JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It's prom season, and as many high schoolers are trying to decide on the perfect outfit, the Better Business Bureau of Northeast Florida on Monday released some tips for parents and students to help them have a memorable night.
The consumer alert for parents helping their children shop for high school prom warns about what not to buy to avoid an embarrassing situation.
“Prom is a rite of passage for many,” said BBB spokesperson Shannon Nelson. “But there can be unexpected expenses that pop up and BBB wants to help you avoid those.”
BBB offers the following advice for parents and students:
Conduct
Before you spend any money on prom season, carefully read the contract for attending prom. Make sure if your child is attending prom as a guest of another student that your child qualifies to attend. You don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on one night and have your child be turned away at the door.
Prom Attire
This may end up being your most expensive prom investment so do your research. BBB warns not all online businesses and websites are reliable. According to BBB Scam Tracker, hundreds of online shopping scams have been reported in the last few months alone.
BBB advises parents not to get ripped off by prom dress offers online, saying that if the deal appears too good to be true, then it probably is.
"They can go for $50 to $1,000. Do your homework. If you think you're getting a great deal on a website, vet the website," Nelson told News4Jax on Monday.
Another thing to consider when shopping online is shipping time. If the dress or tuxedo needs to be altered once you receive it make, sure that you take that into account as well.
Something else to be aware of is the prom your student is attending may have a dress code. Make sure to again, read the contract carefully and if there is a dress code adhere to it so your child has no issue at the door. If there is any doubt about the apparel you purchase, have a thorough grasp of the return policy before you buy it.
"Really read the contract thoroughly. Some of the schools this year are coming out with intense dress codes," Nelson said. "You don't want to purchase something you can't return and have your daughter or son turned away at the door for something you didn't prepare for."
Dress codes, like the one issued by Robert E. Lee High School, specifically says dresses may not be cut below the bust line or have splits that exceed the mid-high. Dresses are allowed to be backless, as long as they are not cut below the waistline.
The dress code also extends the guys, who are required to either wear a tuxedo or suit.
Beauty Services
Prom is a time to get glamorous. From faux tans, manicures and pedicures to professional hair and makeup, the possibilities are endless. Decide on what you want and book your appointment in advance, because spots fill up fast. When scheduling appointments on prom day, be sure to leave extra time in case the hairdresser or nail salon is overbooked.
Flowers
If you are ordering flowers, make sure you use a reliable local florist and have a written order that details delivery times and specific types of flowers. Communicate clearly what you want to avoid disappointment.
Photography
Such a special night deserves to be memorialized with pictures. You may choose to purchase the official prom photographer or hire a professional photographer with a group of friends. If you’re hiring a professional photographer, make sure you have a written contract so that you understand what is included.
Transportation
If you choose to hire transportation services, parents should make sure that they have a written contract that includes the hours of service, required fees including gratuities and maximum capacity allowed.
View the vehicle that you will be using in person. Don’t rely on an image online. Depending on the transportation laws in your area, these types of companies could require licensing. Follow up on this by contacting your local county licensing office for more information.
Pre-prom dinner
Many promgoers choose to get the night started by attending a pre-prom dinner. You can choose to host a catered meal at your home or make reservations at a local restaurant. If you choose to make reservations, make sure you do so in advance and call to confirm a few days before the day of the event. If you select to have a meal catered in your home, make sure you have a written contract that includes the specific date and time of the event and includes your menu choices.
After-party
Depending on the event end time and curfew, students may choose to attend an after-party. Keep this in mind when discussing the night and transportation needs.
Budget
Parents and students need to sit down together and create a budget for prom night. Decide what parts of the experience are a priority and where you may want to save money. Have these conversations before you start shopping so everyone is on the same page.
BBB recommends researching companies online at bbb.org.