Preparing for prom is a special time in every teenage girl’s life. The focus is all on finding the right dress that will stun all your friends and turn heads in the auditorium. For some girls, choosing a dress for prom is all about the price tag, as prom dresses can be expensive and out of the budget for some families.
If you have been invited to the prom but don’t have the budget to buy a designer dress, you may have to get a bit creative. You can still look your best and get a dress that you love without spending a fortune in the downtown boutiques.
Whether you want a gown in the style of Jovani prom dresses or are thinking about designing your own frock, there are ways to save a bit of money. Let’s take a closer look at a few tips for finding the perfect prom dress on a budget.
Design Your Own
Now is the time to bring your design visions to life. You can find dozens of elegant dress patterns at your local fabric store, or hundreds of dress templates online. You can save a fortune by using your own sewing skills to create the prom dress of your dreams.
Dress Savings Fund
You may have a few months’ notice before your prom night arrives. You can start a dress savings fund if you have your eye on a dress but don’t have the funds on hand. Put all of your earnings into the fund until you have enough to make your purchase. You may also be able to buy your dress on a layaway program.
After-Season Bridal Sales
Summer is the season for brides and the busiest time for bridal salons. Once the season is over, many shops are eager to get rid of their out-of-season dresses. Watch for sales in the fall and around the winter holidays to save over 50% on the prom dress of your dreams.
Second Hand
Most elegant gowns are only bought and worn for one or two special occasions. If your prom budget is tight, you may want to find a gently-used dress that you can call your own. Many consignment shops carry gowns that will suit your needs. You can do a bit of alteration on a budget and end up with a dress that looks and feels like it was made just for you.
Rental
Many rental clothing shops now carry gowns and dresses that can be rented for the night or the weekend. You could have your choice of expensive designer gowns that you can rent for just a fraction of the tagged price.
Online Sales
One of the best places to start searching for your prom dress is online. Many online retailers offer a variety of sales events and clearance events that can save you a ton of money on your prom dress.
If you are struggling with your prom dress budget but still want to arrive at your event in style, follow these tips to help you find the perfect prom dress on a budget.
