Dad, Can I Borrow $425? -- Flowers, Fancy Dining And Limos Can Take Your Budget For A Ride At Senior Prom Time
Attention prom procrastinators: Got bucks? That big night ahead easily could cost you from $400 to $500. It is hoped that about now you've acquired or rented something to wear and reserved a limo and a restaurant. Because from this coming weekend through early June, it's prime prom time.
Teens planning to make a night of it can spend hundreds of dollars on clothing and accessories, flowers, dance tickets, a limousine and dinner. And that doesn't count after-dance events, such as paint-ball games, ice skating, bumper cars or other activities planned to keep students busy all night and out of trouble.
Cindi and David Pendergraft, parents of two sons who have graduated from high school, say seniors go all out for the prom and many save their money for months so they can afford a luxurious evening to celebrate the end of their high-school days.
But the reality is that parents often have to help by making reservations for high-ticket items with credit cards to lend credibility or pitching in to help organize and pay for some things.
Last year, when Ty Pendergraft was a senior at Eastlake High School in Redmond, he paid much of the bill. But his parents helped with dinner and limo expenses.
Cindi Pendergraft also worked on dinner arrangements on the first level of the Space Needle for 21 couples. For $75 a couple, the teens had a choice of three dinner entrees - a vegetable pasta, chicken or beef - plus hors d'oeuvres, salad and dessert.
Mom also decorated tables in Eastlake High's colors and set out favors and instant film so the graduates could take pictures during dinner.
Before dinner, the couples met at the Redmond home of Denise Dunkin, mother of senior Tommy Dunkin, for pickup by limousines. Parents, godparents and neighbors dropped in for the photo opportunity.
"I must have had 100 people in my yard," said Denise Dunkin.
After dinner, the seniors went to their prom in Meydenbauer Center in downtown Bellevue.
Cindi Pendergraft and Denise Dunkin acknowledge that prom expenses are hefty. The approximately $500 spent by some students on that evening would buy a couple quarters' worth of books at the University of Washington, which both boys now attend.
But the up side is that students learned they have to do things ahead.
"You won't get a limo, or a dinner reservation or the right prom date, if you procrastinate," Pendergraft said.
Dunkin believes the organizational details involved in the prom scenario also teach kids about saving and collecting money. She adds that parents often give an all-night "safe and sane" party at home after the prom.
Expenses for all-nighters are not included in this story. We did price checks with a sampling of companies that rent limousines and formal wear. We also asked two families to list for us last year's prom expenses for a son and a daughter. (See adjacent box.)
Renting a tux
A basic tuxedo, which includes coat, pants, shirt, tie, cummerbund, studs and cuff links, rents for $40 to $90 at area shops. Shoes, which generally cost extra, range from $12 to $30. Some shops let the wearer chose between a cummerbund or a plain vest for the basic price. But if you want a designer tuxedo, fancier vest or shirt, expect to pay more.
Most tux stores give students a discount, realizing students don't have as much money as adults.
There also are discount coupons and special promotions. Some young men get a price break by wearing a tux to school to publicize a store. Based on the number of referrals they obtain, they may get a free tux or free accessories. However, be aware that some schools frown on this advertising practice.
The formal-gown challenge
For young women, the most reasonable thing may be a gown borrowed from a friend, or a dress bought on sale.
Few rental shops stock women's formal gowns. Why? "We had to charge nearly as much as the dress cost," said one bridal-shop owner. And there was the problem of having sufficient "in" styles to satisfy prom-goers. The same styles don't necessarily play well at weddings or with an older clientele.
Of the three area shops we found that do rent women's garments, two specialize in vintage wear. Prices ranged from $59 to $300. At vintage stores you're more likely to get accessories included in the basic rental than at other stores. However, the damage deposit may equal the value of the garment.
Buying at a department-store sale or thrift store may make more sense, especially if the gown is to be worn more than once. Parents at some schools have organized dress exchanges or sales, which could be a great cost-saving tip, especially considering that some schools - Eastlake High is one - have three formal dances a year, and girls don't want to be seen in the same dress three times.
Proms are big business
So how do businesses view prom-goers?
"We love the prom kids. They're a kick in the pants," says Mike Bergstrom, general manager of Black Tie stores.
And they represent future clients. Every now and then Bergstrom hears from someone who rented a tux years ago for a prom who now needs wedding apparel.
Tuxedo rentals at prom time represent about 30 percent of the industry's business.
Retailers sell very few tuxedos to high-school students. The rule of thumb for deciding whether to buy rather than rent is asking the customer whether he would wear a tux three times or more in a year, Bergstrom says.
Since students are likely to change sizes and tastes, buying a tuxedo for a prom generally isn't a good idea.
It may come as a surprise to parents, but prom-goers generally take better care of rented tuxedos than do older members of wedding parties.
"It's their (prom-goers') first venture into this, and they're excited about being in that tuxedo," Bergstrom says. On the other hand, wedding attendants may be wearing a tux because the groom told them to do so.
It's the wedding attendants who play touch football or throw everyone wearing a tux into the pool. If a prom-goer in a tuxedo ends up in a pool, Bergstrom has some advice: Let the tuxedo air dry. If it's tossed into a clothes dryer it will be a total loss, and that could ring up a bill from $100 to $400 to replace it, depending on the style.
"We can save about half of those that go into the pool. But not if they've been in the dryer," Bergstrom said.
That may be another reason to consider paying the so-called damage waiver fee or insurance charge of $2 to $5 offered by tuxedo rental shops.
Either that or don't go near the water.
Shelby Gilje's Troubleshooter column appears Wednesday and Sunday in the Scene section of The Times. Do you have a consumer problem? Write to Times Troubleshooter, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111. Include copies, not originals, of appropriate documents. Phone, 206-464-2262, fax 206-382-8873, or e-mail address, sgilje@seattletimes.com
--------------------------------- Before hiring a limousine service ---------------------------------
-- Verify whether the company is properly licensed and insured by calling the search line at the state Department of Licensing, 900-463-6000. Cost: $4.95 for first minute; 50 cents for each additional minute.
-- Check with the Better Business Bureau at 206-431-2222 or 800-216-2227, to learn whether the company has a satisfactory performance record. Reports are free.
-- Go to the state Attorney General's Office, 900 Fourth Ave., 20th Floor, Seattle 98164, and file a disclosure request, to read any complaints filed against a company. Call 206-464-7744 to be certain the files will be available.
-- Designate one person in your group to research and reserve a limousine; otherwise you could end up with duplicate reservations, owing money for several vehicles.
-- Go to the limousine company's headquarters to see which specific vehicle will be reserved for you. Is it what you hand in mind? While some services say a vehicle will seat eight persons, when people are in formal wear it's too crowded and uncomfortable.
----------------------- Tips on renting apparel -----------------------
-- Bring your prospective date or someone whose fashion judgment you trust to help select a tuxedo or rental gown and accessories.
-- Shop around. Selection of tuxes, shirts, ties and cummerbunds may vary at different stores.
-- Tell the tux store how you would like the garment to fit.
-- Try on the tux at the shop when you pick it up. If you have been given an incorrect size of jacket or pants, you can resolve it then and there.
-- If you make a deposit on a tuxedo, ask if it's refundable and in what time frame, if you need to cancel.
-- Return tuxedo and accessories on time. Some stores charge a fee if you are late. Remember the next batch of prom-goers or wedding attendants need the clothes, too.
--------------------------- Cost of renting a limousine ---------------------------
Bayview Limousine Service, 253-630-5859.
Vehicle / Price:
5-hour minimum; plus 20 percent gratuity required.
6-passenger, $55 an hour.
8-passenger, $65 an hour.
10-passenger, $80 an hour.
Deposit:
50 percent down or credit card authorization.
Where prices apply:
King and Pierce counties.
British Motor Coach, 206-283-6600.
Vehicle / Price:
4- to 6-hour minimums, depending on vehicle; 20
percent gratuity required.
6-passenger, $90 an hour, 4-hour min.
6-passenger, $100 an hour, 4-hour min.
8-passenger, $65 an hour, 6-hour min.
Deposit:
50 percent nonrefundable down or credit card
authorization.
Where prices apply:
King, South Snohomish.
BryLyn's Chauffeured Transportation Inc., 253-872-9226.
Vehicle / Price:
6-hour minimum; plus 20 percent gratuity required.
6-passenger, $50 an hour.
8-passenger, $65 an hour.
10-passenger, $75 an hour.
Deposit:
50 percent down or credit card authorization.
Where prices apply:
King, Snohomish, Pierce counties.
Checker Limousine, 206-617-7077.
Vehicle / Price:
5-hour minimum; plus 20 percent gratuity required.
6-passenger, $65 an hour.
8-passenger, $75 an hour.
10-passenger, $85 an hour.
Deposit:
30 percent down or credit card authorization.
Where prices apply:
King, Snohomish, Pierce counties.
Encore Limousine Service, 425-742-4714.
Vehicle / Price:
6-hour minimum; average tip 15-20 percent, but not
mandatory.
6-passenger, $50 an hour.
8-passenger, $65 an hour.
10-passenger, $75 an hour.
Deposit:
50 percent down or credit card authorization.
Where prices apply:
King, Snohomish, Pierce counties.
First Class Limousine, 206-329-5395.
Vehicle / Price:
6-hour minimum; plus 20 percent gratuity required.
6-passenger, $50 an hour.
8-passenger, $65 an hour.
10-passenger, $75 an hour.
Deposit:
50 percent down or credit card authorization.
Where prices apply:
Seattle.
Foxzz Limousine Service, 206-524-7211.
Vehicle / Price:
6-hour minimum; plus 20 percent gratuity required.
6-passenger, $45 an hour.
8-passenger, $55 an hour.
10-passenger, $60 an hour.
Deposit:
25-50 percent down or credit card authorization.
Where prices apply:
King, Snohomish counties.
Newcastle Limousine, 425-255-6757
Vehicle / Price:
6-hour minimum; plus 20 percent gratuity required.
6-passenger, $50 an hour.
8-passenger, $65 an hour.
10-passenger, $75 an hour.
Deposit:
$100 nonrefundable deposit, or credit card
authorization.
Where prices apply:
King County.
Super Limousine & Black Tie Transportation, 206-323-7373
Vehicle / Price:
6-hour minimum; plus 20 percent gratuity required.
6-passenger, $50 an hour.
8-passenger, $65 an hour.
10-passenger, $80 an hour.
Deposit:
Credit card authorization with $100 nonrefundable
deposit.
Where prices apply:
King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.
Washington Limousine Inc., 206-523-8000.
Vehicle / Price:
3-hour minimum; 15 percent gratuity recommended.
6-passenger, $60 an hour.
Deposit:
$100 nonrefundable to reserve a vehicle, or credit
card authorization.
Where prices apply:
Washington state.
------------------------------- The cost of renting formal wear -------------------------------
Here is a sampling of prices charged by some local businesses that rent tuxedoes and women's formal wear. General, the rental of a tuxedo includes jacket, trousers, shirt, studs, cufflinks, cummerbund and tie. In some cases, you may choose a cummerbund and tie or plain vest.
Men's formal wear
: Tuxedo : : Down : : Company : or Gown : Accessories : payment : Comments : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Black Tie : $44-$78 : Shoes $15-20 : $20 : Socks : Tuxedo Rentals : : Shirts $5 : : included : & Sale : : Vests $5-$10 : : with shoe : 15 locations; : : : : rental : 800-669-2558 : : : : : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Bridal Affair : $54-$73 : Shoes $10 : $20 : : 2836 N.E. : : Shirts $5 : : : Sunset Blvd., : : Vests $5 : : : Renton; : : : : : 425-255-5696 : : : : : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Brocklind's : $40-$70 : Shoes $12 : $10 : : Formal Wear : : Vests $7.50 : : : Four locations;: : : : : 800-878-7900 : : : : : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Isadora's : $100- : : Deposit : No : Antique : $300 : : equal to : packages; : Clothing : : : value of : items : 1915 First : : : garments : rented : Ave., Seattle; : : : : individ- : 206-441-7711 : : : : ually : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Katie's Formal : $59-$89 : : $20 : Includes : Wear : : : : vest and : 2505 Fourth : : : : shoes : Ave., Seattle; : : : : : 206-256-9971 : : : : : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Mr. Formal : $49.95- : Shoes $10-$20 : $40 : : Tuxedo Rental : $79.95 : Vests $5-$10 : : : & Sales : : : : : 10 locations; : : : : : 800-969-6707 : : : : : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Page One : $45-$80 : Shoes $10-$14 : $30 : Includes : Designs : : Vests $5-$12 : : plain : 4001 198th Ave.: : : : vest, : S.W., Suite 1 : : : : standard : Lynnwood; : : : : shoe ($10): 425-778-9020 : : : : : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Shafrans : $65-$80 : Shoes $12 : None : : 4546 California: : Vests $7.50 : : : Ave. S.W., : : : : : Seattle; : : : : : 206-937-6720 : : : : : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. The Tux Shop : $39.95- : Vest, tie, : $20 : : 14 locations; : $79.95 : stud combin- : : : 206-622-3900 : : ation $5 or : : :
: : $10; : : :
: : Shirts $5 : : :
: : Pocket square : : :
: : $3 : : :
: : Shoes $15-$30 : : : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Vintage : $65-$85 : Capes or : Deposit : Includes : Costumers : : overcoats : equal to : all : 7011 Roosevelt : : $15-$25 : value of : access- : Way N.E., : : : garments : ories, top: Seattle; : : : : hat, : 206-522-5234 : : : : gloves and:
: : : : shoes : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Winter's : $69.95 : Shoes $15 : $20 : Price : Formal Wear : : or $20; : : applies to: Five locations;: : Vests $8 : : any style : 206-324-3171 : : or $10 : : tux :
: : Shirts $7 : : :
: : Hats $10 : : :
: : or $15 : : : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------.
Women's formal wear ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Isadora's : $64.50- : : Deposit : No : Antique : $137.50 : : equal to : packages; : Clothing : : : value of : items : 1915 First : : : garments : rented : Ave., Seattle; : : : : individ- : 206-441-2760 : : : : ually : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Katie's Formal : $59-$89 : Wraps $5-$20 : $20 : Includes : Wear : : Handbags $8 : : necklace : 2505 Fourth : : Gloves $8 : : and : Ave., Seattle; : : : : earrings; : 206-256-9971 : : : : Altera- :
: : : : tions :
: : : : $10-$15 : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------. Vintage : $60-$80 : Capes or : Deposit : Includes : Costumers : : overcoats : equal to : all : 7011 Roosevelt : : $15-$25 : value of : access- : Way N.E. : : : garments : ories, : Seattle; : : : : boas, : 206-522-5234 : : : : hats, :
: : : : gloves. : ---------------:---------:---------------:----------:-----------.
Source: Troubleshooter Researcher Cheryl Morningstar.
----------------------------------
1997
One Girl's Expenses
Hair, $25.
Dress, $280.
Shoes, $60.
Hosiery, $12.
Boutonniere for date, $12.
Jewelry, $25.
Prom pictures, $30.
Makeup, $10.
Total: $474.
One Boy's Expenses 1997
Hair cut, $30.
Tux and accessories rental, $100.
Six-passenger limousine (shared), $160.
Corsage for date, $20.
Dinner, $75.
Dance (two tickets), $40.
Total: $425.