There is one dress that rises above all other dresses worn in a girl’s high school years. It is the dress that embodies the princess fantasies of every girl. That dress is the prom dress.
At this point, I’ve shown my dress to at least 50 different people. I love my dress and I’m excited to go to prom. However, the prom dress is being taken way too seriously.
Way too much money can be spent on it. Just a quick glance at the “JC Prom Dress” group’s page on Facebook reveals just how many girls consider money to be no object in attaining the dress of their dreams. Dresses range from Rent the Runway deals of $75 to $500 exclusive boutique affairs.
Obviously, some dresses are outrageously expensive.
I’m not saying that people should not buy a dress in favor of renting one. Owning the dress is part of the fun of prom. However, one dress that will only be worn for one night is not worth the ridiculous sums of money that some people choose to spend.
Prom does not equate to a high school wedding, so don’t treat it like one. Weddings celebrate commitment and a whole new stage in life. Prom celebrates the last school dance and a few more hours to dance awkwardly with your date or stay at the after-prom party hosted by the school instead of a real after-prom party.
That being said, there are a few things that prom does merit. Prom merits a more pricey dress, a fun time at the last dance, and few other expensive things.
What it does not merit is the royal fanfare and treatment. I’m pretty sure that no one at JC is marrying Prince William. Last time I checked, Kate Middleton still had that one covered.
Get over yourself and don’t be fooled by the outrageous price tags. A more expensive dress does not mean that prom will be more fun. All it means is that your wallet just got a whole lot lighter.
So spend more than you usually would if you want, but not obscenely more. What’s most important is that you have a fun night.
When it comes down to it, prom is not about the dress you wear, it’s about the memories you make.
Meg Kirchner is a Reporter for “The Patriot” and jcpatriot.com.