Keeping costs low for prom night?????
Prom expenses add up quickly. A good estimate is roughly $500 for a couple, if you consider the cost of a moderately-priced gown and tux rental, a nice meal, a traditional limousine, flowers, tickets and pictures.
But if you think you have to spend big bucks to have fun on prom night, think again. A little creativity goes a long way.
The ride
Tradition: Shell out money for a limousine for you and your date.
What you could do instead: The more people in your group, the less it'll be per person. Jack Joyce, owner of Down Under Limousines, said the average minimum rental is five to six hours. His limos average between $750 for traditional cars, up to $2,000 for a custom-built, 16-passenger F250 Harley Davidson Edition. Joyce said his packages include soft drinks, and the company participates in the prom pledge, which means there's zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol. Joyce recommends that students and their parents visit a company to see the vehicles, rather than just calling for a price quote. He also recommends checking to make sure the company is licensed and insured.
"The only way to know what you're getting . . . is to go out and look at the vehicle," he said. Over the phone, "you don't know what sort of condition it's in."
Of course, if a limo is out of reach, you could ask your folks to rent a special car for the night.
-- Holly Prestidge, Richmond Times-Dispatch
And what does "rent a special car for the night mean?" Parents drive and chaperone? UGH. Teen-age male behind the wheel of a car on prom night? BAD IDEA. Frankly, there is no better option than a drug and alcohol-free group ride in a limo on prom night.
Print | posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 11:11 AM