Prom Night: one of the biggest nights of your high school career. With everyone dancing in fancy dresses and tuxedos under a sky of fairy lights, how could this night not be special?

But along with this memorable night comes the stress of finding a dress, finding a date, and worst of all: the expenses of prom. Considering all of these factors, is one night of fun really worth the stress and money that goes into it?

According to The US News, the average total cost of prom ranges from $835 to $1,125. Prom dresses usually cost around $200 to $400, while renting a tuxedo costs about $120. Plus, most teens want to arrive in style, so the additional cost of renting a limo for the night ranges from $500 to $800 per group.

Typically, prom dances don’t offer full meals, so groups will go out to dinner where the meals cost anywhere from $15 to $50, depending on the restaurant. Prom tickets to the actual dance are, of course, a necessity and, depending on the venue, can cost up to $75.

Not everyone goes on an after-prom trip, but it’s not uncommon for teens to spend the weekend at local places such as the beach or a lake. The bigger the group, the less the weekend house or hotel costs will be. However, along with the weekend house comes the expense of food and other things needed for the weekend.

If the price of prom doesn’t create enough stress on both the parents and the students, then the question of choosing a prom date will. So-called “promposals” have become extravagant within the past few years. Forget just asking through the phone, nowadays most people get asked with expensive gifts and blinking signs that read “PROM?”

While the price of prom and all of the planning that goes into it does cause stress, prom is supposed to be an unforgettable night. It is obvious that prom is expensive, but there are ways you can save money and still feel like royalty during this special event.

Instead of breaking your bank on your outfit, borrow a dress or tux from a friend or find a shop that offers dress rentals. Dinner and an after-prom trip isn’t required but they definitely make the weekend more special—however, if you don’t want to spend to spend over $30 on dinner, find a restaurant with a nice atmosphere that isn’t too expensive, and instead of going out of town for an after-prom trip, just plan a fun day with your friends to talk about the highlights of your prom night.

Many schools offer after-prom lock-ins where buses take students to indoor event centers, such as Cy Ranch’s Main Event. This ensures the students will be in an alcohol/drug free-environment on their prom night.

It’s common for students to see school-hosted after-parties as dumb or beneath them, but this isn’t always the case. Many of these events offer activities such as laser tag and bowling, and being at a school after-party allows you to see other friends who aren’t in your prom group.

Take advantage of the opportunity of an after-prom lock-in. Being in an alcohol-free environment doesn’t take away the fun of the night—in fact, it allows students to see that they can have fun without illegal substances.

I admit that prom is often blown out of proportion, but the night is truly whatever you make it out to be. Whether you are renting a limo with your group of 20 friends or are driving with your date to the dance, you decide how much fun you are going to have.

Prom is a night meant to be remembered, so make memories that you’ll cherish forever. After all, it’s not often that you get to dress up in fancy clothes and dance the night away with your best friends.