Everyone wants a Homecoming experience that will build a lifetime of memories, but let’s be honest: our wallets aren’t getting any bigger. There’s no magical Homecoming fairy to bless you with some extra dough, and Mr. Erikson most likely won’t write you a check to buy your tickets (although it’s worth a shot.) At the same time, nobody wants to be that person who pushes all the costs onto their date. But if you’re reading this with a panic brewing in your bank account, don’t stress! These easy tips will make financing your homecoming a breeze.

• If you’re going in a group, get involved in your group’s decisions early. This way you can voice your opinions about the price of the activities.
• Make plans in advance! Restaurants, limos, dresses, and bowling alley reservations go fast. The last thing you want is to limit your options and decrease your chances of scoring a deal.
• When in doubt, add more people to your group. Supply and demand folks. No need to rush for your econ notes- in this case, it means that the dinner or transportation price will go down when there are more guests. So get your sharing pants on and split the costs!
• Check out the menu before you go out to dinner. That way you’ll know how much money to bring, and whether or not it’ll be the right bang for your buck.
• If you’re going with a group of people, eat at restaurants that will give you deals. Many restaurants will charge your group a flat rate with a few main course options.
• Buy a cheaper dress so that you can save money for accessories. You can only really wear a formal dress to a handful of events. But those smoking hot earrings? You can rock those any day.
• Wear a dress from a previous dance. Unless you have a certified stalker, not a soul will notice.
• Borrow a tie. Avoid that terrifying moment the night before the dance when you realize Macy’s has run out of hot pink ties. The good news? I promise to you that your date won’t be the only one with a hot pink dress. Chances are somebody at this school of 3,000 some people has the perfect shade of tie bunched up in the back of their closet.
• Make your own corsage /boutonniere. That tiny bundle of flowers can get so expensive that I think it might be infused with flakes of gold. Don’t be scared to just make your own- plus, it will match perfectly.

At the end of the day, it’s not about the price of the night. You may not remember that fancy restaurant or that million dollar dress, but you will always remember a well-spent night with the people who matter most.

Photo Credit: meangirls.wikia.com