Why People Don’t Go to Prom (2024)

Adamarys Abad, Sports Reporter
May 4, 2018

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Every year during the month of May there are always those students that say ”I’m not going to prom,” and people’s responses are always why?

A lot of people simply aren’t financial stable enough to afford prom. For others, prom just isn’t their kind of party. others have no dates and unfortunately, some don’t get approved. In order to attend the dance, you must get permission from the dean. If you’re absent more than ten times throughout the school year, you cannot go to prom unless you write an appeal, and even then there is no guarantee you will be allowed to go.

“I’m not going to prom this year, I need to save money because senior year is already expensive,” said senior Jose Lopez who was has been going to Venice all four years.

Many people also don’t go because of the fact that they don’t have a significant other and feel embarrassed about going to prom without a date.

“I want to go to prom, but I don’t know how I feel about spending $115 on a ticket just for a school dance.” said senior Andrew Ellersick who has been at Venice for two years.

Prom overall is an expensive event. Depending on where a girl buys her dress she is looking at paying at least $200 on a dress. For a lot of people $200 isn’t a lot of money, but for others it is something they just can’t afford. But let’s say you get lucky and find a dress for maybe $80, you’d still have to pay at least $100 for hair, nails and makeup. For a boy, tuxedos are not cheap either. A rental tux is at least $198 and that’s just for a rental and the ticket itself is $115.

If you’re not going to prom for whatever reason, just know you’re not alone. Don’t be embarrassed to say “I’m not going to prom.”

Why People Don’t Go to Prom (2024)

FAQs

Why People Don’t Go to Prom? ›

Reasons to Skip Prom

Why don't people attend prom? ›

A lot of people simply aren't financial stable enough to afford prom. For others, prom just isn't their kind of party. others have no dates and unfortunately, some don't get approved. In order to attend the dance, you must get permission from the dean.

Is it normal not to go to prom? ›

One night in fancy clothes does not a high school experience make, and prom is not the “end all be all” of experiences that we have propped it up to be. For many teens (my son included) there are many more memorable days and nights in high school than prom night, and not wanting to go is neither abnormal or uncommon.

What percent of people don't go to prom? ›

The latest research from YouGov shows that most Americans (53%) didn't actually attend prom, and among those that did barely half (51%) went with a date. Overall, this means that only 24% of Americans had the 'typical' experience of attending prom with their high school sweetheart.

Why is prom not worth it? ›

Between the cost of the dress or tuxedo, tickets, transportation, and dinner, prom can easily run hundreds of dollars. For families on a tight budget, like mine, this expense can be a strain, and the cost may not be worth it for some students.

How important is prom to a girl? ›

The importance of prom

Prom holds different levels of significance for different people. For some, it's a chance to dress up and have a fun night with friends. For others, it's an opportunity to create lasting memories before parting ways with classmates and entering adulthood.

What was the point of prom? ›

While college proms celebrated wealth and social status, the goal of high school proms was to teach young men and women their assigned gender roles.

Will I regret if I don't go to prom? ›

Her advice: "Prom is not necessarily a defining or crucial experience in high school, and it's totally OK to skip out on that for whatever reason. Don't let anyone pressure you into going strictly out of fear that you'll regret it."

Is prom really important? ›

For the senior class, prom night serves as a symbol of four years of learning, friendship, and school spirit, and it's frequently the last time the entire class is all together before graduation. Prom, along with graduation, marks the conclusion of high school and the beginning of adulthood for students.

What are the cons of prom? ›

It can be fun, but you won't miss out much if you don't decide to go. May not necessarily be a bad thing, but some people let the fact they don't have a date ruin the night. Prom expenses can really add up when you add the cost of clothing, the ticket, a meal, and other activities to the equation.

What to do if no one asks you to prom? ›

You don't have to go to prom with a date. It is just as fun when you go with a group of your friends. If all your friends have dates, then you should ask a family friend to go with you as your date. Don't let the fact that nobody asked you get in the way of having a good time.

What to do if no one asked you for prom? ›

Plan something fun for yourself on prom night instead - treat yourself! Go buy yourself something you've been really wanting, with the money that you'd otherwise be spending on a prom outfit you wouldn't even enjoy wearing. Go see a movie you've been wanting to go see.

What does prom stand for? ›

A promenade dance or promenade, commonly called a prom in American English, is a dance party for high school students. It may be offered in semi-formal black tie or informal suit for boys, and evening gowns for girls. This event is typically held at or near the end of the school year.

Is prom even worth going? ›

In conclusion, while prom can be fun and meaningful for most students, you do not have to attend if you don't want to. Ultimately prom is what you make of it. It is your decision. For some the memories and experiences it provides will be worth the effort all in the end.

Should I go to prom if I have no friends? ›

We've all heard the rumors of what happens to single people at prom: they get bored, they get lonely, or they have no friends. This simply isn't true! Going to prom single can have plenty of benefits, and speaking from experience, it can be more fun than going to a dance with a date.

What percent of students attend prom? ›

Quite a few high schoolers attend prom without dates, and some chose not to attend at all. Exactly how many depends on the culture and peer pressure of the individual school. Some schools get 80% of the student population at prom, some get more like 25%.

What percentage of people go to prom with a date? ›

According to a Yahoo national survey, 70% of teens attended prom with a date rather than with friends. Without a date that they truly know, many students run ragged trying to find anyone that will go with them solely for the image of a picture perfect prom.

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