By: Shelby Wells

Prom is a night to bond with your peers, make great memories, and have a spectacular time. But is it really as big of a deal as some make it out to be?

With prom coming up in the next few months, girls (and even some boys) are already beginning to plan the details of the night. Girls scour stores and websites looking for that perfect dress. Boys calculate the steep expenses they’ll be cashing out at dinner. According to deborarachelle.com, the average couple spends between $800 and $1000 in preparation for prom between tickets, hair, makeup, nails, tanning, transportation, dinner, dress, tuxedo, shoes, and photography.

Prom is fun; it is hard to deny that. It’s one weekend out of the year where you have something special to look forward to. Most people thrive on prom as an excuse to get dressed up and feel fancy, to do something out of the ordinary. At the same time, does one night really require such dedication of time and money? It’s a fun night, but there’s no need to get stressed out about it or dig a giant hole in your (or more likely, your parents’) pocket.

Is it really necessary to be perfectly tan for one night of photos? Do you have to spend $500 on a dress you will literally wear once? Are you really going to die if your nail polish is a little chipped? Will you cry if your hair looks imperfect? It’s one night of your life. Yes, a fun one, but a single night nonetheless. The next three months of your life should not be spent stressing about what dress your wearing or who your date is.

Once you’re at prom, dates don’t matter. You dance with anyone and everyone. Once you’re at prom, absolutely no one will notice the color of your nails or how tan your skin is. Your makeup will look horrendous by the time the night is through, and your hair will be sweaty and gross. So don’t put so much into it.

Have fun at prom, but don’t make it a chore.