The experience of prom is priceless, but the extravagant evening is not.

From formal attire to hair and nails, dinner before the dance to stylish transportation, prom has become more of a stress on the checkbook than a fun high school dance for many.

The Bismarck High School prom committee and advisers have decided to change this trend by encouraging more economic spending.

Rather than requiring tuxedos, as is tradition, the committee is declaring dress pants, button-up collared shirts and ties acceptable.

"After the grand march, 95 percent of the jackets are in coat check," BHSprom committee adviser Renee Becker said.

They are not trying to change the view of prom, but rather the manner that students regard spending for prom, by encouraging parents and students to tone down the extravagence.

The change is largely due to the current economic recession, and the effect it has had on students and their families. The committee does not want anyone to not attend the dance because of the price.

"We don't want people to be excluded because they can't keep up," Becker said.

In Bismarck, dresses can be purchased at local bridal and prom shops for $100 to more than $500. Those prices are solely for the dress. Many girls attending prom also get their hair professionally styled, and get manicures and pedicures, as well as trips to the tanning booth.

"One girl told me she spent $600 on her dress," BHS junior and prom committee member Alexa Wachter said. "Her aunt told her she spent half that on her wedding dress."

The idea for spending less started with the BHS parent advisory board. Becker said that at one of their meetings, some concerns about the prices of prom were raised. Becker and co-adviser Bobbi Grassel began thinking of some ways they could lessen the cost of prom.

The BHS advanced fashion class recently hosted a prom show where each dress was under $200. Becker said that it may take more looking to find a more affordable dress, but the show demonstrated the possibility.

"Students who want to attend prom can without spending more than they can afford," Becker said.

The prom show also featured guys wearing ties and shirts rather than tuxedos.

When the advisers met with the BHS class officers, who lead the prom committee, they agreed to wardrobe changes and added some ideas about how to create a more eco-friendly prom.

They hope to be more eco-friendly by eliminating some of the paper and plastic use by utilizing real greenery and by using fewer cardboard materials. This year's theme is "Casino Royale." A real poker table is one prop they will use rather than a fake cardboard one.

"We are still going to decorate," Becker said. "It is still going to be an elegant evening."

The BHS prom is April 25.

Breaking traditions like tuxedo renting will not be easy.

"We know change doesn't happen quickly," Becker said.

Their goal is to offer new options with the hope that it will open more opportunities and create more prom-goers.

"If we continue with the same message, it certainly may become the norm to not overdo," Becker said.

(Reach reporter Kay Kemmet at 250-8260 or at kay.kemmet@;bismarcktribune.com.)