by Sj Brown

Created on: April 03, 2010   Last Updated: April 07, 2010

I don't particularly like the word "cheap". I prefer to use the words frugal, effective, inexpensive or smart spending instead. But for the sake of this article, we can use the word cheap.

There are so many things you can save on and still have a great prom: clothes, jewelry, hair, limo, flowers, make-up, shoes, photos, dinner.

Ladies

Gowns - The typical girl might spend up to $500 (or more!) to purchase a prom dress. But the best way to save money on prom clothes is to rent(seriously, are you going to wear the dress again next year?) in your own backyard like bridal and formal wear shops. Another great place is iletyou.com which rents everything from vintage tuxes (in light blue, orange or lavender if that is your thing) to Marc Jacobs and Jessica McClintock dresses for about $50 a day! Ladies, if you just don't have the money to buy or rent a dress, sign up for programs like The Fairy Godmother Project (Houston, Massachusetts), The Cinderella Project (various states like Florida, Illinois and New york) or Abby's Closet (in Portland, OR) where you can get clean, donated dresses for free - some of these programs even offer jewelry, purses, shoes and gloves.

Shoes - try to choose a gown color to go with shoes you or your friend already have. Black is always in style or just accessorize in black. Borrow shoes when you can but remember to spray them with a disinfectant just to be sure. If you must buy, try thrift stores, charity shops, discount shoes stores or Craigslist. You would be surprised at the gorgeous shoes (Prada even) that I have found on Craigslist.

Jewelry - Make it. I guarantee no one else would have the same jewelry you do if you go to a beading store like "Beadniks" or "Bead Happy" to make your own jewelry. These stores would love it if your brought in a group of girls and would probably give you a discount, plus, they would help you create something just for you. If you are just not that creative, borrow it or buy it from the creative minds of entsy.com where national artisans sell thier crafty treasures for a fraction of the cost you pay at the mall for jewelry.

Hair, make-up and nails - Take advantage of the recession ladies. Hair/nail salons and make-up studios are hurting for business so get a group of girls together and visit one of these establishments together - but before you go, ask the salon owner or manager (this works best with smaller, privately owned salons instead of the mega-salons)

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