Prom is right around the corner and unfortunately, the fabulous night is known for being very expensive. From dresses to hair, nail appointments to accessories, your wallet may not be very happy with you if you decide to splurge on everything. Because we know it’s easy to spend a lot on prom prep, we have found some money-saving tips to help you out this season.
To save the big bucks, start thinking about fun ways to do things yourself. Research how you can master hairstyles (we have a ton of helpful blog posts and videos to help you out). Try your hand at doing your own makeup, or try giving yourself a manicure! Here is our guide to saving money during prom season by becoming a budgeting master and DIY pro.
Dresses for a Discount
Prom dresses can vary drastically in price, so it can be easy to fall in love with a dress that is way out of your budget. That being said, you can easily save big on the big dress if you know when and where to shop. There are many ways you can find a reasonably priced dress but still look and feel your best at prom.
One of the best ways to avoid pricey dresses is to start shopping early. Purchasing your dress long before prom season begins does not only guarantee that you will find a dress you like, but it will also help reduce stress. Waiting until the last minute could result in having fewer dresses to choose from, or even worse, getting stuck with a dress that is way out of your budget. Why not try shopping in the off-season for your prom dress when you can find better deals on beautiful dresses? Check out Faviana’s Best Time To Shop For A Prom Dress post for more information about why shopping early is beneficial.
Another way to avoid paying too much for a dress is to alter one that isn’t quite right. If you find an inexpensive dress that you love but isn’t your size, you can get it affordably altered at a local dry cleaner. After all, many stylists claim that the best way to look like you’re wearing luxury items is to wear well-tailored clothing. The simplest of outfits look phenomenal when they fit right.
Also, you may want to consider investing in a wardrobe staple. Buying a dress that can be worn again in the future will make it feel all the more worth the money. Think about events you have on the horizon and find a dress that will work for them as well. Though you may not expect it, there are lots of ways to restyle and re-wear your prom dress.
Bank Account-Friendly Beauty
You may feel like you need to schedule pricey salon appointments to look your best, but all those services add up very quickly. Sure, chances are getting your hair, nails and makeup done professionally will leave you feeling red carpet ready, but there are plenty of ways to look stunning without having to empty your bank account. In fact, DIYing your beauty routine will allow you to be in complete control of your look, sparing you of any unfortunate surprises.
Instead of sitting in a salon chair for hours, you can get ready at home with friends. Not only will it be more fun, but it will also cost far less. Look up some hair and makeup tutorials and host a “Pre Prom Prep Party” a few days before the big night. There, you can practice on friends and trade makeup and hair tips. You can also host a manicure/pedicure breakfast party the morning of your prom. We can’t think of a better way to get a free mani and pedi while still having a great time. If you don’t feel confident in your polish skills, try using nails stickers or press-on nails for a quick and mess-free approach.
If you’re hoping to get a killer tan for prom, stay away from tanning salons as they can be extremely pricey depending on the treatment. Using a self-tanner is a simple alternative for getting that sun-kissed look, plus it is much better for your skin. From self-tanning lotions to sprays, you can find an array of different brands and formulas at any local drugstore. We promise you it’s the best way to get the same results for half the price, all while avoiding harmful UV rays from tanning beds or costly salon spray tans. Read through our DIY guide on how to tan like a Greek goddess.
A Priceless After Prom
There are many things to do after prom to keep the fun going! After-prom activities are very popular but can also be surprisingly expensive. Renting a house with friends or going to a nice restaurant can feel like the last thing you need after spending a lot on prom itself. Instead, opt for options that are just as fun but way more budget friendly.
If you have space in your backyard for a fire pit, consider hosting a post-prom bonfire! All of your friends can pitch in for snacks, and with the help of a bluetooth speaker, you can have an incredible time for very little money. Be sure to check the local fire permit regulations, grab some s’more supplies and you have a fun, cheap, stress-free night!
If you would rather get out of the house after prom, try planning a beach party or consider going camping, or better yet, glamping! Just like the bonfire, it won’t cost much if everyone pitches in to help cover the essentials.
DIY the Details
Transportation and corsages and boutonnieres, oh my. The little things, like everything else prom related, can add up quickly. Luckily, the details are the easiest items to get for cheap.
Obviously, driving to prom with friends in one of your own cars, rather than splitting the cost of a limo, will save you a ton of money. You will get to prom either way, so why not take the cheaper way?
Also, skip the trip to a florist and instead go to a local grocery store to get your corsages and boutonnieres. A grocery store will sell you a floral piece that is just as beautiful for half the price. Don’t forget that corsages and boutonnieres are mostly for pictures and prom poses before arrival at prom, so there is no real need to splurge! Also, you can always DIY both of them yourself pretty easily.
As you can see, there are plenty of different alternatives to all your prom essentials that can save you a lot of money. You might even have a tad more fun on prom night knowing you stuck to your strict budget. Do you have tips on saving money for prom? What are your after prom ideas? Tell us by posting photos on Instagram and tagging our blog’s Instagram @glamandgowns, or Faviana’s Instagram @Faviana_NY. Also, follow us on Twitter @FavianaNY! and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
xoxo,
Faviana
Written by The Faviana Team
Edited by Erica Fouts
