Matric Dance season is drawing near, which can end up being a costly exercise for parents with pressure to spend on expensive dresses and tuxedos, make-up and hair, after-parties and even luxury cars to attend the event.
A Matric Dance is not just about the clothes, there are other costs involved such as, hair, make-up, shoes, travel and even photography. Remember to prioritise what is important and what not.
Many parents find themselves torn between wanting to give their teenager a beautiful outfit with all the extras and also not wanting to blow thousands or worse, becoming indebted, explains Eunice Sibiya, FNB head of consumer education.
“As a parent you want to give your child the kind of Matric send-off that is memorable and one that they deserve,” she says.
Sibiya points out that they’ve worked hard throughout the year, but the costs of outfits, travel, after-parties and even breakfasts the next morning all add up.
It could cost anything from R1 500 upwards to R8 000, according to Motivate Today.
Sibiya stresses that a Matric Dance can still be special without ruining your bank balance.
“There are a number of measures you can put in place to help ease the financial load of a Matric Dance, starting with a budget,” says Sibiya.
It is also not unreasonable to expect your teenager to contribute financially toward the day by helping with chores around the house or neighbourhood to earn money to contribute.
Budget
Every household should have a budget to plan for everyday expenses, so a budget for a special event like a Matric Dance should be added to this as early as possible.
Prioritise
A Matric Dance is not just about the clothes, there are other costs involved such as, hair, make-up, shoes, travel and even photography.
Remember to prioritise what is important and what not. Decide how much money will be set aside and, most importantly, stick to your budget, says Sibiya.
Involve your teenager financially
When drawing up a budget you should consider a number of costs including the dress or tuxedo, accessories, transportation, dinner and after party.
It is also not unreasonable to expect your teenager to contribute financially toward the day by helping with chores around the house or neighbourhood to earn money to contribute.
Involve your teenager in the budgeting and costing process.
“Most teenagers won’t have an idea of how much the event is going to cost their parents.
“If they are involved you can explain why they can’t have that pair of shoes or latest videogame, as you are saving for the special occasion,” says Sibiya.
This will also help with the bigger picture of financial management and instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in your child, she points out.
Hire instead of buy
Dresses, tuxedos and suits can also be very expensive when bought. Sibiya suggests hiring an outfit, as it is, after all, only for one night.
There are a number of places you could visit to hire an outfit, all it takes is research.
“You could also choose a less expensive outfit and make it more exciting with accessories,” says Sibiya.
DIY or turn to friends for hair and make-up
There’s also no need to spend a lot of money on a hair and make-up artist.
Either do practice runs before the day, or, find a friend or family member with this special talent to turn her into Cinderella for the night.
Use a pool car
“When it comes to travel, you can organise a nice car without having to pay.”
She suggests asking around, perhaps someone’s dad has a really nice car, and your teenager and friends could travel to the venue together.
“If that is not possible, explain the additional cost of hiring a car to your child and ask him or her to get a lift with a friend, or just drop them off yourself.”
Donate the dress after the event
Once your daughter is done with her dress, and it is not going to be worn again, why don’t you pass on the good deed and donate it a charity such as the Princess Project.
This project ensures that hundreds of underprivileged girls across South Africa can attend their dances in beautiful dresses.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to a Matric Dance is to have clean and safe fun.
“It’s the culmination of a 12 year schooling career, and if your child has worked hard, they deserve to have a memorable night of good fun.
Sibiya points out that it is important to keep your eye on what’s important and not to get swept up by the hype and competitiveness.
Costs to consider when planning for a Matric Dance
• A dress or suit – the largest portion of your budget and a wide price range, but it could cost up to R5 000.
• Accessories – shoes, a clutch bag, jewellery could all add up to around R1 250
• Beauty – expect to pay around R1 000 for hair, nails and make-up
• Photography – do you want some professional photos of you and your partner? Expect to pay around R1 000
• Transportation – how are you getting there and getting home? A shared limo for drop-off, your own car (fuel & parking) or taxi? Budget R500 for this
• Tickets – how much will these be? Prices range from about R250 to R1 500
• Dinner – is this included or will you be heading out afterwards?
• After Party – is there a cover charge? Set around R250 aside
