By SARAH THOMSON
The Decatur Daily

DECATUR, Ala. (AP) — This year's prom fashions entice with plenty of sparkle, sequins and heady, jeweled hues despite the subdued economy.

Students have an additional challenge of keeping within a budget when choosing their dresses and tuxes.

Some local high schools are working with diminished prom budgets and enlisting students to help make decorations along with their fundraising efforts. A few students are working part time specifically to offset the exorbitant extra costs.

Athens High School senior Erica Smith, 18, modeled dresses at Nathan's Bridal prom fashion show Jan. 18 at Burningtree Country Club in Decatur. Her class began prom fundraising its freshman year, but the expenses are still daunting.

"We have to think about a place to rent, food — everything is expensive," she said.

As the show, Smith wore a Tony Bowls animal print dress priced at $358, but her total prom expenses won't stop at the gown. Limos, dinner, flowers, shoes and ticket prices also add up, and parents aren't always willing to foot the bill. She works after school at Hobbs Jewelry in Athens to help save money for the dance in May.

"My mom gives me a limit on what I can spend, and I have to pay the rest," she said.

Pam Smith, Erica's mother, has two daughters in high school who both attend the winter formals held each year. As she sat in the audience at the fashion show, she kept an eye on red sale tags attached to the dresses.

"I try and make them look for something they like, but within reason and budget," she said. "I try and steer them toward the sales rack. I actually have gone to consignment shops but haven't had much luck."

Tori Crewes, 16, picked a shimmering, copper, tea-length dress to wear for the show.

"I wanted to go with something weird, because I knew everyone would be wearing long dresses. I wanted to go with something funky," she said.