I totally understand that many of your parents may be out of work, and even if they are not – the have definitely put the family on a budget. This budget impacts everything from family vacations to your senior prom. Your parents have likely given you a spending limit on your prom dress and accessories. You’re probably asking yourself, how can I possibly find a gown, accessories and shoes for under $200, $300 or even $150? Let me tell you that it isn’t as difficult as you may think, with a bit of creativity and timing – you can meet your parents budget and look absolutely gorgeous while doing it.
1. Finding an Affordable Dress: The Internet has taken shopping to another level. You can buy just about anything on the Internet these days, from cars to clothing – you will find it on the world wide web. There are so many clothing retail websites and with this increased competition comes sales, discounts and special offers to attract buyers. Most prom dress websites purchase their gowns from the designers and then sell them at retail price. For the most part, the retail price will be roughly the same across the board. For example, the Tony Bowls gown that you see on one site will have roughly the same price on another site. However there are ways that you can still find discounts. For starters, call the customer service number for the website and ask if they have any special discount codes that you can use. Generally speaking, most sites do offer free shipping when you spend over a certain amount of money – if you are shopping on a site that does not offer that, definitely call their customer service department and ask for a free shipping coupon code.
2. Finding Affordable Shoes: Purchasing affordable prom shoes will prove to be a much easier task than buying a cheap prom gown. The main advice that I would give you here is to buy shoes that you can wear on another occasion as well. there’s nothing worse than having a pair of shoes that you can only wear once. So this means you will want to completely avoid dyeable shoes. Your mom may be pressuring you to do (well, I hope she isn’t!) but avoid dyeable shoes at all costs! Strappy sandals, open toe heels and stilettos are always a great look for evening gowns.
3. Finding Affordable Accessories: When it comes to prom dress accessories, you’ll only need three different things – if any at all. Those things are your jewelry, your handbag and something to put over your shoulders in the event that the weather is a bit chilly. If you live in a warm climate or have your prom during the later part of the year, you do not need to worry about that at all. It’s also pretty romantic (as well as trendy) for your date to offer you his suit or tuxedo jacket to place on your shoulders if you really get cold. So for the most part, an overcoat isn’t totally necessary. The type of jewelry that you will need will mostly depend on the style of dress. If you are wearing a dress with a high color, lets say – an Asian geisha style dress – the only jewelry that you will want to put on would be earrings and a bracelet. If you are wearing a strapless gown then a full bracelet, earring and necklace set would be appropriate. Cute costume jewelry is relatively easy to come by. You do not have to and should not spend more than $50 on your jewelry in total, for really inexpensive costume jewelry go to your local beauty supply store. Just look up “beauty supply store” in your area if you don’t know where one is.