It’s one of the most important nights for a teenager – and the most expensive for parents. Why does the debs cost so much?

Teenagers reaching the end of secondary school typically attend at least one debs – and generate a lot of costs. 

Irish Times columnist Jen Hogan said when her child attended the debs five years ago, she had no idea how expensive it would be. 

“I was blown away,” she told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“The planning that goes into it and the fact you can’t wear the same dress as anyone else and if you’re going to the return debs of someone else obviously there has to be another dress. 

“If you have a daughter, it’s much more costly than a son - but it still adds up when you have a son.” 

Between a dress, hair, nails and even things like getting an outfit for the ‘pre-debs’, the debs is a huge investment for a teenager and their parents. 

Debs costs

Jen pointed out there should be fuss and frills for the debs as one of the biggest nights out for a teenager. 

“It's such a huge day for young people in their life it’s impossible not to get caught up and isn't it fabulous that young people are getting excited, and wouldn’t you love to be there – but does it have to cost so much?” she said. 

She also noted costs rack up when you have a son as well, even if they decide to just rent their suit. 

“And they have to have the debs haircut and the money for the corsage and the money for the night,” she said. 

Teenage Girl Having Make Up Applied For Prom. Image: Michele Allan / Alamy Stock Photo

Jen said there are “definitely ways” to cut the cost of the debs – but sometimes the high price is simply inevitable. 

“It is a special day and you want to make sure it’s a special night – we've all been caught up in it,” she said. 

“That's great if you can afford it - it's a hugely different experience if you’re a parent feeling the pressure because it’s extremely hard to do it cheaply.” 

The average cost of the debs is roughly €1,000 per girl, according to Schooldays.ie.