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Parents now spending £680 on school prom as rising costs force families to dip into savings

Parents now spending £680 on school prom as rising costs force families to dip into savings

New research reveals the growing cost of school prom is putting pressure on family budgets, with many parents cutting back elsewhere.

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MadeForMums

Published: June 30, 2026 at 12:26 PM

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With prom season underway, new research suggests parents are spending an average of £680 to help their child celebrate the end of secondary school, as rising costs continue to put pressure on household budgets.

A survey of UK parents by Confused.com found that more than a third (38%) feel financial pressure when paying for prom, while more than one in five (22%) have had to dip into savings to cover the cost.

For many families, prom remains an important milestone, but the growing expectation around outfits, transport and extras means the price tag is becoming harder to manage.

Prom costs are continuing to climb

Parents who have paid for more than one prom say the costs are becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with. According to the research, 44% believe prom has become more expensive over the years, while 58% say celebrations are now much more extravagant than they used to be.

The average spends for the biggest expenses include:

Specialist shop dress, £114
High street dress, £81
High street suit, £81
Specialist shop suit, £76
Shoes, £50
Transport, £49
Accessories, £41
Professional hair, £39
Prom ticket, £37
After-party costs, £34
Professional makeup, £29

Nearly one in six parents (16%) also said they were caught out by unexpected costs, including flowers and photography.

Families are making sacrifices to afford prom

The survey found that half of parents (50%) pay for prom from their monthly salary, while 17% save specifically for the occasion.

However, many families are making compromises elsewhere to cover the bill. Almost a quarter (23%) said they had reduced the amount they put into savings, while 16% cut back on leisure activities. A further 12% said they had sacrificed other family experiences, such as days out.

Although 31% of parents said prom is not a priority expense, they still found a way to pay because they wanted their child to enjoy the milestone.

Girls' prom costs are typically higher

The research also suggests parents often spend more on daughters than sons.

The average cost of a girl's prom, including a specialist dress and professional hair and makeup, comes to £393. For boys, the average cost is £287, based on wearing a specialist shop suit.

That leaves an average difference of £106 per child.

Social pressure is adding to the expense

Parents say the financial burden isn't just about the event itself.

More than two in five (42%) said they feel increasing pressure around prom spending, while 40% believe their child's outfit or transport could affect their social standing at school.

Meanwhile, 45% think schools should consider limiting or capping prom costs to make the event more affordable for families.

How parents are cutting prom costs

Many families are already looking for ways to reduce spending without missing out.

The research found that 41% have bought at least one prom item second-hand, including dresses, suits, shoes or accessories. Almost one in five (19%) said they would consider renting or buying second-hand items in future.

Confused.com's personal finance expert Tara Evans shared practical ways families can keep costs down.

Giving your child a prom to remember doesn’t have to come at the expense of your bank account or finances. Cutting back and saving on a few things can go a long way, without hindering your child’s prom experience or breaking the bank.

Tara Evans, personal finance expert at Confused.com

Her suggestions include:

Buying dresses, suits and accessories second-hand through resale marketplaces.
Renting or borrowing outfits that may only be worn once.
Sharing transport with friends to split costs.
Planning ahead with a dedicated prom budget.
Saving small amounts regularly throughout the year.

Introducing the advice, Evans said: "Prom can be a milestone event for both parents and children, marking an end to their school education and giving pupils the opportunity to celebrate with their friends and do something different to their day-to-day life.

"It can be the event of the year for plenty of pupils and something that young people look forward to for the year."

She added: "While there are many expectations around prom for both parents and children, there are ways that parents can make prom a little more manageable for their finances all while giving their child an unforgettable experience."

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