As the calendar inches closer to May 22, students attending Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s prom are in a frenzy, trying to find the perfect attire, devise the perfect promposal, choose the most flattering accessories, and many other pre-prom tasks.

Prom is generally defined as a night filled with dancing and making memories with friends before many seniors move on to the next phase of their life. It is one of the last moments that students get to spend with their friends before graduating. Depending on where the student lives, and how important prom is to the student and their peers, the cost of prom can be very cheap or very expensive. Lately, however, students have turned prom into a contest of who can spend the most money and who “slays” the best.

Many students go overboard with the costs of prom, spending hundreds of dollars, or even close to a thousand dollars, for party buses, limos, clothing, dinner, etc. According to ABC News, the average cost of prom per student is about $1,139. Twenty-first century proms have become so extravagant that they have even been compared to weddings.

Some students, like senior Milan Brown, have said that prom is being taken a bit too seriously. People are “putting a lot of money and effort into one night,” said Brown. She also said she understands that “it is a chance for people to express themselves and show off,” however, and that prom “has only gotten this serious because of social media.”

Senior Shelly Booth agreed that the increased excitement for prom  has been a result of social media. She also says, however, that “everyone has a right to their own opinion and shouldn’t be judged on what they get excited about.”

Junior Maya Thomas says she thinks that the true purpose of prom has been skewed. “People have turned prom into a competition, which is ridiculous because it’s about having fun with your friends,” said Thomas.

The problem also arises that not all students have the money to afford an over-the-top prom experience. This year prom tickets at ERHS are $85. There were fundraisers that could benefit students by reducing the price, but if a student did not fundraise, they could possibly be in a pricey situation.

“There are free prom tickets if you get free or reduced lunch,” mentioned Brown. This could possibly be a good alternative for people who may have considered not attending because of financial issues.

Brown also said that “Wealth is relative. There are people who slayed prom but cannot afford lunch. It all depends on where your priorities are. Those who are poorer who do not show out at prom have different priorities.”

Not everyone has to have a professional do their hair and makeup. There are online hair and makeup tutorials, for example, that can provide a cheaper option. Booth shared that she went “to a prom with a $50 dress and [did her] own hair and makeup.”

Some people have decided to rent their dress. There are stores such as Rent-the-Runway where students can rent $1000 dresses for much cheaper prices. Many Tailors and Bridal shops also give the option of renting a tux for around $150.

Junior Bailey Woodruff said prom is “all about self confidence, if you wanna stunt and shut it all down, do so, it’s your night. Nobody can tell you how much effort to put in.”