Top Tips For Saving On Prom Dresses

As prom season approaches, here are 7 tips for saving on prom dresses in 2015.



Copyright Sean McGrath - Flickr

It’s coming up to that time of year: limos, flowers, snazzy dinners, and of course, the dress. As teens across the country start getting ready for prom time, parents are bracing for the shock of the costs involved.

The good news is buying prom dresses for 2015 doesn’t have to completely leave you out of pocket. There are actually a number of ways you can offset the cost of prom night clothing without having to sacrifice style, even for the most elaborate of dresses.

Check out these top dress-shopping tips so you can start saving right away.


Go For Something Classic

The first thing to learn about saving on prom dresses is you need to be versatile. The more wear the dress gets, the better the value. Look for basic gowns in classic colours like navy, black or gray.  They can be worn on other occasions too. The dress can be tailored and jazzed up for prom night with the help of killer heels, statement jewellery, and bolder shades of accessories.


Get Your Dress Made By A Friend Or Relative 

If you know someone who has the skills, it can be cheaper to buy the material and have the dress made for you by a friend or relative.  As well getting the perfect dress to fit you can save a fortune this way, and they may not even charge to make it too.


Get Your Creative Thinking Cap On

So you’ve figured out it’s a good idea to search through the sales racks at the big department stores, but have you ever thought of entering clothing and voucher competitions to win a gift card or even the actual prom dress? Many people win competitions every day and as they say you have to be in it to win it.

Visit Bridal Shops

Of course, we’re not saying go for an all out wedding gown for the prom night, but bridal stores do carry great ranges of colourful bridesmaid dresses that can double as the perfect prom dresses 2015. Check out the sales rack at the bigger chain stores and do consider the floor-length gowns too. You could always have them altered for a shorter style and still save some serious cash.


Rent Designer Throw-Aways

If designer prices are crushing your daughter’s dreams of the most incredible frock, why not rent one? There are various rental stores that offer designer dresses and even accessories and you could save as much as 90 percent off the usual retail prices. Best of all, rentals often include alterations to make sure it's  a perfect fit at no additional costs. You could choose from floor length gowns and cocktail styles for next to nothing.


Try Employee Discounts

If you’re currently looking for a job, why not apply to department stores that have formal clothing ranges. That way you may just qualify for a significant employee discount off your child’s dream dress. There may even be specialty stores that are happy to offer up a free prom dress in return for some part-time assistance. You can only but ask.

Charity Shops

You can pick up a bargain dress at a charity shop. Y
ou can find wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses and designer clothes at charity shops these days and even the accessories to match. 

It is also worth considering a car journey to go to the shops in the more affluent areas too as they may have more designer dresses available. 

Did you or your daughter have a prom dress? What do you think of the tips to saving money?

This post was contributed by Media Buzzer

26 comments

  1. My girls were home schooled so miss out on prom, it is the only down side to home ed. i would have loved to have seen them all dressed up in their dresses x

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    1. That's a shame, but I bet they had a great education.

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  2. I'm so out of touch with UK, I can't believe the Prom has become a big thing. For me it's totally American. You live and learn!

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    1. It is very American but the British do like to copy our US counterparts.

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  3. My daughter bought a fairly plain dress and jazzed it up with accessories so that she could wear it again for another occasion.

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  4. I'm glad I have a boy and don't have to worry about prom dresses!! So far, my son is going to his prom, but that's all that's been said :D

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    1. Boys dress smartly for proms these days too :)

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  5. In my day we called it a 'leavers ball' :D xxx

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    1. I don't remember having one of these either Michelle!

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  6. I went to the sixth form ball rather than a prom - think I prefer the term ball - it's grander. Some great tips.

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    1. it does sound grander I think, but I guess it's the same excuse for a party!

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  7. ooh this will be me shopping with my daughter next year. I cannot wait!!

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  8. Some great tips! I remember I got my prom dress from a bridal shop that had some beautiful bridesmaid dresses under £100! x

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  9. My biggest sis had a prom, before I was born. Mummy got her dress on line x

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    1. Another great idea, you can compare prices too. The US has many companies that offer prom dresses especially.

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  10. Some great tips, especially looking in charity shops

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    1. They also seem to have some in the window in my local shops.

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  11. so glad i have boys, just bought my 4th prom suit, shoes, shirt and tie which can then be worn for 6th form, had some friends spend in the region of £400 for a prom dress

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    1. I think you can spend as little or as much as you want on a prom dress.

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  12. I have to say I am dreadful as i am totally hating the idea of a prom for my daughter .. i just think its over commercialised .. sorry :-(

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    1. It's a hard one as what do you do if your daughter wants to go?

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  13. My god daughter paid £300 for her prom dress which I found quite shocking x

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    1. That is a lot of money but if it is a quality dress and something classic she could wear it again in the future.

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