The flowing dresses of glitter, sequins, and holographics and the clean, matte tuxedos are all the rage for this upcoming prom season. May 29th is Prom at Utica, and students have been scrambling for dresses and tuxedos. Whether it’s money troubles or finding a perfect dress that meets your standards, these upcoming graduates have gone on a journey finding the perfect fit.
“I think prices have gone up,” senior Caitlyn Seal said. “Their dresses are tailored, and I think the prices are way too high. Prom dresses should be $200 more or less.”
Prom was a relevantly new thing in Western society in the early 1930’s and as popularity grew over the decades, so have prices. Over 90 years ago, dresses and tuxedos were nearly a quarter of what they are today. According to https://www.in2013dollars.com,In 1936, dresses varied to 15 dollars and tuxedos were around the same price.
“I feel like dresses are going up because everything else is going up, which makes sense.” senior Abigail Skowronek said. “Prom dresses are getting higher in demand; that makes the prices go up.”
In recent years, the prices for these dresses have spiked by 3,130% since 1936. These dazzling dresses and tuxedos are now in the hundreds and thousands.
“The prices of tuxedos definitely went up,” senior James Coleman said. “Fashion trends are more prevalent towards how much something is than how fashionable it is, but some are still affordable. I am renting my tuxedo for 80-150 dollars.”
Finding the perfect look on your day can be difficult if you won’t do it yourself. These past years, entrepreneurs have been providing services just for seniors going to prom. You might be lucky to find a good deal, but if not, makeup services range from 100-200 dollars.
In addition to expensive dresses, tuxedos and flawless makeup looks, prom tickets and transportation services.
High schools host this fun extravaganza at their schools or nice banquets. In an attempt at getting profit, prom tickets are the cost. In the 1930’s tickets were about $1.25, which has increased by 1,800% into 2025. In addition, now depending on the school and district it can range from $600 to $1,000 dollars. (Kevin – world.edu)
“I think simply the cost of everything has increased over the years.” senior Hailey Daubert said. “Meaning the cost of prom tickets have to increase to compensate.”
When going to prom, you not only want to look good, but your transportation needs to as well. Kids get limo services to fit in with all their close friends and have fun without parental supervision. In 2025, limos typically range from $200-400 dollars, the cost can vary on the model of the limo, rental duration, and other amenities.
Therefore, this season is proven to be the most money spent in terms of seniors in high school. The money spent will be for a memorial moment that these teens will remember forever. The glitz and glamour of this day is an anticipated night for all that attend with the enjoyment dancing to the music in their best dress and good food.
