Your wedding day is about two things: celebrating your love for your future spouse and feeling fabulous. And nothing makes a bride feel more fabulous than the perfect dress.
While a white bridal gown is still the go-to choice for many brides, there is only one rule every bride-to-be should adhere to. And that is choosing a dress that makes you feel like a million bucks whether it’s a traditional white ball gown, a slinky blush slip-style dress or a dramatic black mermaid-style frock.
If you’re a bride who’s not interested in a traditional wedding gown, then wearing a prom dress as a wedding dress could be a great option for you. With a wide selection of styles and colors, you can choose a look that not only complements your body type but matches your personality or the theme of your wedding.
The Advantages of Choosing a Prom Dress as a Wedding Dress
There are three major advantages to opting for a prom dress over a traditional wedding gown. Not only do they usually come at a lower cost, but you have many more colors and styles to choose from.
Let’s dive into what you can expect if you choose to shop for a prom dress.
Price
One of the main reasons brides are opting to purchase a prom dress over a traditional wedding gown is the much lower price tag.
The average wedding dress budget for brides in 2021 was more than $1,600 while most prom dresses can be yours for less than $500.
Let’s face it, not every bride wants to spend more than $1,000 on a bridal gown. Whether it’s outside your price range or you’d simply rather not spend that much money for one garment, heading to a less traditional store to find your perfect dress may be the answer.
While there are wedding dresses available for $500 or less from budget bridal retailers, the selection tends to be limited. With prom dresses, however, there are a wide range of styles and colors available at a lower price point.
Color Options
Not every bride wants to wear white on her wedding day. In fact, more and more brides are choosing to wear their favorite color in lieu of a traditional white or ivory wedding gown.
Whether you don’t like white, want to wear a dress that matches your wedding theme, or are choosing a hue that complements your eyes, hair and skin tone, opting for a prom dress ensures a large variety of colors and styles to choose from.
If you do opt for a non-traditional colored gown, be sure to let your guests know. You won’t want your female guests showing up in blue if that is what you’ve chosen to wear.
One of the best ways to ensure that all eyes are on you in your beautiful colored gown is to not only choose a neutral color like black, white or gray for your bridal party, but to ask your guests to wear colors from that same palette.
Style Options
If you’re not a traditional bride and are looking for something different from the usual ball gowns or mermaid silhouettes, shopping for a prom dress is a great idea.
Not only will you have a wide range of shorter dresses available to you, but you’ll also have a better chance of finding slip dresses, two-piece ensembles and even jumpsuits.
Where to Buy Prom Dresses (That Look Like Wedding Dresses)
While you can buy a wedding dress from budget retailers for $200-$500, the selection is much more limited and you may not be able to find a style that works for you. That’s why it’s such a great idea to look at prom dresses as a possible replacement for a wedding gown.
Here are some great online options for colored, white and ivory prom dresses:
1. Simply Dresses
From classic ball gowns and a-line dresses to daring minis and sexy mermaid silhouettes, there is something for every bride.
You can shop by price, color or style to find the dress that’s right for you. With white dresses ranging from $49 to $400, you’re sure to find something that matches your budget.
2. The Dress Outlet
With its variety of hues and styles at economical prices, this is a great option for any thrifty bride.
The filters allow you to easily customize your search for the specific color and style you want. While the price point hovers between $100 and $600 for most dresses, you can still find dresses for as little as $39 and $2,000 gowns as well.
So whether you’re looking for something traditional like this white and gold ball gown or something more flashy like this shimmery spaghetti strap dress.
3. PromGirl
Whether you want a classic look like this beaded-bodice dress or something more revealing like this illusion open-back dress with its plunging neckline, you can find a variety of styles at PromGirl. With prices ranging from $19 to $640, there’s something for every budget.
4. David’s Bridal
Whether you shop prom dresses, formal dresses or bridesmaid dresses, there’s a good selection of white and ivory dresses if you want a traditional look as well as a broad range of color for something more daring.
From black, to metallic to hot pink and everything in between, there are a lot of colors to choose from.
5. Peaches Boutique
If you’re looking for glitz and glamor without having to shell out a ton of money, then Peaches Boutique may have the dress for you. With a wide variety of styles, prices range from $99 to more than $1,000.
To shop for dresses at a particular price point, simply set your budget in the filters offered. Whether you want this beaded ball gown for $500 or this fitted lace dress for $149, there are a variety of options at every price point. If you want some sparkle, this sexy sequined dress certainly fills the bill.
6. Ever Pretty
Prom dresses, evening gowns, bridesmaid dresses and even traditional bridal gowns are all sold at this affordable online shop.
With a wide variety of styles and colors there are a number of gorgeous dresses available for less than $100. And, with free shipping on orders over $60, in addition to 15% off for signing up for e-mails, you’re sure to nab a great bargain.
The more traditional bride will love this lacy dress while brides looking for goth vibe will definitely notice this slinky number.
7. Lulus
Lulus may be known for its jeans and casual looks, but it’s also a great place to find formal wear. With everything from traditional bridal gowns to prom dresses and party outfits, Lulus should make your list of sites to check out.
The site offers free shipping over $150 and has many styles that come in at $100 or less. Bohemian brides will gravitate toward this lace maxi dress while ladies who like some bling will appreciate this sequined lace-up gown.
8. Prom Dress Shop
If you’re looking for prom dresses from a specific designer, you may just find it at the Prom Dress Shop.
With dresses from Sherri Hill, Mori Lee and Jovani, to name a few, you can expect to pay a little more than some of the other stores on our list. Although there are still some great steals that come in under $150, the average cost hovers around $500. Those with a bigger budget will find dresses over $1,000 as well.
This v-neck a-line dress is perfect for a bride wanting to mix tradition and a hint of color while those who favor a vintage look will enjoy the sleek lines of this chic dress.
9. Lucy In the Sky
Unique, sleek and sexy. Those three words describe many of the prom dresses for sale on this clothing site. Cutouts, thigh-high slits, short hemlines and see-through fabric can be found on many of the dresses, making them perfect for a confident bride looking for a sexy silhouette.
While this look isn’t for everyone, those who want to show a lot of skin can find some great deals with almost all dresses coming in under $100.
