A Closer Look at Prom Prices This Year

Bell, we are officially in prom season. It is no secret that prom can be an extremely pricey event. Of course, we have events like pop-up prom and numerous opportunities for financial aid, but to some, wearing the fanciest dress or getting a VIP room at after-prom makes them feel like...well.. A VIP! So here are the questions we need to ask ourselves: has spending tons of dough on prom become a status symbol? And how de help students not feel left out? Well first we have to understand what exactly is the fuss about prom prices this year. If you’re in the 2018 graduating class you have definitely heard a ruckus, and you might have heard about it even if you’re not. It seems to be nothing more than… people wanting to make a ruckus. It’s obvious that our graduating class doesn’t get along very well, but the prom pricing controversy is just silly.

Basically, some people feel that prom ticket prices are just way too high, and don’t like that there is an additional fee for a VIP package at after prom (which consists of a private room for you and your friends, and free McDonalds.) Unfortunately, if you think getting free McDonalds at after-prom has anything to do with your social standing, that might have something to do with why no one likes you. Some people do spend a ludicrous amount on prom, but no one is pointing fingers at those who don’t spend as much. Some people pay $500 for their dresses and turn up in limos and feel great, and some turn up in $50 dresses driving their mom’s car and they feel great that they have their G2 now and finally can.

Some people burger-flip and babysit because they think prom will be the most special night of their teen life. Yes, I’m sure some people also just go to their parents for cash. But clearly you couldn’t have had that much riding on this night if you were blown away by prices. Some people have been calling prom ticket prices “ridiculously high” even though tickets are actually much cheaper than last year — so how much attention are they really paying?? Additionally, if you really were counting on a beautiful extravagant prom but you weren’t able to scrape together the money: the school offers so much help. Isn’t it odd that despite how much public complaining there was about the price of prom tickets, the prom heads still have not had anyone contact them to ask for financial aid? They have been advertising for quite a while that the school offers aid. There’s also pop-up prom which sells extremely beautiful dresses for a fraction of the price, and a discount on suits from Moores clothing. If you’re really in need, start a kickstarter or something.

It’s frankly disrespectful to act like prom tickets are absurdly priced, and to be vocal about how extremely upset you are, when the prom heads have spent so long trying to put this event together. It’s an insult to their hard work, especially considering that prices were well within the expected range. There have been numerous prom fundraisers throughout the year, and it’s not at all surprising that those who think the price should be lowered didn’t attend or help out with any of those events. I hope everyone has an amazing prom and just remembers one thing - be respectful, because Bell revolves around equity and inclusion.