The prom is one of the most memorable events in a teen's life. Whether it's six things they should know or six things they should never do, proms are an essential part of our youth culture. That being said, prom can be overwhelming and can cause panic for some people.
Can prom dress be a big part of your prom night? Prom night is one of the most important events in everyone's life because it is the highest point in our high school career. However, prom dress can be a pain due to several factors. If you're going to prom by yourself, finding a prom dress that will not only fit you but also look amazing on you won't be an easy task. If two or more people are going to prom together, prom dress shopping will be less complicated and much more fun because you will get input from your friends or your date, which might make your choice easier. So to help you prepare better than I did, here are six things I wish I knew before prom:
A Prom Dress Can Be Expensive
A prom dress can be expensive depending on your style and what type of prom it is (formal or semi-formal). For example, prom dresses typically range from $100 to $200 for prom dresses or prom gowns. That may not seem like a lot for some people, but prom is just one night, and your prom dress may only be worn once. If you go to multiple proms during the same year (even if they're in different seasons), keep in mind you might wear the same dress since prom season usually lasts about 6 months.
2. A Prom Dress Can Be Cheap
However, prom dresses don't have to break the bank! You can find beautiful but inexpensive prom dresses online or at an affordable retailer. Even though they aren't super expensive, most of these stores offer high-quality prom dresses worth their price tags! Some prom gowns can be under $100, which is a steal if you ask me.
3. You Might Not Be Able To Find The Prom Dress Of Your Dreams In Stores
You might not find the prom dress of your dreams in stores - and that's okay! There are many reasons you would want to shop online: it could be because prom dresses aren't usually stocked in brick-and-mortar prom dress shops, or maybe prom dress shopping is too overwhelming for you (with all that fabric and bling). There's nothing wrong with looking for prom dresses online; make sure to look at pictures/reviews before placing an order. Find your prom dress somewhere else if the site doesn't offer these details about their prom dresses.
4. You Might Need To Try On A Few Different Sizes Of The Same Dress
If you're shopping for a prom dress online, purchase a size smaller and a size bigger than your prom dress size, so you have options when it comes to prom night! This is usually included in the purchase price since most prom dresses can be adjusted to fit perfectly. If there's no option to change the prom dress, ask if the designer has an alteration service or if you could return/exchange the prom gown after prom night (for free, of course).
5. Your Prom Date Doesn't Have To Match You In Style Or Price Range
My personal opinion? It doesn't matter how much money your prom date spends on prom night. It doesn't matter if they're decked out in diamonds while you're rocking a prom dress under $50. Your prom date is your date, not the other way around. If you want to wear white or burgundy to prom or be surrounded by flowers (which are expensive), let your prom date know how much it'll cost for them to make their appearance worth your time! Similarly, don't feel pressured to buy the most expensive prom dress you see because it matches your prom date's style perfectly.
6. A Little Black Dress Can Work Too
Many people think prom dresses have to be super fancy and full of glitz/bling/fabric sequins/pearls/sequins/rhinestones, but prom night isn't the time to wear these elegant prom dresses. What happens if you spill spaghetti sauce on your prom dress? Or worse, what if prom night turns out to be a little more formal than planned and your prom date insists on wearing their tuxedo jacket with black pants instead of nice slacks? If that's the case, bust out that little black dress you've been saving for a rainy day! You'll look stunning either way.
