Parents who have not squirrelled away extra cash for their children’s matric dances, may be in for a shock.
They could soon be shelling out thousands of rands to make their teens’ dreams come true.
And, while there are cheaper solutions, like wearing borrowed gowns and taking care of one’s own hair, nails and make-up, many matrics cave in to societal pressure and insist on a high-end, unique and expensive look.
This year’s matric dance season kicks off next month.
Hudson Park High School head girl Alanna Scott said although she had not yet started shopping for her matric dance dress, she was aware that custom designed dresses cost in the region of R3000 to R4000, while professional make-up could set her back between R300 and R600 and a manicure about R150.
“And then, for the after-party we need another outfit. Our matric dance is only in August so I am going to get a holiday job in the June holidays to help pay.”
Hudson prefect La-Toya Dalasile said girls were under pressure to sport the best possible weave at the matric dance.
“A virgin grade 8A weave of Malaysian, Peruvian or Brazilian hair can cost between R3000 and R5000 depending on length.”
Dalasile said footing the mega bill for her matric farewell would be a joint effort between her sister, who would pay for the weave, and her mother who would fund a new gown.
“The after-party is another expense because even if you wear jeans and a special top, it must be new. You even need new underwear for the day!”
And, while girls face a hefty outlay, boys also have to fork out to look dashing on the day.
Best Man Suit Hire co-owner Samantha Goodall said the store runs a matric dance special in which boys can hire a suit, shirt and tie for R500.
“For R500 they can hire a tuxedo-style one-button suit or a slim-fit two-button suit in grey, champagne, black, charcoal, navy or white. At the moment boys are going for a dark royal blue, which they wear with a white or navy shirt, skinny tie and brown belt and shoes. That’s the look.”
Over and above the R500 suit hire price tag, shoes will set parents back in the region of R500, a belt R200 and a spiffy haircut about R150, bringing the total to about R1350.
Once everyone is made over and looking splendid, couples need to be ferried to their farewells in style, and, while many band together to hire a party bus, others opt to rent a limousine, celebrity-style.
Limos Unlimited owner Brandon Higson said a stretch limo, which can be shared by four or five couples, costs R1300 for the evening.
Retro-inspired couples can hire a vintage car from owner Chris Kleinhans, who will chauffeur them to their pre-party and dance in their choice of either a 1925 Dodge or a 1935 Ford V8 at a cost of between R300 and R500. — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
Rising cost of matric dances
Parents who have not squirrelled away extra cash for their children’s matric dances, may be in for a shock.
They could soon be shelling out thousands of rands to make their teens’ dreams come true.
And, while there are cheaper solutions, like wearing borrowed gowns and taking care of one’s own hair, nails and make-up, many matrics cave in to societal pressure and insist on a high-end, unique and expensive look.
This year’s matric dance season kicks off next month.
Hudson Park High School head girl Alanna Scott said although she had not yet started shopping for her matric dance dress, she was aware that custom designed dresses cost in the region of R3000 to R4000, while professional make-up could set her back between R300 and R600 and a manicure about R150.
“And then, for the after-party we need another outfit. Our matric dance is only in August so I am going to get a holiday job in the June holidays to help pay.”
Hudson prefect La-Toya Dalasile said girls were under pressure to sport the best possible weave at the matric dance.
“A virgin grade 8A weave of Malaysian, Peruvian or Brazilian hair can cost between R3000 and R5000 depending on length.”
Dalasile said footing the mega bill for her matric farewell would be a joint effort between her sister, who would pay for the weave, and her mother who would fund a new gown.
“The after-party is another expense because even if you wear jeans and a special top, it must be new. You even need new underwear for the day!”
And, while girls face a hefty outlay, boys also have to fork out to look dashing on the day.
Best Man Suit Hire co-owner Samantha Goodall said the store runs a matric dance special in which boys can hire a suit, shirt and tie for R500.
“For R500 they can hire a tuxedo-style one-button suit or a slim-fit two-button suit in grey, champagne, black, charcoal, navy or white. At the moment boys are going for a dark royal blue, which they wear with a white or navy shirt, skinny tie and brown belt and shoes. That’s the look.”
Over and above the R500 suit hire price tag, shoes will set parents back in the region of R500, a belt R200 and a spiffy haircut about R150, bringing the total to about R1350.
Once everyone is made over and looking splendid, couples need to be ferried to their farewells in style, and, while many band together to hire a party bus, others opt to rent a limousine, celebrity-style.
Limos Unlimited owner Brandon Higson said a stretch limo, which can be shared by four or five couples, costs R1300 for the evening.
Retro-inspired couples can hire a vintage car from owner Chris Kleinhans, who will chauffeur them to their pre-party and dance in their choice of either a 1925 Dodge or a 1935 Ford V8 at a cost of between R300 and R500. — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
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