The Beauty Pageant as a Business

Participating in a beauty pageant is like a dream come true scenario for most women. From a very young age, girls are exposed to fairytales that contain princesses, queens, and beautiful dresses. Thus, it is not surprising that most of them want to get a crown that she can wear. However, beauty pageants these days developed into something more than looking for the physical appearance of the contestants. Nowadays, being a beauty queen requires having a talent (in some pageants), good education, and beauty inside and out.

On the spectators’ point of view, all that they usually see is the glitz and the glamor. The contest usually shows the fun side where the participants were having parties while wearing the best dresses. In addition, they also include the advocacies that they are supporting. However, behind the entire glamor, there is a huge business that runs these events.

Some of you might be curious on the expenses of the beauty pageants. Who pays for their transportation? Who organizes the parties? Do the contestants need to pay something while attending the pageant? Do the contestants pay or buy for their own dresses, shoes, and accessories? What about their makeup artists and stylists? Do they need to hire one or is it provided for them by the pageant organizers?

The Price You Need To Pay To Wear The Crown

If you are planning to join beauty pageants, you should know that it is very expensive to wear a crown. You need to pay several expenses to join these events, such as attending classes or workshop for beauty pageants, dresses, shoes, accessories, makeups, hiring a stylist and/or makeup artist, transportation, hotel accommodations, and sometimes there are entry fees that you need to pay so that you can join. Therefore, behind all of the fame, sash, and crown, you need to spend first thousands of dollars. Keep in mind that there are also thousands of women out there inspiring to be the next beauty queen so you have to expect a stiff competition.

Nowadays, beauty pageants are being held almost every week. Since there are tons of women who want to wear a crown, businesses started to take advantage of this opportunity. There are now several companies that offer costumes, coaching services, stylists, and makeup artists. In some cases, all of these services are offered in one company so that the contestant won’t have to look for others. Kim Gravel is the 1991 Miss Georgia America. Currently, she is the owner of The Pageant Palace costume and coaching service. According to her, the price of dresses ranges from $700 up to $1000 but if the woman is serious in the competition then she spends as much as $5,000 for the dress alone. Aside from the evening gown, the contestant must have additional outfits for interviews, rehearsals, opening numbers, public appearances, and swimsuit competition. In addition, the accessories and shoes should also be included in the list.

How To Spend Less

If you really want to join competitions but don’t want to spend too much money, there are several strategies that you can do. Note that you will still have to pay for some of the expenses. The best way to spend less in beauty pageants is by looking for a sponsor. You can search for companies who wanted to advertise their products. You can try your luck with well-known companies and inquire about it. However, you have a bigger chance to get sponsorship from newly opened businesses. They are more willing to lend you some clothes, shoes, accessories, or assist you with anything since they need to advertise.

If it’s your first time joining a pageant and you only want to gain experience, you can opt to spend less. You can save by putting a makeup to yourself, use review materials online, and search for a great-looking dress that doesn’t cost too much.

Is It Worth It?

In an interview with Hillary Beulah, who competed in 10 pageants over the span of three years in the Miss USA and Miss America, shared her story. According to Beulah, her parents spent $20,000 to have the perfect image of being a beauty pageant contestant. Despite the time, effort, and money that were spent, she wasn’t able to hold any major title.

“It is a financial endeavor — the travel, the coaches, the wardrobe, the makeup, hair, and in some cases fees are staggering.

Is it worth it? I made some good friends, and definitely, have some epic stories…”

From the observation of an audience, it may seem like these women are after the fame and prizes that they can get. However, not all women who join beauty pageants are like that because most of them just want to gain experience. According to Trinidad Padama, who runs the Miss Teenage Philippines Pageant, Inc., this is where young women try to build up their self-esteem and social skills.