Mom's Talk Q&A: Who Pays for What for Prom? (2024)

Community Corner

Prom season is upon us and you might be realizing it is quite costly, so who should be paying for it all?

Posted Wed, May 25, 2011 at 2:53 am ET|Updated Wed, May 25, 2011 at 1:24 pm ET

I like the old fashioned way of the guys ask the girls, guys pay for the tickets. I would even tell my boys when they are older that if the girl is bold enough to ask them and they want to go with her then they should reply something along the lines of “I would love to go with you, but I would like more to take you out!” That’s part of romancing a girl, and all girls need that! Chivalry is also taught to my boys already and will be reiterated on prom night, including bringing some flowers for their date.

As far as the dresses, accessories and tuxedoes, I believe this is one of those special occasions where the parents should pay for those costs as a treat for their kids.Then the limo and after prom expenses should be paid for by the kids, because that is not an absolute part of the prom experience no matter how the kids try to debate that one!

Cindy a mom of both a young girl and boy says similarly, "I think they need to keep prom 'traditional '.I believe the boy should buy the tickets for himself and his date. He only has to rent a tux."

She goes on, "the girl has to buy a dress, get her hair done, her nails and accessories. I believe that the girl’s parents put out a lot more. That is not to say that they don't NEED to get their hair done and nails... etc, but it has become a sort of royal ball and it is costly. Prom should be where the boys become gentlemen and help with the car door, and the doors to get in to any facility. I do have a boy, so I have no problem saying this. I have a girl also, which I will need to take a loan out for ...haha !"