Simple ways to cut the high cost of prom... so you don't waste your money

(WXYZ) - If you went to high school prom in the 70's or 80's, you probably remember big hair, big shoulder pads, and big lapels. Nowadays, though, something else is big when it comes to prom: the price tag. Unfortunately, the rising cost of dresses, tuxes, and dinner is making it out of reach to many.

The high cost

"I can't afford Prom,!" Jenn Maurmeier says. She’s a mom of a prom-aged teen. She can't believe what just a simple corsage costs.

"I was shocked at the price.  The most economical I found was $27.95."

Indeed, a check of FTD's website finds corsages as high as $65.

Just the boutineer --the flower the boy wears -- can cost $25.

A recent study by visa found the average prom now costs over a thousand dollars per couple: $231 for the dress, $127 for the tux rental, 75 bucks for dinner, and $20 for the corsage.

That doesn’t include hair or a limo!

Jenn can't believe what some girls in her son's class are paying for gowns.

"They can range like Bridesmaids dresses, $200 to $300. And that's insane!"

How to save

But there are some ways to lower those costs, according to several shopping blogs. Among them: 

• Find gowns at second hand shops. There are many in communities all over Metro Detroit.
• For that up-do, try local cosmetology schools, which may do your hair for free.
• For a tux:  get a bunch of guys together for a group rate.
• And for that corsage: check with your grocery stores floral department.  

A little ingenuity, and you can keep that magical night from breaking the bank.

Why so much?

Why is it so much more expensive that mom and dads prom back in 1977? USA Today blames it in part on reality tv shows:  it says girls want to look like the Kardashians or the Real Housewives...and you're not going to do that for 50 dollars.