It's a night to remember. Whether you're planning the perfect prom for yourself or for your daughter, a little can go a long way when you're working on a shoestring budget. There are plenty of ways you can cut corners without minimizing the importance of one of the most important nights of a gal's life. Of course, one of the most important elements of prom is the dress. A proper prom dress can set you back hundreds of dollars if you're perusing the racks of high-end department stores. Before you go blowing your budget, why not hit local vintage shops for a real piece of history? You'll be the talk of the dance when you show up in a classic '80s dress that will put today's popular styles to shame. If you're up for an online search of used, not abused, dresses, hit up Craigslist or eBay to see what you can get at a secondhand discount. You should also browse through Web sites that specifically offer prom dresses at lower price points.
Why not consider making someone else's trash your treasure? Talk to upperclassmen who no longer need -- or want -- their prom dresses and offer to take it off their hands. Even if it's not a perfect fit, you can likely get it altered at a local tailor for a whole lot less then you'll spend on a new dress. Are you a fashion designer in disguise? Why not make your own dress? Search the Net for free dress patterns and scour a nearby fabric shop for everything you need. Get your make-up professionally done by putting in a pit stop at the cosmetics counter of your favorite department store. It's hard to beat a professionally done make-up job for free. Looking for ways to cut back on hair and nails? Visit the local cosmetology school. Many of these establishments offer pedis and manis for a whole lot less than nail salons as they're done by nail technicians in training. You can also get hair done for a fraction of the cost at the same place.