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Prom costs can restrict attendance

Prom night is an important event in a teenager's life that often creates memories that last forever. But studies indicate that proms are growing more and more expensive, alienating students who cannot afford the hefty tab.

Information from Visa says that, in 2011, the average teen spent around $800 on his or her prom experience. Many families are forced to open their wallets to accommodate the prom costs. Tickets, attire, shoes, accessories, flowers, limousines, photographers, after-parties, salon pampering, and so many other traditions of prom night have started to make this rite of passage unaffordable for many students. Nearly one-quarter of American students are forced to stay home simply because they cannot afford the prom, especially in this economic climate.

"I went to a small, private academy with a lofty tuition," offers Marie M. from Brooklyn, N.Y. "The school hosted the prom at an expensive hotel in Manhattan, which was out of reach for me, so I opted not to go due to ticket expense and the cost of getting to the location."

Many proms create pressure where teenagers feel the need to outdo one another more and more. From outside event planners to lavish locales, the parties get increasingly elaborate every year. Some proms go so far as to have bars, ice sculptures, lounges, tents, and multiple wardrobe changes. Other prom parties are at venues several miles away from school home base, necessitating some sort of transportation. This often comes in the way of pricey rental cars and limousines.

For students who cannot afford all of the extravagances of the prom, there are still ways to go. While ticket price cannot be negotiated, the choice in wardrobe, transportation and other "necessities" can be catered to a certain budget.