Prom should be a night to remember, but for many families, rising costs are making it harder to take part.
From outfits and accessories to hair, makeup, and even the ticket itself – the price of prom can quickly add up.
It’s led some schools, like Auchenharvie Academy in Stevenston, to take matters into their own hands and set up a dress and suit donation service.
Muirren Shearer, 18, says she’s excited to spend the evening with her friends after finding the perfect outfit.
“It’s really helpful for anyone who can’t afford to pay £500 for a dress, and they’re all designer so no one would know you’ve got it for free.”
Lucy Graham, 17, says the number of donations has been overwhelming.
“I had difficulty choosing what dress to wear because there’s so many to choose from!
“We’re really appreciative, because without them we would have been struggling to get a prom dress this year.”
STV NewsMore than 300 outfits have already been donated to make sure no one misses out – including pupils from North Ayrshire’s only ASN school, Lockhart Campus.but ac
Teacher Laura Anderson says families are delighted they can avoid the added expense.
“It means that pupils can actually attend prom,” she said.
“Some won’t go if they can’t get a dress, so coming here makes their dreams come true.”
This scheme has equality at its heart – even down to how pupils arrive.
A bus will take them from Auchenharvie Academy, where a pre-prom party is held for pupils and their families, straight to the prom venue.
STV NewsDeputy Head Linda Davis says past years have seen pupils arrive in limousines, a horse and cart… and even a helicopter.
“This year everyone is travelling to the prom by the same method of transport, because it puts everyone on a level playing field.
“It’s very important that all children are made to feel special, and that’s why we do what we do.”
Across the country, boutique dress shops stock gowns ranging from £50 to over £700.
And while many offer flexible payment plans, they’ve noticed customer habits are changing.
“Margins are getting tighter and tighter,” says Andrew Graham, of Lesley G Boutique in Ayr.
“Customers are now demanding a certain standard of dress, and they’ve got a price they won’t go past.
“They’re really telling us what they’re willing to pay now – which was never the case in the past.”
Saltcoats Link Up, a grassroots community group, supports the donation scheme, and this year reached out to local businesses and volunteers to cover more than just the outfits.
Makeup artist Lauren Duffy says she knows exactly how it feels to miss out.
“I left it to the last minute and my parents didn’t have the spare money to just drop so I could go to prom.”
Nail technician Aston McMaster says costs have only gone up since she left school.
“We see it working in beauty, prices go up all the time. Dresses as well. Suits are so expensive. It’s really, really, difficult.”
For Carol Boyd at Saltcoats Link Up, the project is about more than saving money – it’s about giving young people the chance to experience an important rite of passage.
She said: “People have a lot of dresses, whether it’s their own prom dress, wedding dress or special occasion dress… it sits in the wardrobe.
“Through their kindness, care and generosity we’re able to support young people to get access to dresses, and make memories that will last forever.”
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