It's already prom season. It starts early this year, with the first ones taking place next Saturday. Even though their prom isn't until mid-April, Reno High seniors Mackenzie Ernst and Jordan Haygood couldn't wait to pick a dress at Blue Garter Bridal and Tux on Victorian Square. As Mackenzie told us, "I want to get my dress and get everything figured out before the big day!" Her best friend Jordan added, "I would like to make sure I get the dress that I want and not have to worry about competing with other people to get the same dress."
Soon, many will join them. Prom is earlier than ever this year. The reason? Blue Garter manager Heidi Quadrio told us, "It's to get them away from graduation so much, and it saves the parents a little bit of money as well."And these days that money can really add up. Prom has gotten more expensive. Heidi told us, “For a dress alone, it's maybe $40 to $400. For a tuxedo it be anywhere from $70 dollars to $150.”
“Cinderella” is a tale with a happy ending for one girl, but there could be as many as 300 Cinderellas across town at Shoppers Square, thanks to the free dresses offered at Aly's Prom Closet. The dresses there are all donated, all looking for their second life with someone new. Who gets a dress is based on need, and there's a need for this shop…too many parents get sticker shock. The store's Becky Blank told us, "You wouldn't know how many there are. They could be your neighbor. The stories I hear coming in will be, 'Last year we could have bought a dress, but this year we can't afford it.'"
It's not just the gown. A hair style can cost $150. If places like Aly's can take some of the weight off parents, it's a wonderful thing. Becky can't wait to see the dresses that come in the door every year: "As we get dresses in the door while girls are trying some on, they'll look out from the dressing room and go, 'Can I try that one on?'"
With these dresses, a young girl going through hard times can feel like a million bucks, and have a night to remember. Here, the racks of satin and sequins will generate many smiles. Becky calls it, “The ultimate princess experience, if you want to call it that."
Back at the Blue Garter, Jordan Haygood, who saved up all her babysitting money for prom, settles on a stunning black jeweled number. Her prom may be months away, but as she told us, "When I saw it, I was just 'Oh, this is so beautiful I have to try it on.' And I just love it."
Blue Garter Bridal and Tux has been around for almost 20 years, and is located at 948 Victorian Avenue in Sparks. Their phone number is 358-4141.
Aly's Prom Closet serves financially challenged high school students who are qualified for dresses through their high school counselor. They are still looking for dress, shoe and jewelry donations. Click the link button below for more:
