How much for prom? By Linda Bicksler Beacon News May 5, 2002 This one night, it's OK to be shallow, to indulge in opulence so unforgiving of imperfection, so frankly expensive, only one other event in a young person's life seems to compare. True, weddings and proms have obvious differences

In our local high school, prom is only for seniors, so it is a one time deal. That helps cause the wedding mentality and hysteria over finding the right dress, the extra special hairdo, etc. The tab for our prom experience this year was huge, but the memories are priceless. Because both parents work & our time with our senior is limited, we are happy to use a bit of that $ to make her only prom special.   I admit I do not like Caryperk and Fruitbat.....Their posts border on evil and psychotic........kkk 2/1/02

My daughter doesn't have time to respond because she is extremely busy with AP exams this week, her part time job, her volunteering and all of the other things she does but I think her answer would be E.  She and her friends view prom as a wonderful adult social occasion where they have a chance to look beautiful, be with their very best friends as well as to spend the evening as one of their final major high school events after graduation, sober grad night, and  their class trip to Disneyland. It is not a wedding or anything close to one though it is a really nice party.  I take offense at the comments referring to Americans as fucking morons or stating that we are teaching our kids certain values if we buy them a nice prom dress or let them have a dinner at a restaurant.  Her prom is this coming Saturday evening and her boyfriend's prom is the same night, both at locations in close proximity so they will be attending both events.  She has an exquisite dress, cheap but pretty shoes, and a handbag borrowed from her mom. She will do her own hair and makeup as well as the makeup of several of her friends.  She'll get a manicure tomorrow but she usually gets and pays for her own manicures.  I will invite the parents to our home for pictures though the kids will pay for pictures at the event.  I am cooking dinner for eight though this is the first time for my three children who have passed through high school.  Her friend's parents will host the after party.  The kids won't be renting limos or motel rooms but they will have a fabulous evening.  She even has to wake up before noon Sunday so we can all celebrate Mother's Day at brunch. Audrey