Daughters Prom - Special but Cheap any ideas

vivw_2

When my form had their prom the double decker bus was popular...decked out with ribbons and balloons. Loads can share the cost that way

kez1234

my daughters prom was last year, we went to tkmaxx bought a beautiful dress which cost 30.00 should have been 345.00 and she had a limousine which cost 120.00 but 7 girls shared so didn.t cost much. she wore her own jewellery and she bought a lovely pair of shoes from primark altogether it came to around 60.00 not bad for the way she looked... beautiful

kittiwoz

I have a fantastic dress that my mum made me for my sixth form ball. It was from a Vintage Vogue pattern in a 50s style which really suits my shape since I am small and very curvy. The bodice is a rich blue satin colour and made from a thick satin with a slubby texture (can't remember what the type of fabric is called) which was quite expensive but the skirt and lining are a cheap purple polyester satin lining material with the skirt overlayed with blue organza which was also quite cheap. My mum took it up a couple of inches for me after the ball to make it less formal in style and I still wear it sometimes as a party dress. I'd like to wear it more often but I worry about it getting spoilled.

I see that it is not the style of dress your daughter is looking for but you can find patterns for all sort of styles and that way she can mix and match style and colour to get just what she wants. If you fit the dress as you go along you can make alterations to get a much better fit too. Off the peg dresses often don't fit too great because a lot of women are a different size top and bottom.

Can't help too much re. the car. No one did the whole limo thing at our school, at least not 6 years ago when I was in 6th, we just got dropped off by our parents. I'd try contacting local classic car owner's clubs to see if you can find someone with a P4 Rover or something else nice who'd take them. Aren't stretch limos unspeakably tacky and environmental liabilities anyway?

BargainJunky

Have you tried any of the bridal shops - they should be having a clear out of Bridesmaids dresses to get ready for the new ranges now. Also try BHS as they have some lovely stuff in there and not too expensive.

Also - are you anywhere near Birmingham? I had my bridesmaids skirt and bodice made by a dressmaker near the NEC - she only charged me £40.00 for making it (got the material myself). She is really good and works in a bridal place during the day so would recommend her to anyone.

Good luck.

i1189

I went to 2 school proms. The first year I made a real effort - nice dress, posh hair and make up, etc. My friend got a cigarette hole burnt in her dress which made me a bit paranoid about damaging mine - so I spent the evening worrying. The second year I got a dress for £20 from Topshop and had a lot more fun. We didn't have really formal proms though. I wouldn't spend much on a dress again - I only wore each of mine once.

I found the dresses at dress hire shops a bit "old" and not what I would want to wear. Having said that, my neighbour runs a dress hire business and has a lot of people hiring dresses for proms.

Someone I know went to a prom in a bridesmaid's dress that she bought from a high street shop. She hid the tag under some flowers and took the dress back to the shop afterwards.

I think there is a limit to the number of people allowed in a limo - my friend hired one for her birthday and the insurance said only 6 people, even though more people could have fitted. Apparently some of the less reputable companies will take more people even though this is not allowed with their insurance.

simbasweetie

try this site for inexpensive prom or leavers ball jewellery
https://www.jjjewellery.com also if you quote code "newcustomer" at the checkout you might be able to get 10%off, if the code is still working

belfastgirl23

Last time I went to a formal do I got a dress in John Lewis for less than £100. I know it's not exactly cheap but it was beautiful. I think be careful with Debenhams too because everyone will be wearing dresses from there.

If you know a good local dressmaker it's worth thinking about getting something made, especially if she has a pretty good idea of what she wants. not necessarily cheaper (esp if she was able to find something at tk maxx) but you do get something unique that fits just you.

IMO the limo thing is insane and probably unhygenic - judging by when I've seen them I dread to think how many people have been sick in them. Ugh. It all just looks a bit sad and trying too hard to me - could your DD and her friends be brought around to thinking like that?

powerbase

Back in the day of my prom/formal the competition within my group of friends was who could get the best bargain (we were against paying so much for one night). TK MAXX is a good start.

As for the alternative to a limo, do any of your friends have any unusual cars like an old GI style jeep or an unusual style car like an old classic American car. The reason I suggest that is because in my area there are old fire engines, army vehicles etc for hire. Great alternative but I'd imagine the same price as a limo but if you are going to pay for it you may as well get something unusual.

Good luck

gettingitsorted

You could try your local college and see if they have a salon for hair nails and make up ,we use ours all the time its usually well uner half of what it would cost in a regular salon

showtunesgirl

Definitely go to TKMaxx as at the moment they are selling wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses and the bridesmaid dresses are very prom like and most were only about £30. They had a lot from this designer: http://www.jessicamcclintock.com who is one of the top prom dress designers in the States!

To find out which TKMaxx branches are doing these deals check here: http://www.tkmaxx.co.uk/hot_arrivals.asp

A friend of mine bought her prom dress from this seller and she looked stunning! http://stores.ebay.co.uk/QPID-Showgirl

Good luck!