As the end of the school year draws near, local high schools are in the thick of prom season. Take a look at this season’s trends and how to keep costs reasonable.
This year’s trends
Prints – animal, polka dot and geometric – lead the trends this spring, said Susy Wright, manager and buyer at Country Brides in Peoria.
Beading also is popular, with embellished necklines leading the way. Detail around the neck eliminates the need for necklaces, Wright said.
The silhouette this spring is sleek, with a tiny train that can be bustled. But the traditional ball gown with eight to 10 layers of tulle is still a popular look.
Pastels are big for ball gowns, while slinky looks in bright, bold colors such as teal, red, purple and yellow are flying off the racks, said Bobbie Ziffren, owner of Bobbie’s Just Prom Boutique.
Wright said some girls are bucking the long-dress trend and going for shorter party dresses, fitted on top with a pouffy, flared bottom.
“One girl did a little short dress because she wanted to wear roller skates,” Wright said.
Country Bride’s average dress price this spring is about $300 to $400, though it sells dresses from about $180 to $500. Dress prices at Bobbie’s Just Prom Boutique are comparable.
Gloves and tiaras aren’t hot sellers this year, Ziffren said. Instead, girls are going all-out on hot, colorful garters.
And she added that to save some cash, girls are opting to wear last year’s shoes.
Limos aren’t the only option
Promgoers are more likely to take a party bus or trolley with a large group of friends than a traditional limousine, said Randy Cushing, an employee at Deluxe Limousine Service Inc. in Peoria.
“It’s almost taking the smaller limousines out of the business,” he said.
Groups of about 20 can opt for a party bus at roughly $450 a night or a larger trolley for about $600 a night. A limo with Deluxe Limousine Service goes for about $350 a night.
But for couples seeking a more unique ride, horse-drawn carriages can be rented from Carriage Classics Limited on the Peoria riverfront.
“It’s just romantic,” co-owner Joanne McTaggart said.
The rides are about $20 for two people departing from the riverfront. Couples can be picked up at other locations for additional costs.
Keeping costs down
Prom can be an unbelievably expensive event, with ticket prices ranging from $50 to $100 and the additional costs of the dress or tuxedo, accessories, dinner and transportation.
But for budget-conscious students, there are options. Borrowing instead of buying is the most obvious idea to keep costs low. Girls can do their own hair or enlist a friend to help.
For girls who want a professional updo, consider visiting one of the local beauty schools. For about half the cost of a regular salon’s charges, cosmetology students will do hair, nails and even spa treatments.
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture offers updos for $25 and $7 manicures, while Regency Beauty Institute will apply makeup for $8 and shape eyebrows for $8 as well.
Look into special prom deals at area dress retailers. Country Bride has a $50 dress rack and offers layaway, allowing customers to pay some money down and pay the rest off in installments. Bobbie’s Bridal will knock $40 off a regular-priced dress if the girl’s date rents his tuxedo from Savvi Formalwear.
Get crafty
For even more savings, use craft skills to make your own dress or accessories.
Jo-Ann Fabrics in Peoria has seen many customers purchasing specialty fabric for prom dresses, a clerk at the store said. Skilled seamstresses can make their own dress, but even beginner crafters can make their own jewelry and accessories.
Visit joann.com for a wealth of crafting ideas, from handmade purses to beaded accessories and even special trim to add to shoes, headbands and bags.
The site offers lots of no-sew options, such as adding rhinestones in a color that complements your dress to cheap shoes. Use craft glue to affix strands of jeweled or fabric trim to accessories.
Making your own feathered headband is easy, too. These accessories can run up to $30 in stores but can be made for much less using an old headband, a hot glue gun or craft glue and some plumage, which can be picked up at craft stores for about $2 to $6.
Compiled by Lauren Rees
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