How to Have a Fabulous Prom Night on the Cheap

Ahh, I remember the days of my prom. I wore a beautiful maroon dress, I had a fun, wonderful date, and we arrived in style. The best thing about the night? Neither me nor my parents went broke in order for me to have a spectacular evening.

I began shopping several months before the big night for the perfect dress. I knew friends who had found their dresses months before I did, and paid anywhere from $300-$500. I already had a car payment, and I couldn't imagine, while working part time, forking out that kind of money on a dress that I may only wear one time. Extravagance was never my style.

After searching through several stores, I came across the perfect dress at our local Ann Taylor store. It was the last place I expected to find my prom dress. In fact, I entered the store looking for other spring clothes, and found a great red dress on the clearance shelves. It was a size too small, but I tried it on anyway. It was too tight, but it was only $50. I had been searching for a red dress, and although this was a dark red, it was beautiful. I spoke with the saleswoman, and after some calls, we found the dress in my size in another store. They had it shipped right to me, and I spent less than $60. I was amazed.

Being just over five feet tall, the dress desperately needed hemmed. Thankfully, my mother is an amazing seamstress, so she went to work hemming the dress, while leaving the back longer to form a small train. We then went to a local fabric store, and found a matching mesh fabric to flow off the shoulders and to tie in the back. I had imagined how the dress would look, and it turned out beautifully. If you don't know a good seamstress, ask around. Some of your friends' mothers may have that talent.

Instead of renting an expensive car, my mother had just purchased a nice, classic, used Oldsmobile Alero. The car was in great condition, and my date took the car a few hours before to give it a good wax and wash for the big night. Although it wasn't a limo, we were styling and looked great.

We had pictures taken with friends around the gardens, and they came out beautifully. It was much better than spending the money at the prom photographer's stand. Plus, your parents will want and love to take the pictures of you and your friends before the evening begins.

There are so many things that you can do to keep costs down for your prom. I shopped for shoes at local clearance stores, and I went to a cheap jewelry store for some classic costume jewelry. Better yet, borrow your mother's pearls for the grand evening!

There are a dozen or more ways to look like the classic prom queen without spending a lot of money. The trick is to search hard, and look far enough ahead of the event. Options are the best way to keep your costs down. When you have choices, you can save yourself a ton of money.

Also, don't go for the best. Make it your own evening. I knew my dress wouldn't be like anyone else's, and that was perfect for me. The "in style" dress of this year, will not work for you two years down the road for a college formal. So pick an item you know that will give you a few good uses. Classic styles are key.

Make it a classic evening by having friends or family do your hair. I went to a hairdresser, but afterwards, I knew I could have saved myself $30-$50 by using a good curling iron. Many of your friends and family have talents they would love to use on your hair. Let them go to work a week ahead of time to see if they can create a hairstyle that you'll love for that special evening.

The most important thing is to be comfortable, to feel beautiful, and to spend lightly. Prom can be an amazing night without breaking the bank. Search hard, and keep all options open. You never know what you'll find for a great deal!