3 ways to lower the cost of your school’s prom

1. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other organisations

There are many organisations that offer low-cost or even free outfits to students who wouldn’t be able to afford them otherwise. PromAlly is one of the largest in the UK, charging only a small delivery fee to hire free donated suits and dresses. 

Other companies include The Cowshed and All Dressed Up, who will even let you keep what you order! High street names like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer offer rental schemes on a wide array of womenswear too, making the prospect of a dazzling dress on prom night far more affordable. 

2. Pre-loved could be perfect for your prom

Many prom outfits are only worn once. Why not help the environment as well as the students’ bank accounts by organising a second-hand outfit and accessory pop-up shop? You could ask for donations from your local community and even peruse some charity shops.

It’s best to advertise your pop-up shop to students at least a month before the prom. Consider sending out a poll to find out when families and students would be available to try on and purchase their outfits. You should also decide on how much to charge or set up a pay-what-you-can scheme alongside a donation box. The money raised can be put back into funding other prom activities, such as a session with a professional makeup artist.

3. Invite local businesses

Know any local makeup artists or hairdressers willing to give students free or discounted makeovers on the day of the prom? Or perhaps there are some local clothing boutiques happy to offer a discount to your prom queens and kings? You could offer sponsorship visibility in return, but a huge draw for local businesses will be free advertising to a large group of teenagers and many more customers!

Do you have any prom fundraising tips to share with the Parentkind community? Let us know at the PTA Hangout on Facebook.