It is universally acknowledged that prom is the quintessential high school experience. It is a tradition expressed in classic high school movies. It’s almost a benchmark for teens on having made it to the final years of their public education experience. However, this benchmark isn’t worth the cost for the experience delivered. The main sticking point is the outrageous price. 

Prom tickets, at the time of publishing, cost $75. In the case of a male suitor, they need to purchase a ticket and tuxedo, which on the cheaper side, costs $200 to get made properly. A fancy dinner can cost $40 if they’re paying for a date. On the topic of a date, if they feel compelled to have one, that boosts their ticket price to $150. When looking at the sum of all the costs that may be incurred by students, it can easily begin to add up to a few weeks’ worth of wages. Even if their parents cover the cost, it is still a significant amount of money. The reason for this price is also unclear.

The price for prom isn’t justified. Yes, the school set it at South Fork Ranch this year, an admittedly nice venue, but, aside from the theme, that’s the only information that the school released. On all of the promotional material, it only lists the theme, location and ticket price. There isn’t any information regarding the music accommodations, any beverages they may provide or anything beyond the theme, location, and price. 

For the extreme costs seen at prom, it is hard to see how it will be justified by the memorability and tradition factor. If the school offered some more information about what exactly the ticket cost and money raised for prom are going towards, that may justify the price. However, in its current state, prom is overly expensive.

Gleaming dresses, flawless makeup, glistening lights and the perfect date are every little girl’s dream while watching “High School Musical” or any other Disney film growing up. Prom being the climax of every movie, it is a coming-of-age event that every teenager should experience. Some may say that the costs of prom are way too high, but I believe that the irreplaceable memories are worth the price. 

While the expense of tickets is high, they are priced that way on purpose. Prom is held at a top-notch location. The South Fork Ranch is a charming, rustic spot where many weddings and other festivities are held. On top of that, the renowned TV show “Dallas” was filmed at the ranch. The lofty amount that one has to pay is used for the lavish and iconic venue. Personally, if I were spending the money, then I would want prom to be at an enjoyable place rather than a boring, simple school gym or cafeteria. 

Not to mention that prom is a milestone in the American high school culture. I believe it would be a shame to have to tell your kids you skipped out on prom. It is a great opportunity to have fun with your friends and celebrate the (almost) end of high school. Going to the dance not only will be a blast but is a dress rehearsal for adulthood. From getting dressed up, to going out to dinner, to being in a classic setting such as South Fork Ranch, prom it’s an incomparable event. 

Paying for the tickets, meals and clothing may seem a bit excessive, but the memories will make the money seem worthwhile. Simply put, there will be plenty of other chances to save a few bucks, but prom only happens once in a lifetime.