Ball Gowns

lowbrim

Have you tried the local charity shops. Do not dismiss them out of hand there is a Red Cross one that I go to that has loads and some of them are as new and only cost between £10 & £20 and I have picked up designer labels. I have bought quite a few as I go on Cruises and they are brilliant.

LittleCharlie

Coast... Do lightspeed surveys to get coast vouchers!

Marker_2

I tried my school prom dress on yesterday and it still fits If im strapped for cash or cant find anything that that would be perfect I reckon Well chuffed that still fits!!

kyh

Have you thought about organising a dress swap or "sale" night? Either get a group of work colleagues or other wives and partners together or both and have a night either at someones house if you live in married quarters or in the mess or Naafi bar. That way everyone gets chance to either "swap" or buy a "new" dress. You could do it as a charity night as well - maybe a fashion show - everyone gets to look at the dresses and puts in a silent bid (in an envelope) - the owner of the dress then gets to take the best offer and everyone could give £5 to charity for attending. You could do this in conjunction with a pamper style evening and get your local virgin vie or body shop reps to come in and do make up. They may then get some Xmas sales or party bookings and they will give their commission to your charity as well.

themaccas

I get mine in the Monsoon and Laura Ashley sales. Have about 5 really great gowns now that I use for the xmas and summer balls. I usually go and look early December and try a few on so I know what I want then wait as long into the sales as possible as they often have about 75% off the later you buy them. Evening dresses never seem to sell in the sales as all the parties have really finished.

Moneybubbles

I have always gotten mine from coast/ monsoon debenhams ect, but finding more and more coming up on Ebay now. def looking around, thanks for the ideas everyone

clevershopper_2

Monsoon have got £15-30 off dresses, look at the below link, some really great stuff -

http://www.monsoon.co.uk/icat/eveningoffers

and also just today they've started 30% off ALL Kids stuff!

http://www.monsoon.co.uk/page/kids30

hayleythedaisy

Have a look at ASOS.com. :-)

MoneyHoney

Do you have to wear full length/ankle length? I always search ebay first and try to get them in advance 'out of season' to get the best bargains. However, there's still bargains to be had.

It's worth trying on in the shops, finding which brand and design fits best, then go home and search on ebay.

I tend to buy Consortium. They're usually £120 upwards in certain department stores but can be found via ebay at £10 - £15, so at that price I've collected quite a few

Phase Eight often have some gorgeous gowns including full length and they did have 25% off recently and sometimes the web site has further reductions. It's also worth checking out your local dress agency and retro store if your'e lucky enough to have a good one close by.