16Gs for a prom event then everybody go back to the Cinderella life after the prom ends. The Lambos and Rolls Royces gotta be returned along with the dresses/suits and cute/nice shoes and everybody gets back to their '98 Honda Civics and MPV minivans...
Nothing wrong with celebrating, but spending exorbitant amounts that you probably don't have or could put to better use is idiocy. You can celebrate your child without going to the poor house, plus you teach them so many lessons in that...You don't have to compete with anybody, do something cool/unique but we not taking out a second mortgage for you to stunt on your classmates.
Prom is great, but it isn't the pinnacle of your life. It's the beginning of MANY highs that you'll celebrate accordingly