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Keeping up with the prom joneses.
Gone are the days of posing in gowns and tuxes at a designated classmates’ house while snacking on some chips and soda before hitching a ride to prom.
Today, high fluent parents are spending upwards of $30,000 on over-the-top pre-prom parties that are in the same realm as an A-lister jetting off to a fancy award show.
Think professional photographers, stunning decor and catered food so good it could tempt high schoolers to skip prom altogether.
Proud Philadelphia mom Lanise Gartei spared no expense when it came to her daughter Lakyia’s prom send-off.
She not only funded a $3,000 custom Qaysean Williams dress for her high schooler’s big night, but Gartei didn’t bat an eyelash at spending around $6,000 for a luxe prom send-off, which included a roped red carpet that led to a stunning step and repeat, massive balloons and a Lamborghini rental.
“I feel like it’s definitely a celebration, and you should go all out if you can for your kid,” proud mom Lanise Gartei told ABC News.
Another Philly mom went as far as hiring an event planner to transform a city lot into a Cinderella-inspired pre-prom party for her teen that could’ve been mistaken for a Disney movie set.
It might’ve set the family back $27,000, but the smile on their daughter’s face? Priceless.
“It’s the family’s prerogative to do what they want to do, and prom send-offs are a thing now,” she told 6 Action News.
Wanda Burgos Matos shelled out $12,000 for her daughter, Madison’s Bridgerton-themed prom send-off that was so elaborate, the high schoolers were probably better off spending the night there and skipping prom altogether.
The Post reached out to Matos for comment.
While some parents are transforming their homes, others are hiring private jets for their youngins to strut into their prom from.
Expectedly, NYC photographers are capitalizing on the extravagant festivities, offering pricey “2026 Prom Packages” that cost well into the hundreds.
Hubaidullai Faruku, a Staten Island-based photographer and owner of HubonTheLenses, charges anywhere from $150 to $300 for his professional, paparazzi-like pictures.
He’ll even travel to wherever the teen wants their prom photos taken — whether that’s inside a limo or in front of the Verazzano Bridge.
“I suggest clients choose their locations based on the desired ambiance or how well it complements their attire,” said Faruku about his shoots.
During prom season, the photographer told The Post that he averages 15 clients a month.
And when it comes to the after-prom fun, Gen Z is officially over basement house parties or sleazy Jersey Shore motels.
Instead, they’re invading Manhattan clubs and renting yachts, indulging in after-parties that start at 11 p.m. to keep their prom night young.
AfterPromNYC is an after-prom event platform for New York City high schools that turns Manhattan club venues into supervised functions. They work with prom committees, administrators and parents to book clubs, lounges, cruises and comedy shows for students.
The Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, Eden Night Club and Harbor NYC are just a few of the fufu rooftops, lounges and clubs the platform secures as after-prom venues for students.
They leave a running calendar open with links to buy tickets on their site.
The NYC-based company provides DJ entertainment, food and photo booths as add-ons. And parents can rest easy as the venues are marketed to have professional security, adult supervision and no alcohol.
“Our whole grade went and it was incredible. Way better than any house party,” a student from Brooklyn Tech posted on their site. “My parents loved it too because it was supervised.”
Safety might be prioritized, but the additional price tag can still be a punch to the gut for parents.
Costs vary by the package, but individual tickets range anywhere from $45 to $80. There are discounted group rates, but custom pricing for groups of 200+. Schools can also rent out entire venues to have a private event with their own music and theme.
While the individual ticket alone might not break the bank, the cumulative tolls of prom, along with transportation to the venues, add up. For many, prom has ballooned into an event costing thousands of dollars.
The prom cruises range from 75-guest yachts to massive, multi-level party boats that can hold upwards of 500 students.
Those looking for a more subdued but still fun post-prom vibe are renting out a comedy club through the company at LOL Comedy Club in Times Square.
They hire high school influencers and student ambassadors to market the events to other students.
John Nova, CEO of After Prom Central, a platform that hosts after-prom parties in venues like HK Hall in Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown’s The Penthouse and Stafford Room, and Skybar Rooftop in Long Island City, told The Post that his nightlife connections have helped him find after-prom venues that will accommodate students’ safety and budget.
He sells individual tickets and hosts private parties for schools that want to rent out venues, which usually have 80-120 students. If multiple schools want to attend the same venue on the same night, he finds NYC venues that can hold around 1,000 students.
Considerate of those who aren’t keen on draining their savings for their kids’ big night — Nova said he tries to work with people’s budgets to accommodate their after-party wants.
“If we know schools don’t have the money, we try to work with them to make tickets cheaper for students,” Nova told The Post. “Some schools demand a venue that is an exclusive nightclub, and will spend around $75 a student.”
Nova assured that every after-party has licensed security guards, DJs, and fun add-ons like a robot or a celebrity DJ.
“We want students to be comfortable and dance, we don’t want them sitting around scrolling on Instagram and TikTok trying to find somewhere random to go,” he said.
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