It’s graduation season once again and it can be stressful. You’ve just spent the last couple months prepping for your external exams and the last thing you want to do right now is take on another stressful task. If preparing for graduation and ball was only stressful it would be one thing, but it’s also expensive. Still, don’t worry, we got you!

Allow us to take the cost and stress out of graduation and ball with these tips:

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Start preparing early– Start booking your nail, hair and make-up appointments ASAP. Start looking for your dress and shoes early too. Sometimes things increase because businesses know it’s graduation season. The longer you wait, the more money you might have to pay. Besides, getting stuff out of the way early eliminates last-minute panicking. I started early and I got my shoes on sale and dress really cheap. It works. Even if you’re graduating later in the year, you can buy some of your things from now.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Shop around– I know sometimes shopping sucks, but don’t be tempted to just go in one or two stores. Whe n it comes to shoes and dress; check out multiple stores and compare prices, quality and fit. Go uptown, downtown and around town.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Do your research– This is especially important for the services of make-up artists and nail techs. Some MUAs have deals if you bring a friend. IG is a great place to find out that info. There are also good MUAs or nail techs who are looking to make their names who may be a little cheaper than the more established ones. Just make sure you check out their social media to find out if you like how good they are.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Design your dress–If you don’t find something you love, get your dress made. It will probably be cheaper anyway, and you’re more likely to fall in love with it.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Rock secondhand– Try thrifting or wearing something you love from someone else’s closet. No shame in the secondhand game. Check out our 

recent interview with the organizers of Mukkle Thrift and a 

first hand account of the thrifting experience. [/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Wear what you already have– Listen, if I had cute shoes and an elegant dress to wear, I’d just wear it. You don’t have to buy new things for every event (unless you really want to of course). Don’t let people shame you into not wearing your own things, they….are….yours.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Call your cousin or best friend– If you know someone, not necessarily a makeup artist, certified nail tech or a hairdresser but someone that can do them really well (or at least to your liking), let them do yours. Now I’m not saying you should go to your entrepreneur friends and ask for a discount or free things. If this is their business, please pay them.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Do it Yourself– Maybe you’re the one can do hair, nails or makeup. Have faith in your abilities, do it yourself and save some money. [/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Go Natural– If make up and painting nails isn’t your thing, don’t feel pressured to get glammed up. Do whatever you want sis, I support you.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Use Coupons- Gustazos and Brawta Living have good deals on manicures, pedicures as well as hair appointment from time to time. Take advantage.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Check out Goody On a Budget for more thrifty tips![/naviga:li][/naviga:ol]

–Trevann Hamilton