Prom season is also known as the time of never ending swipes of the credit card.

High schoolers everywhere look forward to this magical night filled with friends, food, dancing, and maybe even a date you will ditch halfway through the night.

Most will only experience a night like prom once, so one must go big or go home.

Expectations have been set high for years regarding prom. It is by far one of the most highly anticipated high school events that leaves many feeling on cloud nine year after year.

Seriously, this is not just any old “school dance.” Buses, limos, corsages, boutonnieres, a well-fitted tux, and the perfect dress are just some of what cause all the busyness and stress.

With little budget in mind and what first seems like “Oh I’ve got plenty of time!” soon disappears.

Some will start planning months ahead, but with today’s teenage competition you might as well have started five years ago instead. There is so much planning that goes into making prom the best you could possibly want it to be. 

First of all, us girls can absolutely not have the same dress as anyone else. 

They have even made specific Twitter accounts so a girl can share what dress she has with others to make sure that no one else buys the same one. Hey, at least we are looking out for each other, right? 

Some girls will spend upwards to $300 on a dress they most likely will only wear once in their life.

After looking on Pinterest for hours and hours to find just what you want, the next step is to schedule your makeup appointment and make sure you’ve got enough hairspray to keep your hair from falling out of place as you dance the night away. 

Girls may have a lot of things to do, but guys still have their fair share of tasks to accomplish as well before the big night arrives. They have to go on the hunt for a nice tux, find the perfect color bow-tie, and pick out their best cologne.  

Then, of course, you’ve got to figure out transportation because you’ve got to arrive in style. Will a bus or limo fit you and your friends best?

Oh and last but most definitely not least, don’t forget to buy your ticket.  Really it’s the most important purchase. 

As far as ticket prices go, really they could be worse. In my eyes the cost is totally appropriate for the experience, especially if you buy your ticket the first week they go on sale. 

As crazy as it all may seem, the prep for prom that is definitely worth it,speaking from personal experience. 

Yes, the cost of it is quite shocking once you see all the expenses added up, but honestly it is all money well spent. Prom is one of those nights I’ll never forget, hands down one of the highlights of high school.

From the moment I stepped out of the bus feeling like a star walking down the Grammy red carpet, I knew it would be an unforgettable night.

Dancing the night away with friends and indulging in the chocolate fountain every half hour are just some moments that made the night so special.

Singing our hearts out to our favorites songs on the bus ride home topped everything off perfectly.

You can’t relive your prom night, so make the most of it and create memories that will last a lifetime.