Today’s question is…
How much did that costume cost you?
You’d think this would be a simple answer to someone’s question and wouldn’t really belong in my FAQs… but it isn’t a simple question for me!
I can usually give someone an estimate if they ask me how much I spent on a costume, just based on knowing how much a certain type of fabric usually runs, how much wigs usually cost, etc. But an exact figure? Never.
I DO budget on the front end. I figure out what I want to spend on the costume at TRY to stick to it but it’s more of an idea than a solid, calculated number and it’s not something I try to remember after a certain point. For instance, I have no idea what I budgeted for Batgirl 2 years ago, because it’s not something important I need to keep in my head.
The thing is, I have no reason to keep up with costs, outside of staying within my made-up budget. If I spent $56.40 on fabric, I have no need to write that down and remember it, because I’m not working on commission for someone.
I also reuse a lot of pieces, or fabric or items leftover from other projects that can be put to use – so those don’t cost ME anything – but that’s a cost someone else may have to consider.
And, the older costume is, the less likely I am to remember much about costs, unless it was something CRAZY like I found this fabric for a $1 a yard or something! (which is another thing; I never remember yardage unless it was something specific or crazy. So anyone asking me how many yards of fabric I used for a costume 7 years ago; I can take a glance and tell you an estimate of what I’d BUY for it… but I have no idea what I actually bought or used for it.)
So anytime someone asks me how much a costume costs… I may estimate a cost for them… but the real answer is “I have no idea”!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Now, if you’re wanting to learn to estimate so you can plan your own costume budgets – that’s something that takes time to learn. As you start to shop and buy things you’ll start to remember – cotton is usually around this much a yard, and wigs like that are usually $40-$50, etc.
If you’re not sure what fabric you want to even start to google how much it costs – head over to a fabric store and just start looking, touching and inspecting the different fabrics. Take note of their names and their prices. If you don’t live near a fabric store, that can make things harder, but never be afraid to ask someone else, “What kind of fabric would you suggest for this?”
Take coupons and discounts into consideration as well! You can usually get a 40% off coupon for one of the major stores like Hancock or Joann.
November 2014 Addendum:
Recently there’s been a meme floating around facebook, where people post the cost breakdown of their costumes. I threw my hat in the ring and put together a few. You can check them out over at this post, along with my thoughts and caveats.