When it comes to competing in pageants, a parents’ thoughts - especially Dad’s thoughts - frequently go towards adding up the costs.
There are the obvious, of course, such as the entry fees. Entry fees can vary widely depending on the pageant system and level (preliminary, state, regional national). Some may be as low as $50 or so for the compulsories only, while others begin at $250 or much, much more just for the basic entry. And then, of course, are the optionals - each one is an additional cost.
Why add on optionals? It’s a terrific opportunity to gain experience and develop poise, for one thing. For another, well, you’re already there so why not do as much as you can do? In addition, many systems count at least some points earned in optionals toward titles.
Then there are the outfits, of course! The more events s/he competes in, the more you will need. At the very least you’ll need a really lovely formal gown for girls and a dressy suit or tuxedo for boys - but that’s the beginning. Separate outfits will be required for every event from swimsuit to casual wear to modeling to cheerleading (or any talent). And many pageant systems will require that your child also have their uniform for in between competition times and/or for opening numbers and group photos.
Many systems also require the contestant to sell a minimum $ amount in ads and often (and especially when the contestant competes a lot or is new to the pageant scene) these ads are taken out by family members and friends.
Don’t forget the cost of lodging and meals. If siblings are going along, there will be additional expenses there too.
And, of course, there will likely be items for sale by the pageant system as keepsakes of your experiences. Who can resist a sparkling pin?
More than that - the cost of pictures. If your child will be participating in “Most Photogenic”, you will be required to submit photos - and they need to be professional. Many systems will require a great head shot with the application anyway for their program book; you’re going to want your child’s best face on display there!
But there’s a lot more to the photos. Every pageant system has their official photographer who will be taking photographs of every child throughout every event. Watching them can be amazing - and seeing how they keep every child’s photos together can boggle the mind!
These photographs belong to the pageant system but you will, of course, have the option of purchasing a package. Most likely you’ll be required to make that commitment before your child’s event; you can’t purchase a package afterward only if s/he won. These photos can be expensive, but are also terrific keepsakes and can also be potential shots to use for the next event. Be sure to read, ask, and find out about these photos before it is too late to order - you’ll likely want them! And there will be video, too . . . .
Now, back to the clothing budget. You have many options. Always keep the rules in mind - you want to be sure to meet requirements at all times. Use creativity wherever possible! You may be able to find that perfect casual or sportswear outfit at a bargain or thrift shop. You might find the perfect glitz dress for sale by another contestant who has outgrown it - be sure to personalize by adding your own personal touches (or removing things, whatever works best for your personal look).
Keep in mind, too, that the perfect evening wear may be a matter of finding a lovely dress and then “making it your own”. You can save a lot of $$ by doing some work yourself. We’ll be discussing this futher soon.
If you have money left at the end of the pageant - or - earnings, you might want to go ahead and pre-pay next year’s entry fees. It’s likely that they’ll be offering a substantial discount if you do it at this year’s event. You’re going to want to come back if you had a great time this year!
But as they say in the ads for credit card companies, the ultimate experience is –
PRICELESS
