The Dress

You don't need to spend $500 on a custom gown to look fabulous. Here are a few tips for dressing up on a budget:

*Shop consignment stores in your area. These shops carry used clothing that's still in great condition, but priced substantially below retail value. Locate stores in your area and call ahead to see if they carry teen gowns, since some shops specialize in women's business attire or children's clothing. To find a really great deal, visit consignment stores in wealthier communities since they always have the best selection.

*Borrow a dress from a friend. Buying a new dress for every formal dance isn't just expensive. It can be wasteful! After all, what good does it do you to have five fancy gowns sitting in your closet, collecting dust? Raid your friend's closets to see if you can swap. After all, no one's going to remember what everyone else wore three years ago. Or, if you want to set yourself apart, see if your friend will let you add sequins, beads, rhinestones, ribbon or new fabric trim to update the dress.

The Dinner

You don't need to have filet mignon to have a great prom night. Check out these tips for having a great, inexpensive prom dinner:

*Try lunch instead. If you're heart is set on the nicest restaurant in town, do a prom day luncheon instead. The food will be just as good, but for lower prices. Plus, you can use all your extra time between lunch and the dance to do something fun, like going to the movies or doing manicures and pedicures at home with your friends.

*Split an entree with a friend. Nice restaurants will often serve steaks as large as 18-20 ounces, which is definitely enough for two people to share. Splitting the meal won't just save you money, though. You won't be weighed down with all that food, so you will be able to shake it all night long.

The Shoes

A fancy pair of heels can set you back well over $100, on top of all the money you've already spent on your dress and prom night activities. But is it really worth it?

*If you're wearing a long gown, consider going with decorated ballet flats instead of heels. After all, no one's going to see your feet! You'll save money and you'll be more comfortable as you dance the night away.

*If you've chosen a short dress and need nice shoes that people will see, check out discount shoe stores and keep your eye out for sales. Or wear an old pair of shoes from your closet or a friend's. Be realistic. Are you going to wear the shoes the whole night or will you take them off to dance? If you plan to lose the shoes as soon as you walk in, don't blow your budget on that pair of Louboutin heels.

Prom night is supposed to be a magical night, but you won't enjoy it if you're stressed about how much money you've spent! Planning a prom on a budget doesn't have to mean scaling back your dreams or settling for less. You can have the night of your dreams and still leave some money in your wallet by taking the time to find low cost alternatives like these suggestions.