The 7 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for a Prom Dres

If you’ve been in the dress industry as long as we have at ALITTLE, you know all about this. Choosing the right dress is of course important when it comes to capturing those special moments. However, there are some common mistakes that many people make when it comes to shopping for prom dresses. In this article, we’ll explore the 7 biggest mistakes to ensure you find the perfect dress. This will make your dress shopping experience hassle-free and enjoyable.

Mistake 1: Shopping Without a Prom Theme Date

The theme of the prom can impact your dress shopping experience. It’s one of the first questions we ask when you come to ALITTLE for your dress appointment. This is because it affects the dress options available to you.
ALITTLE’s dresses are all made to order and take up to 2-3 months to make, and as fast as 7-14 days, plus shipping time, so if you’re on a tight schedule, your options will be more limited.
Knowing your prom date is important because the season can impact the style of dress you prefer. In the winter, you may prefer a dress with sleeves or velvet. In the summer, an off-the-shoulder look may be a more attractive option.
We recommend securing a venue before purchasing a dress. We can always schedule for any date, and if you don’t reserve a venue before purchasing a dress, the venue’s availability may not match the production time of the dress. The worst case scenario is that you have to compromise on the dress you’ve already chosen or the venue you’ve chosen.

Mistake #2: Choosing Too Many Dresses

Dress shopping is one of the most anticipated parts of party planning. It’s like a day of getting dressed up! But you can’t have too much of a good thing. You may enjoy choosing from a lot of dresses, but we don’t encourage that. We recommend choosing from 3-5 dress stores at most.
This advice is not meant to ruin your fun! We want you to keep your vision for this special day top of mind in order to find the perfect dress.

Mistake #3: Trying to Please Everyone

Throughout the appointment process, friends and family can be very constructive with their opinions. But while it’s okay to accept opinions, it’s important not to succumb to the whims of others. You’ll never find a dress that everyone will like. Your style will be different than someone else’s. That’s life!
At ALITTLE, we never hesitate to remind you that it’s your party and your dress should make you happy. You should be happy when you see yourself in the mirror. You should be comfortable in your dress and feel confident and beautiful. No one else’s opinion should be the focus.

Mistake #4: Shopping Too Early

I don’t want to make it too complicated, but there is always a best time to buy a dress. Just like waiting until the last minute can limit your options, starting shopping too early can also come with pitfalls. While you may want to start shopping for your dress first, a lot of things can change in a short period of time. Ideas can change in the beginning stages of prom planning. You’ll still be trying to figure out how to make the vision in your head a reality.

Once you start planning, you may find that what you want has changed, and your tastes and priorities may change as well. It’s best to sort out other details before you start shopping for a dress.

Mistake #5: Compromising Your Personal Style

While style and beauty are extremely important, don’t forget about comfort. You’ll be wearing your dress for hours on prom day, so it’s important that you move freely and sit comfortably. Avoid sacrificing comfort for looks.

Your style is unique, and your dress should reflect that! You don’t need to completely change on prom day, but your dress should emphasize your personal style.

Don’t just focus on fashion, think about the atmosphere of the party and what will make you feel confident. Follow your true taste. When you find a dress that truly suits you, you will look like a radiant and glamorous version of yourself. You want to look your most authentic and relaxed self on the day of the party!

Mistake #6: Shopping without a clear budget

It is very important to keep your budget in mind during the process of shopping for a dress. Dresses vary in price, so having a set price that you don’t want to exceed will help you find your ideal dress. Having a budget will also help narrow down the choices so that you don’t get overwhelmed. There will always be a dress that is within your budget.
It is also helpful to consider the additional costs associated with the dress. Alterations, accessories such as veils or capes may increase the cost of the purchase. Expenses such as taxes and shipping may also be unavoidable. So keep these factors in mind when making a budget for your dress.

Mistake #7: Neglecting underwear

The right underwear has a big impact on how well a dress fits and looks. Avoid the mistake of neglecting this aspect. Choose bras that provide the necessary support and flatter your body.

Finally, trust your instincts. If a dress doesn't feel right or you have doubts, listen to your heart. Avoid settling for a dress that doesn't make you feel confident and beautiful.