How to Keep Homecoming Cheap but Classy

The homecoming buzz is back, dresses are being bought dates found, dinner arrangements made, and photos planned. The homecoming dance can be a lot of fun but the financing of it can be a drag. You want to have a nice night, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. Here are some ways you can keep costs down:

1. Eat dinner at someone’s house. Set up a nice table, light some candles and play music in the background. By eating at home you don’t have to worry about reservations and it allows for greater flexibility with your plans. If you really want the experience of going out before the dance, but don’t want to spend the cash eat dinner at home and go out for dessert.

2. Don’t be afraid of the sale rack. Ladies, the homecoming attire can add up. Dresses, shoes, a purse and jewelry can burn a significant hole in your pocket. When you’re on the dance floor no one will know whether your price tag had a designer stamp or a clearance sticker. As long as you’re confident you’ll look good.

3. Go vintage. Check out the local second hand shops. In town we have Plato’s Closet, Transitions, Dandelion, Karen’s Closet, and Goodwill. It can be a gamble and if you’re looking for a specific item you may not find it but you can generally find a great unique piece at an incredibly low price.

4. Make it cost effective. Buy pieces that you’ll wear again and that are good quality. Now here’s where shelling out a little extra cash might be worth it. If it’s well made and it’s something you’ll wear repeatedly then go for it. It’s a better use of your money to get something you’ll wear more than once.

5. Check online. Look online for sales and check out stores we don’t have in town. If you’re going to order online it’s probably best not to leave it to the last minute in case there’s a sizing issue. Plus, if you’re worried about someone having the same dress as you, there’s a pretty slim chance that out of all the dresses in all the stores on the internet you two will pick the same one.

6. Have a friend or family member take photos. If a friend or a family member has a nice camera ask the person to take photos rather than paying someone to do it. You’ll still have photos and you can take pretty much as any as you want. The only cost is developing them and if you go digital you may not even need a print copy.