How to Find a Cheap Prom Dress

Prom dresses can be very expensive to purchase and you should consider your options carefully to make sure that you can get one as cheap as you can.  There are many used and discounted dresses that you can find but it will take time and patience to find the right one for you.

• Ask friends or relatives if they have any formal dresses that you can borrow or purchase from them.  Prom dresses are usually only worn once so if you know someone who has recently gone to prom then they will likely have a dress in good condition hanging in the closet.


• Go to a local thrift store like Goodwill to look for a dress.  If you can find a dress that you like at one of these stores, it will be a fraction of the cost of buying a new dress. You may find a nice prom dress that is not in your size but most dresses can be altered at a cheap price.


• Look in the classified section of your local newspaper.  Many people will try to sell their prom dresses after they have worn them because they are no longer needed. 


• Find a seamstress in your area that would be willing to work with you to make a prom dress.  Buying fabric and paying for the seamstresses work can be cheaper than buying a brand new prom dress.


• Look for sales at your local departments stores.  Large stores have sales regularly and you may be able to find a dress that has been discounted.


• Ask a store that sells formal dresses if they have any damaged stock.  Prom dresses that have small rips and tears can easily be fixed at home and will be much cheaper to purchase.  Carefully inspect the dress before you purchase it though because you will want to make sure that you can fix it yourself.


• Go to a local consignment store to look for a prom dress.  Consignment stores will have previously used clothing that have been kept in good condition.  If you look through the selection carefully, you should be able to find a prom dress that looks brand new at a discount.