Cheap Prom Dresses

Finding Cheap Prom Dresses

Prom is a special night and you deserve a special dress. Finding a gown that makes you feel like a princess is expensive. A brand new dress can cost from $150 to $400 or more. That is a lot of babysitting. Luckily, with a little creativity you can save money and still look like a prom queen.

Borrow

Prom dresses are usually only worn once and then left to hang in the back of the closet. Many styles stay the same over the years. Borrowing a dress is the cheapest way to look great. Your only expense is dry cleaning the dress before you return it.

Who do you know who graduated two or three years ago? Contact:

• Relatives
• Friends of yours who already graduated
• Friends of older siblings
• Friends of the family (ask your mom to make a few calls)
• Those you know from church or synagogue

Before you make an appointment to closet shop, check to see if they are the same size as you.

Find a Bridesmaid

If you know anyone in their 20’s, chances are they have a collection of bridesmaid dresses they are willing to lend or give you. Bridesmaid dresses make great cheap prom dresses. They both are expensive and elegant. If you find a dress you like in your friend’s closet, but the size is wrong, ask her to call the other bridesmaids to see if they still have the dress.

Second-Hand and Thrift Stores

If you do not feel comfortable borrowing or are unsure whom to ask, second-hand stores offer a great selection of cheap prom dresses. Many offer “sales” where they collect dresses donated throughout the year and put them on the floor all at once. Call around to find who carries prom dresses.

You can often get a steal of a deal prom dress for $10 - $50. Look for stains and rips before purchasing your dress. If you are still in love with it, point out the flaws to help bargain towards a better price.

Consignment Stores

Consignment stores are a step up from second hand stores. Unlike a second-hand store where clothing is donated, the owner of the clothes takes them to a consignment store to make some extra money. The store and the seller of the dress split the profit, so only clothes in pristine condition are allowed on the floor.

Call the store to find out if they have a prom dress sale.

Make A Dress From Scratch

Are you talented with a needle and thread or do you know anyone who is? If so, you can make a dress for the cost of supplies (and maybe a little labor). This option allows you more freedom in creating the dress of your dreams. You can choose your own material, colors, embellishments and add or change features you feel add to creating your dream dress.

Remake

If you do not have the time or the skills to create one from scratch, remake an old dress. Look in your closet or find a dress at a second-hand store. Remaking a dress takes some creativity. Decide how much you want to change. Simply changing the length creates a whole new dress. Look at the overlay, bodice and trim for other changes to make.

Recreate

If you fall in love with a dress in a magazine or store, but do not like the price, some seamstresses specialize in recreating dresses. This route can be cheaper in some instances, but shop around for the best price and quality. Look at other dresses the seamstress has made. If you plan far enough ahead, you can get a better deal if you ask her to make the dress off-season. Since November through January are slow months for weddings, these are the best months to see if you can find a better price.

Sales

Another option for finding cheap prom dresses is look for sales and last year’s styles. Often you can save 50 – 75% on dresses bought off a clearance rack. They may not have your size, but a good seamstress can alter most dresses.

Online

Use the Internet to compare prices of cheap prom dresses. When you see a style you like, write down the name of the dress and do a search. Shop last year’s styles and sales for the best savings.

Ebay

Ebay is a great place to find a bargain. Before buying, know what you are getting. Email the lister with these questions:

• Are there any stains or rips?
• When was it worn?
• How often was it worn?
• How many people wore the dress?
• Was the dress altered? If so, where and how much? (This changes the size).

You have numerous options when searching for a great deal on a prom dress. Even if you do not have a date but plan to go to prom, start shopping early to find the best dress for the greatest price.