How to Shop for the Perfect Prom Dress

Shopping for a prom dress can be a really fun and rewarding experience. It can also be a very stressful, horrible experience. There are some things you can do to ensure your experience is one of the great ones.

I worked in a dress boutique for several years and saw many happy customers, but I also saw girls in tears, because their prom dress was not everything they had hoped for.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you pick the perfect dress for this year's prom:

Start early to shop for the perfect prom dress. Some dresses are only available by special order, and may take six to eight weeks to be made. This is also true if the store does not have a dress you love in your size. If you are buying a dress off of the rack, later in the season the dresses and styles will be picked over. Meaning you may not find that perfect dress, or if you do, someone else from your school may already be wearing it. Many shops will only sell one dress, of any particular style, to one school. Meaning if someone else from your school has purchased the dress you picked, you will have to look for something else.

Have a look in mind before you go in search of the perfect prom dress. Take a look at some of these online sources to have some ideas before you hit the stores: www.xtremeprom.com, www.mystiqueprom.com, www.formalsexpress.com. There are many more sources available online. Take a look at some of the popular teen magazines, several of them run a special prom issue to show you the latest looks and styles. Check out your favorite celebrities, to see what looks they are wearing that you love. Print, or clip out your favorite styles. Create a small notebook of the looks you like. Take them along on your shopping trip.

Find a group of friends, and make it a fun day while you all search for the perfect prom dress. Plan several stores to check out, and make it a fun day. Try the dresses on, and ask each other's opinion. Your friends will let you know when you find that perfect dress. Check with the individual store on their picture taking policy. If the store allows it, take a picture of your favorite gowns with your cell phone, or a digital camera. You can take a look at the photos later, and see which dress looks the best on you. Make a day of it, go out to lunch, or go back to a friends house later, and try different hair styles to complete your prom look.

To pick the perfect prom dress you need to sleep on it. Don't actually sleep on the dress, but if at all possible take a photo of yourself in the dress. Take a look at the photos later, and consider how each dress looks on you, before making your final decision. If you make an impulse purchase, you may regret it later.

Before you purchase the perfect prom dress, make sure you are working with a reputable store. Pick a boutique where the staff is friendly, and easy to work with. What dress shop has good reviews with friends and relatives? You may be working with the shop several times. If your dress needs alterations, ask if the shop does alterations. How long will the alterations take to complete? How much it will cost? Ask if they can press the dress right before the big event. Is the pressing included in the price of the dress?

Check out the payment options available for your perfect prom dress. After you pick the perfect dress, check out the payment options available. Many stores have payment, or layaway plans available. If you shop early in the season, check with the boutique on possible discounts if you take some brochures, or catalogs with you to post at your school. Many stores also have prom style shows. You may be able to model for the shop, in exchange for a discount on your dress. It never hurts to ask.

When you are shopping for the perfect prom dress there are a couple other things to keep in mind. Look for a dress that makes you feel beautiful, but is also comfortable. Remember you will be dancing, sitting, standing, and moving in the dress for several hours. Take a spin around the boutique, and sit down on the couch. Make sure the dress is not gapping anywhere embarrassing. You do not want a wardrobe malfunction on prom night.

Relax and enjoy your shopping trip, don't get to caught up in finding the perfect prom dress. When you find it you will know. Follow these tips to help make the experience enjoyable.