Across the Decades- Prom Prices

Across the Decades- Prom Prices

Makayla Doyle, Writer

1980’s:    Some called it “The Rise of the Yuppie” or “The Reagan Revolution” as teenagers became obsessed with cable networks, such as MTV.  They were glued to screen while watching videos like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” or singing “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey.  Movie-goers enjoyed ET-The Extra Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Breakfast Club.  Favorite shows included The Cosby Show and Roseanne.  A Saturday afternoon usually consisted of bike rides and arcade games at the local mall.                                                                          

2010’s:  Fast-forward 40 years…it’s now a technological-driven society of endless possibilities and political unrest.  MTV has been replaced with Netflix as groups of friends binge on shows, such as Stranger Things, Grey’s Anatomy, and Riverdale.  Most best-selling books are sure to be a movie these days, and our comic book characters have come to life in a series of Marvel and DC films.  Many teenagers work to have extra money or play video games on their phones on Saturdays.

One thing that HASN’T changed is the excitement of going to prom!  It still takes months of planning, fundraising, and a group of hard-working teachers and students. 

Check out the price of necessities needed for prom, though.  They have drastically increased throughout the years.  And this doesn’t even include pictures!                                        

1980’s:

Prom dress: $130.00 to $180.00             

Tux: $200.00 to $495.00                                                                             

Gas:$1.19                                                                                                        

Meal: $1.00 to $2.00                                                                                    

Accessories: $20.00 to $75.00                                                                    

Earrings: $9.00 to $15.00                                                                           

Bracelet: $3.00 to $24.00                                                                            

Necklace: $7.00 to $34.00                                                                           

Today:

Prom dress: $150.00 to $1,000.

Tux: $300.00 to $970.00

Gas: $2.53

 Meal: $12.75 to $150.00

 Accessories: $100.00 to $565.00

 Earrings: $50.00 to $120.00

Bracelet: $29.00 to $53.00

Necklace: $37.00 to $94.00

 

Picture credit: www.pinterest.com