Prom Price Shock In Essex County

From dresses and tuxedos to limos and glam appointments, Essex County students and families say prom season is becoming one of the most expensive parts of senior year.

By: Amina Ali

Outlets: New Jersey Urban News

Published: June 1, 2026

Words: 677

Last Updated: 1 week, 1 day ago


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ESSEX COUNTY, N.J. — For high school seniors across Essex County, prom season has become more than a rite of passage. However, it has also become a major financial commitment.

Between prom tickets, dresses, tuxedo rentals, transportation, hair appointments and after-parties, many families say the total cost of attending prom can easily climb past $1,000. At schools across Essex County, students are balancing the pressure of social media expectations with the realities of household budgets.

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