22 Jul 2025
Laura Bill dons her best frock and finds out how the tradition of proms has become an intrinsic part of school life in the St Albans district…
My school ‘prom’ was called a Sixth Form ball at Beaumont, a few years ago now… I think I walked there, wore a ball gown from Next and within an hour I was being sick in the toilets as I learned a very important lesson: red wine and Baileys do not mix well together, especially not on an empty stomach.
It was to celebrate the end of our GCSEs and nobody called it a prom. Since 1995, things have changed a little. I do seem to remember my dad having a whinge about it though.
Something along the lines of: “Why do you need gloves in the summer?” and “But your hair is straight not curly so that’s how it suits you best, surely?” and “The world has gone mad – it’s some American rubbish and you aren’t even leaving the school”.
The tradition of proms obviously originates from America and comes from the word ‘promenades’ when people would first go for a walk and then a dance.
It’s a big industry with parents often spending hundreds of pounds hiring cars, paying for professional hair and make-up, and of course the outfits can be costly.
But there are some initiatives to help lower the cost of dresses, which is usually the biggest expense.
Harpenden fashion stylist Karen Jennings runs a pop-up shop for prom dresses. People donate excellent quality dresses – worn for just a few hours – which can then be enjoyed by girls attending prom in exchange for a donation.
She said: “It was a good thing to do and so very much appreciated by girls and mums alike. They say it takes the stress out of touring shops and unsuccessful internet shopping.”
Marlborough School M Store – which helps struggling families at Marlborough Science Academy with items such as food and cosmetics – has some prom dresses available too.
Meanwhile, the director of St Albans hair salon Trinder, in George Street, Marc Trinder said they now get lots of girls coming in for prom hairstyles, although fashions have changed over the years.
“We have seen a big shift to more relaxed contemporary styles. Gone are the days when ‘done’ prom hair was sculptured into a semi bridesmaid look, and now we have a lot more glam glossy waves and relaxed vibes.
“The fashion for hair up is very relaxed and not over complicated. Textured up-do’s are very popular.
“Having your hair styled for an event adds to the feel-good factor and confidence when you complete a look. Hair styling should totally complement the make-up and outfit so it’s important to discuss your total look with your stylist.”
Marc added that styling for a prom is all about the preparation and that using products which are layered into the hair will ensure the style looks great and lasts.
At Trinder it costs £37 for a blow dry and long hair styling hair-up starts from around £60, so isn’t prohibitively expensive.
We spoke to some students and parents about their personal experiences and expectations of proms.
St George’s School pupil Brooke Lynch, 16, who lives in St Albans, said she really enjoyed her prom and believes everybody should have their big day to look forward to.
She said: “My prom was really nice. A school prom is a lovely opportunity to get all dressed up and celebrate the end of the journey.
“You can dance, have fun and have the last photos taken of you and your friends so you’ve always got good memories to look back on.
“Our prom was in the walled garden at Luton Hoo which was a really nice setting. We had a conservatory with food and beverages and a dance floor with music to celebrate with friends.
“An ice cream van was also available and we were given a token to be able to get something as well as three drink tokens. The experience was amazing and I think that everyone should be able to experience it.”
St Albans mum Liz Hill said: “A ticket to the prom cost £55. The expense comes with the dress, hair, make-up and cars etc. Then there’s the professional photos, balloon arches and after parties!
“I absolutely recognise that it can be kept at a reasonable price. In our situation my daughter, Bibi, is turning 16 on July 23, she’s finishing school and hoping to attend the Fashion and Retail College in London.
“It’s unlikely that those who travelled through the last five years together at school will be all together again, so we were a little more extravagant. Most importantly, she had the best time and thoroughly enjoyed herself.”
Her prom was at Hunton Park Hotel and the ticket price included a barbecue, cakes, a welcome drink and a disco.
Anwen Adams, 13, is already looking forward to her school prom which seems to be fairly typical among her peers.
She said: “Everybody goes to prom, it’s a special part of your school journey. You get to pick a nice dress and look pretty.
“Everyone makes TikTok videos to show their transition as they get ready. You don’t have to go with a boy or a girl, you can go with your friends. I guess the tradition came from America to start off with but it doesn’t feel American anymore.”
