by Heidi Labron

Created on: May 09, 2008

Girls will wear many important dresses during their lives....the christening gown, their prom dress and finally a wedding dress. And we all agonize over finding the perfect dress that will make us not only look beautiful, but feel beautiful as well. So why do we insist on spending a small fortune on that special night? A prom dress is really just a party dress, so there are great ways to save on a gorgeous gown and still look like you paid through the nose for it!

Don't let the sales woman talk you into something you're not willing to spend. These people are paid to say you look good in something, no matter what it really looks like. If you go into a store to try on dresses for your prom, take along a good friend or your mother to give you an honest opinion. Remember, your mother isn't trying to get you to buy that ridiculously priced name brand dress that really doesn't suit you. Trust your gut feeling and only try on dresses that you think you'll look good in.

Sales are at the back of the store. Even though during prom time, stores will place their newest, most-expensive dresses in the front windows to encourage you to come in, they'll most likely still have great buys further into the store. And don't be limited to that season's dresses. If you see a dress on the sale rack that might not be the latest offering, why not buy it and have it altered? You can get a great deal on a dress, have the sleeves removed and still pay less than you would have for the latest design.

Go online. Do you know that many of the same dresses you'll see in a store are being offered online at discount retailers or on Ebay for a fraction of the cost? Often, they are exactly the same dresses, brand new and in a variety of sizes, but some people are still reluctant to try online shopping as an option. You can even go into a store, try on a dress you like to make sure it looks great on, and then search for it online. Even with shipping, you'll save a bundle, and everyone will think you paid full price at that trendy shop in the mall!

Consignment shops are moving upscale! In most cities now, there are great consignment shops that are catering to a more high end, designer loving crowd. People who regularly shop in expensive shops often donate their clothes now or take them to one of these consignment shops once they have worn them a few times. It keeps them in new clothes and gets you a great deal on a dress that might only have been worn once! Check your yellow pages to see what your city offers.

Have someone make you a dress! You can find great fabric at discount stores and have a talented friend make you a dress from a pattern. You'll get a super fit, tailored just for you and no one else will be wearing the same dress! How can you lose?

These days, many top designers like Isaac Mizrahi and others are creating affordable lines at department stores. The styles are all current and gorgeous and you can save a ton of money and still look fabulous! You might even consider choosing a dress from a wedding line and jazzing it up with great accessories, sometimes for less than $100. And then you can say you are wearing a designer gown!

Watch for sales in the off season. Some might think it is bad luck to buy a dress in the fall or late winter when you haven't even been asked to the prom yet, but why not just be prepared? Dresses go on sale typically at the end of the season, and you might find something perfect that you can put away for later. And you won't be as stressed out as all your friends when it comes time for the prom. You'll just have to shop for accessories!

So, keep your eyes out for bargains. They are out there and you can look wonderful for your prom without emptying your piggy bank.

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