You Won’t Believe How Much the Average Teen is Spending on Prom This Year

Prom season is here to completely clean out your bank account.

For as long as I can remember, prom has always been held for juniors and seniors. So, you can imagine how surprised I am that my son hasn't even mentioned it. Out of curiosity, I asked him if he planned on going and he said, "yes." I was baffled. Really? So close to prom season and you haven't said anything to us yet? I turned to my husband and said, "you know what this means, right? If he hasn't brought it up yet, he's going to come to us at the last minute and tell us he needs money for everything"; to which my husband replied, "aah, no."

Let's not forget the fact that since my son broke up with his girlfriend a few months ago, there have been no prospects in sight. Well, at least not to my knowledge. So, who the heck is he taking? Or his he planning on going with friends? Questions I probably won't get answered until the day of prom.

Hopefully, he'll just go with friends because according to a new survey, the average teen plans on spending $324 on the "promposal" alone. A "promposal"- something that didn't even exist when I went to prom - is an elaborate invitation to the high school prom that can mirror a marriage proposal. Seriously. What happened to slipping them a note that said, "Will you go to prom with me? Circle yes or no."

It doesn't stop there. The "promposal" is just 1/3 of the $919 they plan on spending on the entire prom experience, which includes the attire, limo, flowers, photos and the after party. All which 73% of parents say they planned to pay for.

If my son thinks I'm paying for all of that, he's nuts. I went to prom three times and even after three proms, I didn't even come close to spending what teens and their parents are spending today.

Remember, this is just the national average. Don't think for a second that the only way to have an epic prom experience is to spend a mortgage payment. In fact, if this would be helpful, 97ZOK has teamed up with the Goodwill and Lou Bachrodt Auto Mall for Gown Town. Get your dress for less, along with the accessories on Saturday, April 11 from 10am-2pm. I'll even be there to help you pick something out from 10-12.  I hope to see you there.