A prom dress can be a major expense. What can you do if you’re on a very tight budget, but still want to feel like a princess on your big night? Relax. Prom dresses don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. By planning early and keeping an open mind, you can find a beautiful, fashionable prom dress for a lot less than you may think.
Step 1: Set a Budget
Before you begin actively searching for a prom dress, you should establish a budget. Make a vow to stick to that budget, no matter what. You may find a dreamy dress only to discover it’s way out of your price range. Keep the faith—there are dresses out there that fall within your budget.
Step 2: Check Consignment Shops
Consignment shops often offer a great selection of formal dresses. If you find a fabulous prom dress at a consignment store or even a thrift store and it isn’t a perfect fit, don’t despair—with the money you save on the cost of the dress, you can afford to have a seamstress make a few minor alterations.
Step 3: Shop Online
The Internet can be a gold mine where prom dresses are concerned. Check online auction sites like eBay and online classified sites like Craigslist to see if there are any inexpensive dresses that suit your fashion fancy. The trick, however, is to start your shopping early—as prom season draws closer, the selection may dwindle.
Step 4: Ask Around
If you have friends or relatives who aren’t much older than you are, ask them if they still have their prom dresses. Many people only wear a prom dress once, so there is a chance you may find the perfect dress hanging in a friend’s closet!
