Sierra Cutchin (left) models an Alyce Design formal pants outfit while Summer Woodward makes jewelry suggestions Thursday at Summer's Formal Wear on Limestone Street. (Ledger photo by SCOTT BAUGHMAN) Prom season is here again. Hair salons and makeup counters will soon be flooded with high school junior and senior girls while flower stores will be swamped with junior and senior guys.

Teenagers plan weeks ahead for this memorable event. Scheduling hair, nail and makeup appointments, finding the right dress or tux and planning the post-prom festivities are all a part of the process. Getting ready for prom night is usually a day-long event for girls. It is a bit simpler for guys.

Will "Buck" Scoggins, a junior at Blacksburg High School, says he plans to spend a few hours getting ready for the big night.

"I'm a perfectionist when it comes to being neat and clean," he said.

Some might wonder whether guys or girls spend more money on prom.

For girls, a new dress could cost from $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on when and where the dress is purchased. Terri Woodward, owner of Basket Case Formal Wear in Gaffney, says the size and design of the dress determine the cost.

"The more layers, the more money," she said.

Hair appointments cost $25-$40 while having makeup done is $20$35. Manicures, shoes, jewelry and accessories are also a part of the expense.

A basic tuxedo rental starts at $75 and can go to over $100. A corsage, a bouquet of flowers and dinner at a nice restaurant is about $50. If guys wanted to make prom an even bigger deal, the price of a limousine rental ranges from $45 $300 an hour plus gratuity depending on the number of passengers and body style of the limo.

Prom does not have to be expensive. Girls can save money by wearing a formal dress they already own, borrowing one, or shopping for one during the summer. Trusted friends can do hair, nails and makeup.

Guys may be at more of a disadvantage. Tuxedos and flowers do not come especially cheap anywhere. A limo is not a required form of transportation, but splitting the cost of one between friends is a good way to save money and have a memorable time. Selecting a moderately priced restaurant can save some money on dinner.

Blacksburg High School's prom is May 13 while Gaffney High's is May 20.