Before engagements and weddings, there's the high school prom night. Prom night is a very special occasion for every blossoming lady that it has become a well-celebrated season in every state of the United States, and almost every country. To some people, Prom Night has become a right of passage while others see it as a fulfilment of their own secret fairytale. Whichever the reason, prom night is probably the most majestic moment in a girl's life that is why you should be diligent with planning your prom night. First thing you should consider above all else is the cost of your prom night from the cost of the entrance ticket (if there be any), your prom dress, accessories, shoes, bag, makeup, hair, nails, photograph, and more. You wouldn't want to miss prom night just because of some financial setbacks. By having a close estimate of the individual costs of the things you need as well as the total cost of the whole night, you can save earlier before prom season and avoid skimping on your budget. Who would want a cheap-looking prom gown from a rundown boutique? And arriving on a pumpkin instead of a coach? Of course, you wouldn't want to.

There is no uniform cost of any prom, however, do not expect prom night to be easy on your wallets. It is a once in a lifetime event and a very special one at that. However, this does not mean that you shouldn't set a budget. You can work on a budget and still achieve the most memorable night of your life as long as you plan ahead. Also, by planning ahead and becoming aware of the estimate costs of prom you can explore all your options and might even be able to save money. Below is a brief list of the things you would need for your special night along with a brief description of each item or service as well as an estimated cost of each item or service.

1. Your prom dress

The prom dress is pretty much every girl's number one priority when it comes to prom night. Some would browse through catalogs in the internet or magazines while some would comb through the numerous boutiques in the mall. Meanwhile, the artsy and finicky ones envision themselves in their own unique dress and would want to have them tailored.
In general, prom dresses aren't cheap and most of the time, the one that you've fallen in love with is sure to be pricey. Today, the estimate cost of prom dresses could fall anywhere between $75 to $400.

2. Your shoes
Unless you want to go barefoot or ruin your overall appearance with a pair that doesn't match your dress, you should carefully consider what shoes you are going to wear that is not just the color but the design and more importantly the height of the heels. You don't want your prom dress to be sweeping the dance floor and being stepped on by a passer by with too low heels. Shoes are the second most important thing in your list as choosing the right ones can add to your overall beauty. Shoes with heels are highly-recommended because these can accentuate your legs and figure and give you just the right height you want. Be careful with stilettos and very high heels because they can be very uncomfortable and may cause you to trip. Choose one that matches your dress and your figure and at the same time is comfortable to wear.

3. Your accessories
Accessories such as jewelry (a pair of earrings, a necklace, even a ring
or a headpiece) adds elegance to your overall look. These are accentuations that you might want to consider adding to your list of items and not one you would want to skip unless you want to look bland on your prom night. Moreover, the good thing about these accessories, especially when it comes to the pair of earrings and the necklace, is that you can reuse them for other special occasions. Pick simple ones that you think can just about fit any other dress (if you are planning on reusing the jewelry for other special functions or events) and light ones that won't hinder your movement. You don't have to have a complete set of jewelry (Sometimes people tend to overdo it a little.) Another item of importance is a small purse with which you could put in your makeup for retouches, your cellular phone, invitations, etcetera. All in all, accessories will cost you about $100 - $200.

4. Your hair and make-up
If you know how to do your hair and makeup yourself or know someone who can do it for you for free, say your mom, a friend, or a relative, consider doing some trial hair and make-up to avoid last-minute woes. If you are convinced with your work or their's, you can use the money you've allotted for hair and make-up to cover for other expenditures. However, most people want to avoid the laborious task of doing their own hair and make-up. Ladies want to relax before their big night and at the same time pamper themselves in a salon. The best way to go about the task of hair and make-up is to book with a stylist and make-up artist (preferably in the same salon) a week or two before the big night to avoid any time constraints and a messed-up schedule. You should tell them what look you want to achieve but the most important thing is that you trust them. If you don't, find someone you're comfortable with or someone you think would do a great job. All in all, the cost for both hair and make-up may fall between $70 to $130.

5. Your nails: manicure and pedicure
Be sure to check your nails if they've recently been cleaned. Coming to the prom with dirty fingernails and toenails (if you're wearing open-toed sandals) is one of the biggest blunders you'll ever make not to mention that it is totally unhygienic. Having your nails done won't cost you more than $25. With that amount, you also get to relieve yourself of the prom-night jitters and a month's or week's pile up of stress. Consider doing your nails the day or evening before the prom night so that you won't forget or be sure to have them done while your hair or make-up is being done. However, if you're running low on budget, you can do your own nails if you know how to.

6. Your tickets to the Prom
Prom tickets will typically cost you around $45-$220 depending on the
package (i.e. the location where the event will be held, dinner, the DJ, dinner, and more)

7. Your transportation
Everyone wants to arrive in style either by car or by rented limousine.
If you are planning on driving to the prom, do make room in your budget for gasoline not just to cover the distance to and from the event's location but also if you're planning to go out with your date or your friends' after the event. Renting a limousine can be less expensive if there are many of you. Transportation costs can fall between $5 to $400.

8. Your Boutonniere
Whether you're going stag or with a date, the boutonniere is a prom tradition. It's made up of a fresh flower with baby's breath attached to it. It doesn't cost much just more or less $10.

9. Your Photographs
You get to experience the wonder and magic of prom night only once the first and last time (Succeeding experiences of it could be special but might not be as special as the first time.) You would do wrong not to have photographs to remember the night in the future. Photographs taken by professionals can be pricey but are sure worth it. A professional photo package service might cost you around $45-$150 or may come with your prom package and ticket already. Even as professional photographers are present in your event, consider bringing your own digital camera or a disposable camera to capture random moments with friends.

10. Your Restaurant Reservations
Make sure to make restaurant reservations if your prom ticket does not include dinner or if you just want to break off from the bunch and end the night with a nice romantic dinner date.

Once you've estimated your overall expenditures for preparation and the necessary items and services you would need to avail of for your prom night, be sure to canvass for the cheapest prices and deals to make the most out of your budget. With everything set ahead of time, you can save up or just relax weeks before your prom night.
Just always remember that you get to experience this only once in your lifetime and that the most important thing is to have the greatest night of your life. You will definitely have one if you're truly prepared.