Buying Pageant Dresses: A Guide for Mothers

Pageant dresses are not all created equal and mothers who are looking for the perfect pageant dress for their daughter will want to consider a number of factors before choosing a dress. The perfect pageant dress will depend on the type of pageant, as well as which type of pageant dress is best suited for the age and personal style one wants to showcase. The quest for the perfect pageant dress does not have to be stressful. One of the ways to help choose a pageant dress is to consider the number of factors that will help to decide what dress is ideal for your daughter. The following are important considerations to make when choosing a pageant dress.

The Age and Desired Look for your Daughter

The youngest pageant contestants often look adorable in pageant dresses that play on their cuteness. Ruffles, soft pastel colors, and unique, one of a kind pageant dresses are good choices for girls who are under 6 years old. Pageant dresses for younger girls should showcase their personalities also.

Girls between 7 and 12 generally look best in pageant dresses which are not as "cutesy" as the pageant dresses worn by younger girls, but not as mature as pageant dresses designed for teens. Girls in this age range can choose a wide range of pageant dresses, as many are available for this age group. The key to choosing a pageant dress for girls in this age group is to look for unique pageant dresses that are likely to be different than the dresses other girls are wearing. If everyone is wearing a certain style at pageants, try to step it up a bit with a unique dress that stands out, but still reflects the current pageant styles.

Older girls can choose pageant dresses that reflect their growing maturity. Teen pageant dresses should be most focused on the current styles and trends and avoid styles which are overly cute or frilly.

Uniqueness of the Pageant Dress

One of the best places to get ideas for pageant dresses is at pageants. Pay attention to what other girls are wearing to get ideas for future dresses. This does not mean you should run out and find an exact copy of a dress that stands out. Instead, look for a variation of a pageant dress that fits the style you are looking for. Unique pageant dresses are likely to catch the eye of judges.

One of the most creative ways to make a pageant dress that nobody else will have is to have it handmade. If you plan to have your daughter enter multiple pageants, finding a talented seamstress or dress maker might be worth the investment. Sometimes bridal shops have pageant dresses that can be altered or enhanced to create unique pageant dresses.

Price

It is likely that you already have a beautiful daughter, so the next step is finding the best dress to accentuate her best features and style. Price comparison is one of the best ways to save money on a pageant dress. The most expensive pageant dress is not necessarily always the winning pageant dress, so look for pageant dresses that "look" well made but will not require a small loan to pay for.

Colors

Before choosing a pageant dress, take the time to examine which colors and materials look the best on your daughter. Color can make a big difference on how well a pageant dress flatters individual looks. Most young girls do not look good in all black or dark colors, while older girls might stand out in darker and more mature styled dresses. One way to get a good idea about the best colors for your daughter is to have her try on a number of colors and take digital photos in each.

Where to Find Pageant Dresses

The search for the perfect pageant dress does not have to be far if you happen to have a good bridal shop or boutique nearby. Check local stores first to see what is available and ask shop owners if they would be willing to assist you with finding a pageant dress. Many times owners will have access to additional dresses that can be ordered.

Another popular option, which can sometimes save money, is to shop online for the pageant dress. Since Ebay began, a number of private sellers and pageant dress shop owners have begun to sell pageant dresses online. A search online will also give you access to dozens of pageant dress shops from around the country.