Prom doesn't have to be expensive!

Many families simple don’t have the financial means available today to spend hundreds of dollars for their children to go to prom. The economy has fallen off dramatically, and it’s harder than ever to stretch the dollar for special events like prom. However, there are plenty of ways for you to save money and still look like a million bucks! The following are a few tips on how to get ready for prom for $100 or less.

The Dress

Don’t think that going to prom on a budget means an out-of-style dress – you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you start looking now at discount prom dresses. Now is the time to begin your search, as most of this season’s dresses are just now hitting the racks, and many stores are offering deep discounts to see which dresses will sell this season. An off-the-rack dress is also a terrific place to begin. If you can’t find your size, consider getting the dress altered to fit you perfectly. If your mother or grandmother is a great seamstress, you can save a fortune on alterations.

If you can’t find a dress whose style, size, or color you like, try an online auction site like eBay.com. You can often find a pre-worn prom dress for only a fraction of what you would pay in a traditional dress shop. And, since these dresses are only worn for one night out of the year in most cases, you’ll likely find that the condition of a used prom dress is as good as new.

The Shoes

Shoes can be as expensive as the dress – depending on where you shop, of course. There are plenty of discount shoe stores online, and many offer tremendous savings on designer shoes. Stores like 6am.com or Bluefly.com will often have discounts up to 60% and they often offer free shipping. If you find a pair online that you love, but you aren’t sure if they’ll work with your dress, try to find a pair in an offline store. If you like them there, go home and order them online to take advantage of the great deals there.

On the other hand, why not take a look in your closet? A pair of black, white, or off-white pumps or strappy sandals will work with just about any dress. It may not be exactly what you wanted, but you can put the money you were going to spend on shoes towards your dress or accessories.

The Accessories

To find the right purse, check out your local thrift stores. Better yet, drive to the wealthiest neighborhood near you – you’ll be amazed by what people donate, and you could find a great sequined or jeweled purse for only a few bucks.

When it comes to jewelry, talk to your relatives – you may be allowed to borrow a beautiful pearl necklace or some diamond studs for your big night. These pieces are classic looks and will always be in style.

The Hair and Makeup

Instead of spending a ton of money at the salon, consider holding a hair and nail party. Have all your friends bring their hair accessories, nail polishes, and curling wands over for a few hours before dinner. It’s much easier for someone else to work on your hair and do your nails, so why not throw a party and enjoy the afternoon before the prom with your closest girl friends? If all else fails, you can try your local cosmetology school for a budget up-do, but this can be risky as you’ll be putting your prom-night hair style in the hands of a student stylist.

Having a great prom doesn’t have to be about spending as much money as possible – you can complete your entire prom outfit with just a little imagination and some help from friends and family. While you may have your eye on that one designer prom dress, you may have to be a little more practical in these challenging economic times. But by making wise choices, you may find you can save enough in one area to be able to splurge and spend more in another.