Prom is one of the most anticipated nights of high school, and securing a prom dress that fits well, flatters you, and helps you feel your most confident is essential.
However, many individuals have budgets to stick to when it comes to prom dress shopping. It can be hard to figure out how much money you should be spending on each aspect of prom night without knowing specific prom dress costs.
Our article tells you how much you can expect a prom dress to cost in addition to the cost of other important prom-related items.
Why Are Prom Dresses So Expensive?
Prom dresses can be fairly expensive, and this is generally due to the amount of material used in each dress, the embellishments that a dress has, and the formality of the dress. Formal and long gowns are typically harder to mass produce. Also, many prom dresses need to have hand stitching completed on certain elements to ensure the dress is made properly.
That being said, it is possible to find prom dresses that are less expensive or shop sales and clearance stores to find a prom dress that works for you.
Average Prom Costs
Depending on your prom dress desires and the other aspects of prom, such as renting a limo, or after-prom activities, a prom night can cost between $100 and $2,000. This may seem like a wide range. But this is because there are many variables with prom that depend on your personal desires and visions of your big night.
Below, we list costs associated with your prom dress and prom look, which are often the biggest costs for a prom night.
Prom Dress Purchase
According to Sherri Hill’s experts, the average cost of a prom dress ranges between $50 and $500 or more. Prom dresses on the less expensive side can be purchased at discount sales and thrift stores, or you can create your own prom dress.
Prom dresses on the more expensive side may be purchased at boutique stores. These dresses are likely to be larger gowns with lots of fabric, such as ball gowns, or gowns with unique embellishments that require hand stitching.
Alterations
Alterations for your prom dress may be needed if you find the perfect dress that is one size too large or too small or if you want to take away or add straps. They are also great if you want special beading and embellishments added to your dress.
Depending on your tailor and the alterations you need to be made, this can cost between $25 and $100 on average.
Accessories and Shoes
Accessories and shoes for your prom dress may cost you nothing if you already own the items you wish to wear. Or you can spend anywhere between $25 and a few hundred dollars. Many individuals choose to wear jewelry like necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to complement their dress. High heels, hair ornaments, and gloves are also popular prom outfit choices.
Where Can I Buy a Prom Dress?
Figuring out where to purchase your prom dress can be overwhelming, as there are typically many options in your city or town. You may be able to choose from boutique stores, dedicated prom dress stores, malls and department stores, thrift stores, and online stores.
We recommend figuring out the type of dress you want, including color and style, in addition to knowing which size of dress you need before browsing any in-person or online store. This will help you narrow your options when searching for the perfect dress.
Shopping online for a prom dress can be especially helpful if you want to look at multiple styles at once to see which kind of prom dress you’d be happiest with.
How Can I Save Money On My Prom Dress?
There are a few different ways to save money on your prom dress if you need to find a dress on a budget. Or if you simply don’t feel like spending too much money on your dress. We give you some tips below on saving money on your prom dress while still finding the dress that makes you feel your most beautiful and confident.
- Shop Clearance Sales: Many times, stores in the mall and other department stores will have a clearance sale of prom dresses just after prom season or periodically during prom season. Shop these sales and pick up a dress for the next prom you attend at a discount. If you need alterations to the dress when it’s time for your prom, you can get a quick fix at a tailor for cheaper than it costs to buy a new dress outright.
- Make Your Own Prom Dress: If you’re feeling creative and want to craft your own dress, all you need to purchase is a dress pattern, fabric, and whichever embellishments you feel like applying to your dress. Oftentimes, the cost of creating your dress is cheaper than purchasing a new one, though this process can take more time.
- Visit Thrift Stores: Thrift stores in your area often have great deals on prom dresses or other formal gowns. Take your time shopping at the thrift stores in your area and start this process a few months before prom. So you have enough time to find a perfect dress before prom night. Don’t forget that you can get any dress altered by a tailor to make it have the perfect fit.
After you’ve secured your prom dress at a discount, don’t hesitate to shop at online sales, thrift stores, or other discount stores for accessories, shoes, and jewelry. Then, you can craft your prom look without breaking the bank.
Finding a Prom Dress for Your Budget
Prom is a highly anticipated night, and the dresses that many individuals purchase for prom come at a variety of price points. It’s essential to find a prom dress for your budget so you can feel your best without spending more money than you expected.
Make sure to keep in mind the average prom dress costs. Create a budget sheet so you know how much money you can spend on each aspect of your prom night to ensure you have the best time possible within your budget.
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