As one of the most anticipated nights in high school, proms are kind of a big deal for most students. A big and highly anticipated event like this would excite some students to go searching for the perfect, stunning dress, while some would prefer to design and sew their own.
However, some of those who choose to rent or buy dresses do so at the expense of their parents’ wallets.
We’ve listed down the top 6 budgeting mistakes that you or your parents could avoid when you go prom dress shopping:
Having the mindset that only expensive dresses are good enough
With the rising popularity of branded and designer products among the youth, there’s also a rising misconception that only expensive dresses are good enough. You don’t have to spend a huge amount of money on a dress that you’ll only wear a few times in your life, if not only for one night. For instance, you can find more affordable prom dresses in any budget-friendly prom store in NJ.
Not setting a fixed budget
Money isn’t easy to earn, so if your household has a fixed budget for groceries and bills, there’s no reason why you can’t also set a fixed budget for a prom dress. A fixed budget will help you narrow down your choices when you start dress shopping at any Quinceanera dresses in NJ.
You no longer have to browse through the entire racks in the dress store, looking for that one perfect dress and checking the price of each dress, only to be disappointed when a nice dress costs way beyond your budget. It’s more convenient to walk in a store, and then tell the staff that you’re looking for wedding dresses NJ that are within a certain budget. This way, the staff could immediately show you to the right section, and you can start your shopping from there.
Trying on dresses that are out of your budget, “just in case”
Let’s say that you already have a fixed budget, and you have already started trying on some dresses that are within your budget. But then suddenly, on your way to the fitting room, you passed by a dress that you thought was gorgeous and would make the perfect prom dress. You check the price and discover that it’s a couple of hundred dollars more expensive than your budget. What should you do? The wisest thing to do is to put the dress back in the rack and move along.
Don’t risk heartbreak by falling in love with a dress that you can’t afford, “just in case it fits.” Otherwise, you’ll have this resentment inside you and you’ll always think, “I should have picked that dress.” As a result, the within-budget mother the bride dresses in NJ that you end up buying or renting may never be good enough in your eyes.
Ordering a dress online
Buying a dress online can be tempting, especially if you’re trying to save money. However, online shopping is a gamble. The products can be a hit or miss. We suggest that you avoid ordering a dress online unless someone you know can vouch for the store or the brand.
Moreover, do not buy a dress online if you do not have enough time before the prom. You have to consider if the delivery becomes delayed and if you have to alter the dress when it arrives. To be safe, you can book appointments in any budget-friendly dress shops near you.
Not considering alteration costs
If you want your gown to fit you better or if you want to add more details or gems to the dress, then you would need a tailor to make some alterations. However, more often than not, the alteration doesn’t come free. If you’ve chosen to buy or rent a dress that costs exactly your budget, then you wouldn’t have enough money for the alteration, which may result in you looking for another dress in another store.
To avoid this kind of scenario, it is best to call the dress shop or boutique before your visit, and then ask them beforehand how much an alteration may cost. This way, you can plan your budget more carefully. It is also important to know the turnaround time for alterations, especially if you don’t have much time or days left before the day of the prom.