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Prom’s are fun, buy hey… they’re not cheap. Your parents may have already told you how much they’re willing …or not willing to shell out for this special occasion. Don’t sweat it! You can still show up on the dance floor in a “drop dead gorgeous” outfit - without giving your parents a heart attack with the bill.
Prom night can end up costing hundreds of dollars, and the most expensive part of the deal is your gown. Why not use a little shopping wisdom to save money, and have more to spend on other things that might make your night a little more special?
Keep these 4 cost-cutting ideas in mind when you head for the dressing room.
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Nobody reads the tag but you
Brand names are great if you’re loaded with money, but they really don’t make a dress any prettier. Go ahead and look through Seventeen magazine to find that perfect dress, but browse the stores for a “knock-off.” In the business, a “knock-off” simply means a dress that looks like a big name gown, but sports a drastically lower price tag. Hey, who’s going to know, but you?
- Head for the sales racks
Sales and out-of-date don’t go hand in hand in the formal wear industry. In fact, some styles never really go out. Traditional prom gowns carry a charm that outlasts the latest fads. Not a traditional gal? You’ll still find some pretty up-to-date gowns on the sales racks, and have enough cash left over to invest in some really cool accents!
- Get creative
Who do you know that can sew… Mom, an aunt, maybe even you? Making your own gown can be a fun way to save money. You can browse your favorite magazine, or try on gowns at the local boutique to find a gown to copy. You might even go all out and totally create your own unique, one-of-a-kind gown. Not only will you be ravishing on prom night, you’ll have memories that will last a life time… without spending hundreds of dollars to make them.
- Surf for deals
Shopping online is a great way to save big bucks! Think of EBay. There’s sure to be a huge list of gowns for sale around prom time. Don’t forget that most stores have a website. Often, you can find deals that they may not be offering in their store. Now here’s a tip you’ll want to keep in mind: if you find a gown you’ve “just got to have “ online, call your local boutique and ask if they can get it for you. Why? You’ll be saving the cost of shipping and handling, and most likely they’ll match the price to get the sale. Now, that’s shopping smart!
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