Ask high school girls what one event they're most looking forward to, and a large percentage will tell you, "Prom!" Prom is supposed to be a night of magic and romance, a night where dreams come true and fairy tales seem almost real. And girls definitely want to look the part of a princess. Wearing a designer prom dress is one way to capture that feeling of being royalty for a night.

Money is no Object When Purchasing a Designer Prom Dress

Let's be honest. Designer prom dresses are expensive. A Jovani prom dress will run you in the neighborhood of $500. Want a Serendipity? That'll be about $400. A Tiffany Prom? $300. (If you don't know what these names represent, ask your daughter. She will know.) Even if you're not on a fixed income, most parents balk a little about paying $300-$500 for a dress that will be worn only one night.

There are advantages to paying the price for a designer prom dress. This is, after you’re your daughter's big night. It's fun to sweep into the room wearing a dress that will be envied and talked about for weeks to come.

Designer prom dresses are often modeled after gowns celebrities have worn to galas, awards ceremonies, and other events. Your daughter will be thrilled to get a chance to buy a gown like one her favorite celebrity has worn.

Finally, especially if your daughter has a history of issues with her body, walking into the prom adorned with the latest designer prom dress may make her feel beautiful and special.

Finally, you may be able to recoup a little of your investment by listing the designer prom dress on an online auction site when prom season rolls around again. You could help another girl fulfill her dreams of wearing a designer prom dress and make a little money at the same time.

Designer Prom Dress Not In Your Budget?

It's possible to pinch pennies until they squeal and still not be able to afford a $500 dress, especially a dress that will only be worn for one night.

If you can't afford a designer prom dress, you're not a horrible parent. Talk honestly with your daughter and tell her how much you can afford. She may be able to get a part-time job to come up with the rest of the money needed for the dress she wants.

It may also help to point out that many less expensive brands of dresses look similar to designer prom dresses. Every girl who comes into prom feels her clothes are being looked at and evaluated, but chances are, the other prom goers are more concerned with their own clothes than with your daughter's. You can also safely reassure your daughter that her date probably won't have any idea who designed her prom dress. He will only remember her looking beautiful and radiant in whichever gown she chooses.