How to do Prom on a budget

So the big day is finally upon you, but money is tight and you are worried about how you will afford all of the costs associated with attending the Spring Formal. Fear not, because this article will give you tips on how to look your best on that special day without tapping out your parents' pocket book. There are plenty of ways to reduce your cost and still look great while dancing the night away.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thrift store
• Duct tape
• Vintage costume jewelry

1. 
    
   Thrift store prom finds

   Check local thrift stores for old wedding, formal, and brides maid dresses. If you dig deep enough, you can find a dress with some really great fabric. You can always add embellishments to bring it up to date. Think "Pretty in Pink". If you are the least bit crafty you will be able to ensure that you have the most unique dress at Prom and have everyone wondering "Where did she get her dress?".

2. 
    
   Duct tape dress

   Be creative. A new fad that has popped up in the creation of formal dresses is duct tape. Believe it or not, you can create some pretty snazzy outfits with multicolored duct tape. It is cost effective and extremely unique.

3. 
    
   Hair Styles

   Instead of going to a salon and paying a high price for a fancy style, find a friend who is good at doing hair. Ask her to do your day of the dance do. You can offer to help her coordinate her outfit or help with her makeup.

4. 
    
   Prom Hair Style

   Do an internet search for current hairstyles. Pick out a style that you like and that could be done with your hair. Read up on how to achieve that style. Practice on your hair several times before the day of the dance, until you like the way it comes out. Take a picture of your hair so that you can remember exactly what it looks like and so you can recreate on the day of the dance.

5. 
    
   Vintage Costume Jewelry

   Dress up your outfit. Vintage costume jewelry is a great way to jazz up your style. Ask grandma or search at your local thrift store for some old rhinestone brooches. Use them as barrettes in your hair, or embellishments on your shoes, like shoe clips.

6. 
    
   Prom Look

   Use ingenuity and creativeness to add your own special flare to your Prom appearance. You will probably be surprised at the reactions you receive when your peers acknowledge your hard work and individuality with envy. The best Prom look isn't necessarily the most expensive, but the one that speaks the loudest because of the attention to detail and the special touch given to it.

[mrsjester]

on 8/9/2009 I got several formals (and still do when I need them) from Fashion Shack, a store that gets excess dresses and other clothing and sells for a fraction of the real cost. I also have my hair done by a hairstylist who works from her home on the side. A friend used people from the local cosmetology school. Both ways saved us a ton of money on really expensive looking hairstyles. I got my wedding shoes on ebay- new- for a fraction of their original price- $30 instead of $100. I got my wedding dress from the Running of the Brides, where many dresses could be used for formals other than weddings.

[joanhaines]

on 6/26/2009 Yup. Creative twists are the best way to make prom affordable!

[vallain]

on 4/12/2009 I think it's time to rethink the dinner our and fancy limo too.

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 3/19/2009 Nice twist on saving on prom looks and the general affair. I clicked on the pic of the red and white dress. IS THAT REALLY DUCT TAPE?! Wow