There are still three months before the event itself. But the hysteria around the prom is already in full swing.
Recently, Andrei Makarevich loudly resented on Facebook the amount demanded from him for his daughter’s graduation. The amount of six figures is really shocking. But this is more the exception than the rule. In ordinary schools, the amounts are much more modest. But they, to be honest, make your eyes go up on your forehead.
My daughter is finishing school this year. The event, of course, wow. On this occasion, three parents’ meetings have already been gathered. The meetings dragged on for hours. There were just a lot of suggestions on how to celebrate this significant day.
– I need a photobook. We need a restaurant. We need gifts for teachers. And flowers! And on the last call there is still a buffet table. And the limousine, of course. Yes, the hall still needs to be decorated, – the parents shouted in eager rivalries.
I silently watched the discussion from the sidelines – I don’t like interrupting people. However, I had few chances.
– Maybe let’s create a VKontakte group, but there we will discuss everything with the children? – a timid proposal of one of the parents. In response – bewildered silence.
Of course, what the hell is the general group. Why ask these children at all? Who cares about their opinion?
– Let’s shoot a movie for them! I know a person who will take it inexpensively, four thousand from each! – the proposal sounds.
At this point, my bulging eyes finally refused to return back into orbit. Any schoolchild can edit a film from photos and videos. And I can too. For inexpensive. The calculator in my head went berserk and howled: I’m not exactly a rogue, but it seemed absurd to spend on graduation in an ordinary district school an amount comparable to what I pay for renting an apartment.
The plan of the initiative group was as follows: to decorate the assembly hall at the school. Do not spare money: so that the lurex is richer, the tinsel is prettier. Then the photographer. Give each child a photo album. No, not an album! A book with a gold edge. The photos inside are so-so, of course, but expensive and rich.
So wait, the book is for graduation. And we have not spent everything on the last call. So, we decorate the hall, give flowers to teachers. We arrange a buffet table for them. Then – graduation. Once again we decorate the hall, give flowers and arrange a buffet table. Then we drive a limousine, ride and take pictures, then go to the restaurant “Caucasian Dvorik”. In general, everything is like a traditional wedding, dull and banal to the point of absurdity.
– From each – 20 thousand rubles, – joyfully announced the amount of one of the most initiative ladies of the committee. – What? Won’t you go to prom? Only for the solemn part? Then 15 thousand!
– So after all, for a photo book only three thousand from each … It turns out that it will take 12 thousand from each for buffets, gifts and flowers? – the calculator in my head shattered into springs and gears. – Wait, there are 25 people in the class. So, you are going to spend 108 thousand rubles on all this?
Hundred. Eight. Thousand. Rubles.
I really wanted to ask out loud: comrade parents, are you out of your mind? Why are you trying to turn a simple and light holiday, initially very sincere and sincere, into a kind of rural wedding? Would you like it to be expensive and rich?
– Well, what did you want to decorate the hall – not cheap, by the way!
– Are you sure they need it ?! It is better to hire a magician to give everyone a certificate with a personal surprise! – I sincerely think that the assembly hall for children who have seen it all the time for the last 11 years is just an assembly hall. Even in lurex. If you want luxury – rent a conference room at the hotel. Cheaper will come out. And why is this attraction of pointless waste?
– To be remembered!
Yes, any person will remember this day anyway – without squandering some incredible amounts of money on empty tinsel. Remember what graduation you had? Did you release the pigeons? Toastmaster at a restaurant from the Comedy Club?
What are you saying? Have you sat at school? Have you had a heart-to-heart chat with the teachers? Hugged goodbye? Oh my God, how cheap it is! And do you remember? ..
– Sash, what kind of holiday would you like? – I ask the hero of the occasion.
– Well … To get a certificate at school. Dress up, show off for an hour. And then go to a picnic with classmates. Rent a cottage by the lake, ”said the 17-year-old girl dreamily.
Strange, isn’t it? Children want something simpler, but we strive to organize fireworks for them with a big top and acrobats. Maybe you don’t need to? ..
Interview
Do you think there is a need for large spending on graduation?
You can’t spare money on such a holiday. Once in a lifetime, after all.
There were and will be graduations. So now, take each loan?
I believe that everything should be on the level, but without unnecessary luxury.
A modest, dignified evening can be organized for everyone. Who needs it – let them continue on their own.
Throwing money with money is not a great science. They will still have time to learn.
We need to let the children decide for themselves what kind of graduation they want.
I will write my own version in the comments.