How to Find a Inexpensive Prom Dress

Whether it's a fairytale-like romantic evening, a fun time with friends or a complete disaster, prom is a momentous part of the high school experience. But between tickets, transportation, dinner, after parties and the outfits, the evening doesn't come cheaply. However you don't have to shell out $200 to get a nice prom dress. Instead save some money and use these tips to snag a cheap prom dress. You can easily get one for under $50 or even for free.
1.Check your closet. Do you own any formal dresses? Consider any bridesmaids dresses or dresses you've worn to formal occasions such as weddings or dances. They don't have to be the pink, shiny, quintessential prom dresses featured in department store collections. Many nice dresses can double as prom attire. You'll get another use out of a formal dress and the cheapest prom dress possible: a free one.
2.Find out if any friends or family members have dresses you could borrow. Ask older cousins, sisters or others who have attended proms in the last few years if they still have their prom dresses. Chances are the dress has been hanging in the back of her closet since the prom, so she won't mind lending it out. Of course asking your plus-size sister to borrow a dress for your size-four frame won't do any good. Save your requests for people who are close to your size.
3.Call your chosen charity to find out what their business hours are and where their drop off locations are located. Deliver your prom dress donations and obtain a tax receipt from your charity to keep for your tax records.
4.Look for dresses at thrift stores. You won't have the same kind of selection that department stores offer, but if you can find something you like in your size, you'll get a cheap dress. Thrift store finds cost just a fraction of what the dress would have cost new, and you'll be more likely to score a unique or a retro dress.
5.Venture beyond the prom section in stores. Look for clearance holiday or evening dresses that are prom-appropriate. Most clearance dresses will be under $100, and you should be able to find some cheap ones, in the $30 to $50 range. Also, look at the store' s other Cheap Formal Dresses; they may be less expensive than those in the prom section. And be sure to check the newspaper and go online to find prom dresses store or coupons for additional savings.