HOW MUCH DOES THE AVERAGE PROM DRESS COST? (2024)

PARTY QUEEN / Feb 02, 2024

As prom dress experts, we hear these questions all the time: How much is the average prom dress?

When shopping for a dress, this is a very important question to ask because it helps you prepare a budget. But we’ll let you in on a secret: there’s really no one answer. In reality, you can find an array of beautiful prom dress options no matter your budget.

But to help you get a sense of prom dress prices and narrow your options, here are six prom dresses under three different price brackets.

Average Prom Dress Cost: Dress Options for All Budgets

Our goal at GLS Collective is to offer luxury dresses at affordable prices. All of these prom dresses are under $500. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Prom dresses under $250

Slay without breaking the bank with these dresses:

This Asymmetrical sequin mermaid dress

The average price of a prom dress totally varies—but it’s very easy to find gorgeous gowns for under $250.

Take this fuchsia mermaid dress as an example. Its color and silhouette are very trendy, while the asymmetrical neckline adds a unique touch. The high slit in the skirt allows you to rock your favorite pair of fancy heels. And it's covered head to toe in sequins!

This luxe dress will totally turn heads. Our styling tip? Keep your hair and makeup simple and let your dress shine (literally)!

This metallic sequin and glitter mermaid dress

The average prom dress cost for this dazzling gown is also under $250. We know—it’s hard to believe. The metallic embellishments totally make it look more expensive, don’t they?

As you can see, you don’t need to spend a ton of money to create a luxe look. We recommend looking for prom dresses with silver or gold embellishments, like sequins and glitter, to dial up the luxury.

Black is the perfect backdrop for metallic embellishments. It really makes them pop! We recommend embracing this glamorous vibe and accessorizing with a sparkling pair of earrings or lariat necklace.

Get the look: GL3370 Metallic Sequin Glitter Mesh Mermaid Long Dress w/ Side Slit

Prom dresses $250-350

Glitter mesh A-line dress

This mesh A-line dress is a stunning option if you’re budgeting for a higher average prom dress cost. Its voluminous A-line skirt will make you feel like a royal. And prom is totally an event to dress the part.

The corset-style bodice, paired with the full skirt, accentuates your curves and hourglass shape. It's also decorated with floral applique, creating a soft, whimsical vibe.

The mesh fabric is covered in glitter, so you’ll shimmer under the evening lights. There’s so much to appreciate here—and yet it’s still such an affordable price! To complete this look, our experts recommend styling your hair in soft waves.

Silver embellished mermaid dress

When asked how much the average prom dress is at GLS Collective, our answer is that you can find many options and styles for a few hundred dollars. But of course, some are priced lower and some higher.

This gorgeous silver mermaid dress is under $350 as well, but the head-to-toe sequins make it look much more expensive. The detachable waist drape also helps create an upscale vibe.

Plus, we love the strappy bodice. It’ll make you feel more secure, all while making a bold fashion statement (we always love a 2-for-1 deal!).

How should you style this dress? We recommend eye-catching silver shoes and jewelry. Embrace the sparkle, ladies!

Get the look: GL3273 Jewel Sheer Bodice Mesh Mermaid Long Dress w/ Detachable Waist Drape

Prom dresses $350-500

Asymmetrical embellished mermaid dress

If you’re expecting average prom dress prices to hover around $350-500, we have options for you, too.

This yellow mermaid dress pulls out all the stops: a detachable waist drape, feathers, sequins, beads, you name it. They all come together to create a showstopping look.

The sunshine yellow color, paired with the embellishments, is totally giving sun goddess, don’t you think? We recommend finishing your look with bronzer and highlighter to create a sun-kissed effect.

Get the look: GL3278 Asymmetric Feather Mesh Mermaid Long Dress w/ Detachable Waist Drape

Strapless ruffled trumpet dress

This last black prom dress makes quite the fashion statement. It has a trumpet silhouette, which is accentuated by a full ruffled skirt. You definitely won’t blend in with a silhouette like this one.

The strapless bodice offers balance to the look, so you won’t feel too covered up in fabric. Show off those collarbones and shoulders by sweeping your hair to the side!

Get the look: GL3315 Sequin Sheer Bodice Ruffled Skirt Strapless Mesh Trumpet Long Dress

Let’s find the right dress for your budget

So, how much should a prom dress cost anyway? We hope you never feel pressured to buy a dress based on what you think you should be spending. As you can see, there are beautiful prom gowns for all budgets. So we recommend setting a budget that you feel comfortable with.

While the average prom dress cost is hard to nail down, we hope you have a better sense of prom dress prices and what types of dresses you can find for your budget.

If you found a prom dress you loved in this blog or our online catalog, we recommend reaching out to a store near you to try on the stunning number! Or, if you’re still exploring, take a look at these blogs for more prom dress inspo:

Red and Black Prom Dresses: Two Hot Shades to Wear This Season
The Black Swan: How to Stun in Black Prom Dresses
Prom Color Ideas: Six Gorgeous Shades You Won’t Go Wrong With
Six Cute Sparkly Prom Dresses for Girls
Prom Outfit Ideas Perfect for Your Kibbe Body Type
Trendy Prom Dress Ideas: Five New Styles That’ll Take Home the Crown

FAQs

HOW MUCH DOES THE AVERAGE PROM DRESS COST? ›

If you're expecting average prom dress prices to hover around $350-500, we have options for you, too. This yellow mermaid dress pulls out all the stops: a detachable waist drape, feathers, sequins, beads, you name it. They all come together to create a showstopping look.

How much should a prom dress typically cost? ›

A major piece of that prom budget is the dress. Girls spend anywhere from under $100 on a dress up to $500 and more (For more information and a breakdown of typical prom costs, check out the Prom Guide). With such a large range of prom dress costs, it's smart to shop prom dresses by price.

What is a good price to pay for a prom dress? ›

Imo anything between £30 and £100 for the whole shebang (what a word!) is reasonable. Anything over £100 is just pointless for one night. I would say a £30 to £60 for dress plus maybe £20 to £40 for shoes, handbag etc. That said, time has passed since mine and I'm not too sure what the average dress, heels etc cost.

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How much do girls pay for prom dresses? ›

The price of a new prom dress could range from $85 to $900, but most people will spend an average of $400 to $500, said Kunal Madan, co-founder of Amarra, a dress company. According to the company's guide to navigating prom costs, total costs could be upward of $2,000.

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What is a reasonable budget for prom? ›

You can spend $150 to $2,000 or more attending the event. However, on average, a girl will spend about $900 – $1000 on their big night with all the abovementioned costs. That's why it is important to plan ahead and budget for your big night. For more tips about prom, read our other blogs.

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Is 600 a lot for a prom dress? ›

The costs of prom dresses have risen over the last decade with now the average girl spending around $300-600 on the perfect dress. The average cost of a prom dress in 2016 was roughly around $300 but now more companies are charging more than ever for prom dresses.

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Who usually pays for prom? ›

The person who asks someone to prom is responsible for paying for the night's expenses, traditionally. However, it is more common now for couples to share the costs of the evening, as proms can be very expensive.

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Is 300 a lot for a prom dress? ›

Prom gown: around $300-$700, before alterations

But if you're checking out the off-the-rack selection at a store like Hershey's Cocoa Couture, $300 is going to be the low end. “Our dresses here, we try to keep them under $500,” said Jill Brown, owner of Cocoa Couture.

How much should I pay for a custom prom dress? ›

Did you know the average high school girl spends $300-$700 on her prom dress? That's without alterations! Designer prom dresses from designers such as Sherri Hill and Jovani on average go for $700-$1,500, again not including alteration costs. The cost of our custom prom dresses ranges from $500-$1,000.

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Should the guy pay for prom? ›

While some couples will go dutch, the gentlemanly thing to do is to pay for the prom tickets for you and your date. Yes, it may seem like a lot of money, but your date is likely spending much more money (and time) on the perfect dress, hairstyle, makeup, manicure, pedicure, etc. Pay attention to deadlines!

What are girls wearing to prom in 2024? ›

From elegant long mermaid gowns, romantic cottagecore dresses, sleek prom suits, trendy black sheer dresses that could have come straight out of the Euphoria set, and gothic gowns inspired by Wednesday Addams, and affordable prom dresses on Amazon, there's no shortage of options.

Read On ›

Who pays if a girl asks a guy to prom? ›

If you invite a non-senior or a student from another school then you should pay for both prom tickets (regardless of if you are male or female). If it's both of your senior prom and you're going as friends, each pay for your ticket.

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How early should you buy a prom dress? ›

Ideally, you want to start prom dress shopping in January or February, assuming your prom will be early summer of the same year. Shops will have recently dropped the newest prom dress collections, and you'll get to the dresses before others have picked over everything or styles sell out.

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What is a normal price for a prom dress? ›

If you're expecting average prom dress prices to hover around $350-500, we have options for you, too.

How much do most people spend on prom dresses? ›

“We tried to keep it as low as possible just because a lot coming up with being a senior, graduating, so like making sure you're not spending a bunch of money,” Himes said. Penn Live says prom dresses typically cost $300-$700 before alterations; tuxes are around $100-$250 for a rental and flowers can be $50-$100.

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Why prom is a big deal? ›

As mentioned, the proms have their own rite-of-passage roots, being the event where young folks are essentially introduced to adulthood and to promote social etiquette.

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