BBB offers prom advice

It’s prom season and your high schooler has been dreaming of prom for months, but you’re not sure your wallet will survive. Attending a prom can be expensive and requires preparation in advance; attire, corsages, transportation and more. Better Business Bureau offers prom goers and their parents advice for the big event.
Searching for prom dresses online is a popular and convenient way for teenagers to find the perfect dress. They can browse thousands of options and prices online, however, BBB warns not all online businesses and websites are reliable. According to BBB Scam Tracker, hundreds of online shopping scams have been reported in the last few months alone.
"It’s very important to do your homework before selecting a company, dress, or service for prom," says Kelsey Owen, spokesperson for the BBB. "It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of prom, but if a designer dress is offered at a deep discount or it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Make sure you know what you’re getting for your money. If you’re hiring a professional photographer or transportation, get everything in writing so that you understand what is included.”
BBB Scam Tracker reported the issues with online shopping included items that never arrived, were not what was expected, discovery that the website was fake, hidden fees associated with a purchase and more.
To ensure a memorable evening, BBB offers the following prom tips for parents and students:
Prom Attire — The average price for a prom dress or a tuxedo can range from $100 to $400, but designer dresses can easily cost up to $1000. If your daughter wants to wear a designer gown, buy it from a reputable local retailer, not online. What seems like a great deal online may be a knock-off dress.
Beauty Services — The prom is a time to look glamorous, but beauty is expensive. The cost for tanning, nail salons, professional hair and makeup could range from $175 to $500. When scheduling appointments on prom day, be sure to leave extra time in case the hairdresser or nail salon is overbooked.
Transportation — The average cost of a limousine on prom night can range from $200 to $500, depending on the type of vehicle and the number of hours needed. Parents should make sure they have a written contract that includes the hours of service, required fees including gratuities and maximum capacity allowed.
Dining — Dinner on prom night can range from upscale to extravagant with the cost ranging from $25 per person to $100 per person. The key to preventing a disaster when the bill arrives is advance preparation. Review menus online, make reservations, determine the payment method and don’t forget gratuities. Some restaurants will not split checks for large groups and they almost always charge a higher gratuity for a large party.
Flowers – Flowers for the prom can range from $20 for a simple corsage or boutonniere to $75 for a bouquet of roses. If you are ordering flowers, make sure you use a reliable local florist and have a written order that details delivery times and specific types of flowers.
Photography – You have to have special photos of such a special night. Depending on whether you use the official prom photographer or hire a professional photographer, the cost can range from $30 to $250. If you’re hiring a professional photographer, make sure you have a written contract so that you understand what is included.