5 Ways to Save on a Prom Dress

Now that prom season has rolled around, girls are in a scramble for the perfect dress. The problem is most girls are on a budget these days, and can’t afford the $400 prom dresses. So after talking with several different people I came up with five ways to save on prom dress.

#1 Hold a dress exchange party
Most high schools have at least 2-3 formal dances every year. Most girls can collect anywhere from 5-10 dresses during their four years at high school. Most girls wear their dresses once or twice and then they sit in the back of their closets. That’s why dress exchanges are so great. Get together with a bunch of friends. Have them bring their formal dresses and even their sister’s old dresses, and trade dresses for prom. You’re always trading clothes with your friends anyway, this way you get a great dress, and so do they!

#2 Look at smaller stores or boutiques
Looking at smaller stores instead of huge department stores not only lowers the chances of someone else having the same dress, but also means they carry smaller brands. Smaller brands and designers usually means smaller prices tags. That way you can get all the WOW! of a amazing dress without all the stress of a huge price tag.

#3 Shop around
It may sound like a lot of work but it’s not uncommon to be able to find the same dress at more than store. A lot of times larger brands will be carried at more than one store. If you shop around you can usually find the same dress at a cheaper price than the first store you went to. Also if you are looking for a deal you can usually find a dress on sale, or online.

#4 Donated Dresses
If you are really short on cash and can’t afford a dress, there are several foundations and stores that recycle prom dresses. There are different organizations that have stores across the country where you can pick out a dress from hundreds of options, for free. You can also donate old formal dresses you don’t wear anymore, and help another girl find the perfect dress. For more information and locations go to: http://www.donatemydress.org

#5 If all else fails…
Prom only happens once. If you find your dream dress and there’s no other option, you can splurge on your dress. If you splurge on your dress there are other ways you can save. You can save on your shoes, accessories, and make-up. Take a look in your closet to see if you can skip buying shoes, if not look at stores like Payless or Famous Footwear. For accessories, check out places like Target, Claire’s, and Something Silver. And for makeup check out the department stores at your local mall. Many department stores have free in-store makeup consultations. You can make a appointment for little to no cash. Like I said, if you splurge on your dress there are other ways you can save, sometimes there’s not always another option when you find the perfect dress.