To say the price of prom dresses is absolutely ridiculous?!!

Check with school as some do a sale or even hire option from donated dresses / prom wear. Otherwise buy used from ads, charity shops,vinted.

I don’t know where your based, or if anyone else has mentioned it, but if local to London Fonthill Rd (Finsbury pk) is definitely worth a trip. It is a huge expense & if they stay on it’s a new dress in yr13. They have a range of prices & the whole street is dedicated to occasional wear.

DD dress was £480. It’s been ordered, we did the whole appointment and the shop made it fun and she had a great time. It wasn’t the most expensive, but she had liked dresses for £570 and £650 until she saw the price!

She can do her own hair and make-up and her choice of “limo” will be free. She also works and will be putting to it.

She’s missing out on family holiday at Easter bc of revision lessons at school too so I pretty much just swallowed it and it is what it is.

Grateful I’m in a position to pay it. I’ll probably donate it to a family who can’t, for next year. Of we’d had prom, I’d not have been able to go so that has always meant DD has had chance to do lots of things I never did.

I took DD for her appointment at a prom dress boutique yesterday. She said Yes to the Dress and I am now £650 lighter. Most of her friends have been to, or have upcoming appointments at the same place. Worth it to see how happy she was. But yes, eye-wateringly expensive.

FYI, ASOS has a sale on and there are dresses for £10-£50 on there so possible bargains to be had

ASOS bridesmaid dresses? Lots there under £100. Plus I see a dress rental section that might be worth a look.

FB marketplace often has people reselling.

One of our local secondary schools has a dress (and suit) hire system (for a donation) that they have opened up to other nearby schools. I think this is an excellent idea. We're in north Essex. Perhaps there is a similar system in other areas. Would be worth asking.

You don't have to fall for the hype just work out between you what you will get

I don't believe in this 'I can't manage it so it shouldn't exist' thing

Apologies I didn’t read the post correctly as I thought this was about 11 year old.I realised after. Okay the word prom was originally Irish and that was taken over to America with emigration but films have consolidated the idea. Still recommend tone it all down so it becomes a pleasure and not a worry.

I was going to mention this charity too. They have style advisers and have it set up like a posh shop. Also have stuff for guys.

Also, Elegant Touch stick on nails are fantastic!!! I have just removed mine after 10 days, and they were still going strong.
Around £7 at Superdrug for a pack, and there are all shapes,sizes and colours.

The Barnardos in our village has a prom night sale every year, where they have several racks filled with donated dresses. Plus shoes, bags and accessories, the shop managaress is very community minded and it is always very successful.
Check your local FB page to see if there is anything similar in your area. I did notice on ours that the Salvation Army was also doing a huge prom night sale last weekend , so maybe you could look if there is anything being advertised near you.

Think as in many things with our children can't afford is often taken over by will afford. That said ,look around, many schools have prom shops charity shops eBay, make one or find someone who can.etc set a budget make it clear what you will pay for and what you can't eg hair, nails etc. Don't get entrenched in the cost, be creative, enjoy the moment.

Windsor Prom Dresses 2025 | Short to Long Prom Gowns | Windsor

DD had an expensive prom dress first time round (my mum had just passed away - we needed something to cheer us up). She had one from Windsor the second time (Y11 and Y13 proms/balls). Actually I think the Windsor one was nicer.

It's year 11 so 15/16yr olds, not 11 year olds.

Definitely look on Vinted or eBay. Not prom, but I got a lovely second hand dress for a black tie do, paid £20 then another £15 to get it cleaned.
as you say they are only worn once so a lot of people sell them afterwards.

My DD got her prom outfit from charity shops. Dress:£3. Shoes :£4. Bag :£7. She did her own hair and make-up and DH dropped her off.

My DGD's school collects donated prom dresses for others to wear. Perhaps encourage yours to do the same.
Spending £100s on a prom dress is obscene.

Try an Outlet Store like Next Outlet or TK Maxx
When my daughter was going through that phase, she’s 24 now, I think we spent between £30 & £50 per dress (she went to about 5 formals over a 4 year period)

This is the time of year Mums of boys can breathe a sigh of relief as boys can either hire a suit or even buying a suit is not too expensive, and it can be worn for interviews or attending weddings afterwards. No nails, hair or make up either.

Sales we ended up getting very good one for about 80 quid reduced from several hundred.

Vinted? I’ve had some lovely Needle and Thread dresses from there for £60 in immaculate condition vs £500 new. ASOS also have a pretty big, affordable range

I don't agree with spending stupid amounts. Dh is currently looking for a suit/outfit for ds2.

JJs house for my dd.
Made to measure for about £120?

Have a look on Facebook marketplace or Vinted? In NI the’ in’ shop for formal dresses is Rosie’s Closet. The dresses are stunning but £££. I have seen quite a few on Facebook market place over the years.