NIMBL - 6 TOP TIPS FOR PROM ON A BUDGET

nimbl United Kingdom England

gives some great tips to help you plan and economise for this coming-of-age milestone. You don't have to break the bank to create the magic of prom. 1 in 4 parents surveyed spent less than £200, and some as little as £50 without taking the glitz and glamour away. 

Here are six top tips and lessons learnt from the parents to help release some of the financial strain:

Set a budget: Whether you decide on a strict budget or something more flexible, it's important to sit down with your teen and agree a budget from the outset. This avoids misunderstandings, manages expectations and peer pressure.

Never too early to plan: Start planning 9 months to a year in advance. This way you can pick up a bargain at end of season prom sales, enter competitions to win an outfit or makeover, save monthly, and set up a prom fund so family/friends can top up on their birthday and at Christmas.

Thrift, charity purchases and rentals: 1 in 5 parents bought outfits and accessories through online thrifting sites and charities such as Vinted. Oxfam and Prom Ally. Cheryl, from Leeds, explained, "My daughter wanted a £600 designer dress. I managed to find one at £200 and paid for it via a small payment plan."

Something old, something borrowed: Family and friends are a fantastic resource to tap into. Grandparents, aunts and uncles may have accessories that are unique and precious which they could lend for the day.

Enterprising teens: Some teens sold their own pre-loved items, washed cars, cleaned windows and mowed lawns for people to help pay for prom. Rebecca, from Market Rasen explained: "My daughter makes her own jewellery which she sells in our local markets and on the free online platform, The Teenage Market to help fund her prom."

DIY or skills share: There are number of free online masterclass tutorials to get the look you want, embellish accessories for your own custom design or create your own corsage.  2 in 3 parents said their teens did their own make-up and hair, or asked friends or family for help.

Alana Parsons, nimbl, Chief Executive, said: "Prom marks the end of an era and the beginning of the next. However, the associated costs are increasingly becoming a strain for many families. Our guide "Prom on a Budget" gives more tips and links to resources that minimise costs and the impact on the environment. Our 'fund feature' on our pocket-money app makes it easy for family and friends to top-up the 'prom fund' when they wish."

Notes to Editor

nimbl surveyed 353 parents of children aged under 11 – 18 years old.  Full release here.

About nimbl

nimbl is an award-winning pocket money card and app, designed with parents, carers and young people in mind. 
https://www.nimbl.com/ 

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