The humble school disco is almost a thing of the past, with an estimated 85% of UK secondary schools now holding a prom during June or July...In reality, many of the proms are relatively low-key dinner and dancing affairs in the school hall but at some, girls in particular feel under pressure to spend hundreds of pounds on the right dress, hair and beauty treatments, stretch limos and professional photography, as well as pre and post Prom parties.
Anger over rising costs has spilled over in parents' forums... "Why have we adopted this American thing?," one asks. "Why are 16-year-olds having a limo? I can't afford money for dresses that will be worn once. I would like to meet the person who first thought a prom was a good idea at a British secondary school and slap them."
"We live in quite a deprived ex-mining town so it's not like my daughter's school isn't already aware there are parents who will be struggling," says another. "Yet for proms, you should see it. Last year a few people arrived by helicopter, I kid you not!"
Others, though, reckon the cost is worth it. "I would spend around £500 on my daughter's prom as a way of treating her for finishing a big part of her education," says one parent. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing and a pretty big deal at that age."
So why not spend it on something like a good holiday then? Something with a more lasting memory and lasts a bit longer than a once worn dress and something that's over in a couple of hours.
Why is it that people with money to burn are the ones without much sense?
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