How exciting! Prom is one of the biggest moments of your daughter’s high school experience, and no one is more perfect for helping her find the perfect dress than you. It will be a long but worthy journey! Unlike in the past, your daughter will not have to spend hours in local boutiques looking for the perfect dress. Websites like Lulu, Fashion Nova, and Nordstrom make finding the perfect dress from home as easy as pie. There are countless renditions of her dream dress on the internet, but as a mom, there is a lot more you will have to do beyond finding the perfect dress.ย
Start Shopping Early
Prom season is a couple of months away, but you can never be too early. Typically Black Friday has great deals, and the end of the year is also a great time to buy discounted stock, so keep your eyes peeled. Prom is an expensive ordeal, but your daughter is worth it. You just don’t want to spend more money than you have to, even if it is for the best night of her childhood. The average prom dress costs $600, and if you want to spend at least half of that, you will have to shop early. You will need to be actively scoping for deals.ย
If you and your daughter establish what you guys are looking for, this process will be fairly easy. You can regularly search her favorite dressmaker’s website for sales, and be sure to be expansive with your search. Formal gowns do not only include “prom dresses,” so be sure to search far and wide for the perfect deal. You want to find something that will make your little girl feel the happiest, but you should also be realistic.
Do Not Push Your Budget
Form your budget before you begin shopping and stick to it. You want to be able to afford her dress, and while you may want your little girl to be happy, no one will be happy when you are stretching bills. It is detrimental to your finances and teaches your daughter not to be financially responsible. Before you start shopping, be sure to be adamant about your budget. If she wants something that is out of the budget, the extra will have to come out of her account. Teach your daughter that she can be happy and financially responsible. The budget comes first, and the shopping comes second. You want your daughter to know that you prioritize her happiness, but there is a limit to how much can be spent on special items.ย
Prom is an expensive venture. The dress, shoes, tickets, and extra can cost well over $1k. Be sure to express that prom is expensive and a luxury. You need to let your daughter know that prom is something she received as a privilege and not as a right. It is difficult to be a child and grasp the value of something such as a prom dress but teaching her about the gravity of expenses will make you a better mom and make her a more financially responsible person.ย
Listen to What She Wants
Not everyone wants to go to prom, and that is okay too. Do not pressure her into an event she won’t enjoy. If she does not want to attend prom, it would be appropriate to give her a similar amount of money to put towards something else. If she does want to go to prom, support her choices while still maintaining your role as a mother. Be transparent on what you expect of her in terms of experiences and dress code and work around the situation together.ย
Talk About the Options
And the best part of all, help her pick the dream dress. There are so many options for prom dresses that it can seem overwhelming. Every iteration, color, texture, and cut has been done in every order.ย
Ball gowns are a great and most traditional approach. Shorter gowns are more traditional for junior prom, and longer ones are more appropriate for senior prom. Of course, the length and style will be up to your daughter. But if you guys are lost, a ball gown is a sure-fire stunner. The neckline and strap have a great variety, so there is the perfect ball gown for every girl. There are many factors to consider in your dress hunt, but this traditional silhouette is the perfect choice for any girl that wants the “princess” effect. It is universally flattering and timeless. Hard to be unhappy with a ball gown prom dress!
Ball Gown
A ball gown prom dress is the most traditional approach. Long ball gowns offer a princess-like feeling that other styles cannot recreate. Ball gowns are known for its fitted bodice and elaborate fluffy bottom. You can change up a ball gown style by changing the necklace and strap choices. A ball gownโs full skirt is incomparable to other styles. Finding the perfect prom dress is hard and there are many factors to consider when picking your prom dress but you cannot go wrong with a ball gown. It is a traditional silhouette that creates the perfect fairytale feeling you want on prom night. It is a universally flattering shape that creates the illusion of a small waist and full lower half. It is a timeless design and it is unlikely you will be unhappy with a ball gown prom dress.ย
Two Pieceย
Every girl wearing a prom dress wants their prom to be perfect. And what is more perfect than a fully customizable two piece prom dress. Future prom queens can mix and match for the perfect top while also giving a little bit of a midriff show. It is a versatile and chic pick for a prom dress. Two piece dresses allow for a plethora of top and bottom silhouettes. Every girl can customize accordingly which is the benefit of a one-of-a-kind two piece. The crop top trend isnโt ending so why not embrace it in your prom dress? Choosing a two-piece prom dress is the perfect way to let your personal style shine. It is an audaciously sexy pick but nothing is a better choice if you are looking to create a distinct look.ย
Midi Length
Junior proms are known for their short dresses and senior proms are known for their long gowns. But if youโre a prom-goer looking to make a statement, you should opt for a midi length gown. This style ditches tradition for both proms but retains the elegance of a formal gown. It is a more laid-back approach to a gown and can be just as stand-out as a full ball gown in tulle. A midi length dress is a cute and practical style that creates a unique look. This style ends in between the knee and ankle which allows for a little more leg action. It is fiercely individualistic and makes expensive heels worth it as they can finally be seen! The dry cleaning bill will also be lower as midi length gowns won’t have to drag on the floor.ย
Mermaidย
Mermaid prom dresses are often a fan-favorite at most proms. It is an ultra classy and sexy option with a fitted bottom that brings attention to the wearerโs hips. The mermaid dress is the perfect gown to show off your curves. In addition, the tightness around the hips creates the illusion of a smaller waist. Mermaid dresses are often favorites because of their ability to create an hourglass silhouette. It has a lean profile and is universally flattering on all body types. While it can be a sensual pic, it can also be tastefully worn to prom. The mermaid dress will sculpt out the best figure for every prom queen.ย
Illusion
Illusion gowns are less well known than the others listed on this list but it is a hot trend that may become a formal gown classic. This style is characterized by a sheer base layer that is afforded with laces and jewels to create the โillusionโ of a full lace or jeweled neckline. Transparency is a large trend among formal gowns and the sheer lace panels of an illusion dress is effortlessly sexy. It definitely is a more risque option when compared to the other styles on this list but it can still be done with sophistication. Opting for a sheer but not naked look is a great way to wear an illusion dress without being too revealing. Avoid plunging necklines and nude laces if your high school has a strict prom dress code. And remember to have fun at your first and last prom!ย
