kmaples posted on April 08, 2011 07:35
There are certain traditions that are hard to forgo, but there’s more than one way to do Prom, depending on who you are and how much you have left in your bank account.
Even though guys don’t have to spend money on a dress, they still have multiple expenses. Here are some ideas on how to plan your evening on your own budget.
Cheap
Tuxedo: Salvation Army
The tux can be the most expensive prom item for guys. Thank goodness Salvation Army always offers excellent deals on clothing. Even if they don’t have a tuxedo, they might have a suit, and that’s close enough.
Transportation: Bicycle
Save on gas and help the environment by pedaling to Prom on your bike. Your date can fit on the back or in the little basket on the front, but avoid catching her dress in the spokes. If you own one, attach a side carrier to the back and try to fit her in. Don’t forget the helmets!
Corsage: A garden
While you’re biking to your date’s house, stop by a random garden and pick a few flowers. Tie them together with a bit of ribbon, or if you don’t have one on hand, a rubber band will do. Make sure to brush off the bugs before you try to slip it on her wrist.
Dinner: McDonald’s
Even the hungriest couple can eat for cheap at McDonald’s. Featuring a dollar menu with such favorites as the McDouble and McChicken, you and your date can both find something you’ll enjoy. Make sure to pull out her plastic chair like a gentleman, and grab some napkins in case you drip ketchup on your suit.
After party: Other people’s houses
Don’t spend your own money when you can get free food and entertainment at someone else’s party. If you’re not invited, try to sneak into one with a lot of guests so you’ll blend in, but make sure to move on to another one before people start asking questions.
Moderate
Tuxedo: Rent one
American Commodore tuxedo in the mall may be one of the only places in town to rent a tux, but they have so many colors and styles there’s no need to go somewhere else. Make sure you color-coordinate with your date beforehand to avoid clashing.
Transportation: Car
Pick the nicest car between you and your date and ride to prom on your own dime. It’s not the most luxurious ride out there, but give it a good vacuuming and a nice air freshener and it’s as good as new.
Corsage: Grocery store
Flowers are flowers, no matter where they come from. Check out the selection at Walmart and Meijer, or cruise over to Great Scot. Keep an eye out for coupons in local ads, too, to save even more.
Dinner: Max & Erma’s
This restaurant is perfect for prom groups who don’t want to break the bank for dinner. A standard selection of soups, salads and sandwiches ensures that everyone will find something they like. Your date will be charmed when you pick up the bill afterwards, too.
After party: Your house
Stock up on the soda and snacks to throw your own after party. The best part about hosting at your own house is you get to pick both the guest list and the music. Unfortunately, you also have to take care of the mess afterwards.
Expensive
Tuxedo: Buy one
Wearing pre-worn clothes isn’t your style, and you never know when a nice tuxedo might be useful, so maybe it’s best to just keep one handy. American Commodore Tuxedo offers them for $160.
Transportation: Hummer Limo
Ride in style with a 2010 Hummer H2 Limousine from First Class Limos in Toledo. For a mere $1400, you can party with a lit floor and ceiling, three TVs and a fiber optics show for six hours. Your date will surely be breathless when you pull up in a limo as big as her house.
Corsage: Flower shop
Order some fresh flowers at Gina Lynne Floral & Design and have your driver go by to pick them up. Why stop at a corsage when you can get an entire bracelet of orchids and roses for $29? Add optional beads for an extra ‘glam’ factor.
Dinner: Fifi’s Restaurant in Toledo
With French menu items like Filet Mignon and Boeuf au Fromage, you know Fifi’s Restaurant is going to be expensive. Ordering a couple of prime steaks for you and your date could rack up a bill close to $60. They even have a wine menu. Even though you can’t order from it, it still screams high class.
After party: Castaway Bay
Hop in your limo and party all the way to Sandusky, where you, your friends and family can check into a Bayside Seahorse Suite at Castaway Bay. You get passes to the indoor water park located in the hotel and you can throw in day passes to Cedar Point as well for a grand total of $543 per room. Plus, you get into the park an hour early.