Yellowknife (May 16/05) - Whether you live in Yellowknife or anywhere else for that matter, graduation means a big deal and some pretty big money.

One hundred and twenty-three graduates from Sir John Franklin took the walk on Friday, where they dressed to the nines in tuxedos and flowing gowns. But how much does this all cost?

Tara Bromley and Jake Goldsmith strike a pose before the Friday night Sir John grad festivities. The average graduate spends more than $300 to look their best for the night.

Sandra Richardson bought her dress in Edmonton, spending just over $300 on it. But that wasn't it. She spent another $100 or so to get her hair and nails done, and then another $45 for makeup at Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio.

"It was worth it. Well worth it. It's something that happens only once in a lifetime, so it means a lot to look good," Richardson said.

While many girls went south for their dresses, some, like Lindsey Pettes, got theirs in town.

"It was $422 at By George," Pettes said. "I was a little iffy about it, but my grandma gave me $350 for a grad present, so I only had to pay $75 of it, but it was totally worth it. Everybody said I looked like a princess and I thought that was awesome."

After makeup, flowers, hair and nails, Pettes spent almost $650 on her grad night.

And the guys have to pay up for the night, too. They all have tuxes to rent, at a mere $170 a pop for the night.

Kyle Bevan, who was Pettes' date for the night, wasn't as happy about spending so much money on one night's festivities.

"It's not a waste of money, but it could be spent more wisely," Bevan said.

Some weren't willing to shell out the $170 for a tuxedo. Walter Girrior had an innovative solution to the problem: he got his tuxedo at a thrift store.

"It was two bucks for the suit, two bucks for the pants and a dollar for the belt," Girrior said. He didn't understand the need to spend a bunch for the night.

"I think they're all really foolish for doing that," he said.

Business bonus

For businesses, the graduation ceremonies mean a bonus. Joie de Vivre had 25 people come in on Friday, spending between $50 and $100 each on makeup, hair and nails.

According to Tran Phan, who runs the salon, business was up 25-30 per cent from last year's grad-Friday.

"It's a once in a lifetime thing before they are done school," Phan said.

For Phan, the day's business means more than just graduation, it's about getting people coming back for more later.

"They can come over here and see the services and when their friends and sisters come up they know where to take them to get away from stress and their problems and enjoy their day."

By George did well for graduation, selling 40 dresses ranging from $220 to $1,600. Owner Rosa Proietto said the night is very important for business. So important, in fact, that she went south to buy dresses for hopeful girls.

"It's significant. With any sort of major event you're going to feel a blip in your sales, and we did," Proietto said.

Flowers were a big thing, too.

"It was kind of fun because it was a lot of corsages, boutonnieres, stuff that we don't often have a chance to do," Shirley McGrath of Grower Direct said.