Well, your dream has come true. That special someone has asked you to the prom. You’re so excited that you cannot even breathe. You want to look the very best that you can but nearly go into shock when you see the price on the average formal dress. You’re not sure what to do. Do you turn this person down or buy something cheap and horrible?

It is true that a formal dress for prom, weddings or other formal occasions can run into the thousands of dollars. When you consider everything else you may have to purchase, the likelihood of you going become even more remote. Fortunately, there are solutions. You don’t have to spend your life savings on a dress you’re only going to wear for one night. There are several ways that you can get cheap formal dresses and still look great.

The first place many girls go when they need a formal dress is a bridal or dress shop. This is where you will spend the largest amount of money. The only thing you should look at in these stores is the sales rack. Everything else, leave alone. You could get lucky and find something nice for a lot of savings. However, make sure it fits and it is what you want. Chances are, you won’t be able to return it.

A second option you have are second hand dress shops. This is a great place to pick up discount formal dresses and formal dresses cheap. Believe it or not, many brides and brides’ maids will sell their dresses to these places after the big day. You can get some beautiful formal dresses for about 10% of what they would cost new. Many of these second hand places will throw in alterations for free or charge a very modest fee. Second hand isn’t as bad as it sounds. No one will know and you’ll look great.

Finally, look into stores that sell copies of designs. If you can do without the designer name you can save a fortune. Formal dresses again can be purchased way below what the designer equivalent is priced. You can get a cheap formal dress and still have money left over for the limousine ride.

When you purchase a formal dress it is important to use common sense. Look for sales and even second hand items. Loose the desire to have the designer name and you save loads. By looking before you leap, you can be the belle of the ball on a modest budget.