Have you heard of “promposals”? I was unfamiliar with the term until recently, but it refers to the creative way students invite someone to prom. In the past, simply asking someone to accompany you was sufficient, but today’s expectations have evolved dramatically. Now, to secure the ideal date, you must pull out all the stops with a grand gesture—think along the lines of flash mobs, extravagant decorations, or even skywriting the word “Prom?”
Why Has This Trend Gained Momentum?
As with many facets of youth culture today, it revolves around social media validation. Dr. Jane Caldwell, a researcher at Westfield University, emphasizes that “the more elaborate the promposal, the more likely it is to generate social media attention.” Consequently, students feel pressured to create a moment that is worthy of posting online.
A quick search of #promposals on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or even YouTube reveals countless examples—from creative scavenger hunts to pizza adorned with pepperoni spelling out “PROM” and even high-end gifts like Tiffany necklaces that reveal the prom invitation inside.
The Cost of Promposals
However, these elaborate gestures come at a high price. A recent study by Visa on teenage spending revealed that the average cost of a promposal is around $324, which constitutes over a third of the total anticipated expenses for prom, pegged at $919. This overall figure encompasses attire, transportation, flowers, tickets, and photography. As Visa spokesperson Mark Thompson noted, “While prom is a special occasion for teenagers, spending over $300 just to ask someone to go is excessive.”
What If They Say No?
This raises an important question: What happens if the person you ask declines your invitation?
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Conclusion
In summary, promposals have transformed from simple invitations to elaborate productions, driven by the desire for social media approval. With significant financial implications, students must weigh the risks and rewards of such grand gestures.