 35-year-old parent from Lowestoft, Suffolk, whose 16-year-old daughter has an upcoming prom, shared her perspective.
Although Collins does not expect her daughter to attend, she has saved between £300 and £400 in case her daughter changes her mind.
"We already have uniforms to pay for, school trips to pay for and now at the end of the school year for our 16-year-olds we're having to pay even more money," Collins said.
"My child doesn't want to go to prom but I have allocated funds just in case they change their mind.
It's difficult because I'm having to put money aside that I could prioritise in other areas of my bills, it could go to a day out.
I feel the pressures of prom and having to spend the money is because the schools put it on the parents.
There's competition between the kids so the pressure goes further because they want to show off, they want the posh sports car, they want the big dress and the new suit, or the great entrance and it puts so much pressure on the parents to out do each other."
Collins added that she did not feel proms were a positive influence, describing them as a bad influence on children.
How Can Parents Save on Prom?
Sharan Sammi, a 44-year-old money mindset mentor from Wolverhampton with 19 years of experience, offered advice on reducing prom costs.
"The first [tip] is taking a dress you already have and adding accessories such as nice jewellery, a tiara or a handbag," Sammi said.
She also suggested borrowing from female relatives when possible.
"The thought behind this is because it's a one-off prom, it's cost efficient instead of buying it all new," she added.
Sammi recommended checking websites like Shein and Temu for affordable outfits and accessories.
Regarding preparations, she advised painting nails at home and utilizing training nail and hair salons that may offer practice services.
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