Prepping for Prom in Huntsville When You’re On a Tight Budget
- Money-saving tips for prom
- Where to shop for prom in Huntsville

Yes, you can do prom on a budget and still have the prom of your dreams! Prom in Huntsville can get expensive pretty fast, but we’ve got some great ideas on how to save money without compromising your teen’s special night.
Money-Saving Prom Tips
Shop for dresses in the off-season and get a better deal.
A great time of year to do that is right after prom season, in June or July. The same dress that was hundreds of dollars in April will be on clearance in the summertime!
Start a dress swap with friends from other schools.
Why not start your own formalwear clothing swap? Be sure to include people from other schools to better avoid dress duplication.
Hit up the local beauty school for hair & makeup.
Make an appointment to get your glowup from an aspiring professional in Huntsville. You can also ask practicing stylists if they need more professional development hours – many makeup brands require so many hours of experience to maintain their aesthetician license.
Have a potluck instead of going to an expensive restaurant.
Hosting a backyard pre-prom barbecue in someone’s backyard is a great way to save money and take some lovely photos, especially if that have a nice garden.
Shop Etsy for keepsake wrist corsages.
You’ll need to do this plenty of time in advance, but you can find absolutely lovely and unique corsages on Etsy. Many of them are very affordable and they won’t wilt and die if you want to save them as a prom memento.
Shop New-to-You Prom Dresses in Huntsville
Today’s teens are much more environmentally conscious, and most actually prefer second-hand prom attire over a new frock. Popular websites like Poshmark, RentTheRunway, and ThredUp are also great places to shop online if you have the time. My teens have even been known to take a day trip to Nashville to do some vintage formalwear shopping! Below are some of our favorite places to find gorgeous prom dresses in the Huntsville area that are on consignment or are second-hand.
Off The Rack Consignment Boutique
View Website | Facebook Page
I can always find something at Off the Rack. They carry all kind of formal wear for both prom and homecoming, and you can often find shoes and a bag to go with your look. Dressing rooms make it easy to try on items and store staff are always helpful.
St. Vincent de Paul Consignment Shop (Formerly Act II)
View Website | Facebook Page
Another great place to find something unique – this is where I found my prom dress in the nineties!
Pageant and Prom Dresses for Sale in North Alabama
View Facebook Group
This online Group is a great year-round place to find cute styles for sale, as well as accessories.
Blackpine Boutique & Consignment
Facebook Page | Instagram
If you love fantastic retro beading and plus-size formalwear, this local vintage seller is your jam.
Fashion Exchange Alabama
View Website
This locally owned consignment shop in Florence and Athens gets cute things in all the time and has some great homecoming dresses in the Fall!
More Prom Dress Shops in Huntsville
There’s no shortage of places to look for formalwear in the Rocket City, and these are places you can buy something new. Sometimes a hidden gem is just waiting for you on the clearance rack!
Belk at Parkway Place and Bridge Street
Bella Divine Formal Wear
David’s Bridal & Formal Wear
Dillard’s at Bridge Street
Kathleen’s Bridal
Kathy Rose Fashions & Tuxedo
La Mariee’ Bridal & Formal
Michael Mason’s Bridal & Formalwear in Decatur
Modern Brides – https://www.modernbridesinc.com/collections/prom
The Something Blue Shoppe/Something Blue Too in Hartselle
Tuxedo Shops in Huntsville
Belk at Parkway Place and Bridge Street
Dillard’s at Bridge Street
Jos.A.Bank Tuxedo Rental
Kathy Rose Fashions & Tuxedo
David’s Bridal & Formal Wear
Men’s Warehouse Tuxedo Rental
La Mariee’ Bridal & Formal
Michael Mason’s Bridal & Formalwear in Decatur
Modern Brides & Tux
Thrasher Clothing & Formal Haberdashery
Do you have a money-saving prom tip to share with other Huntsville parents? Leave us a comment below!
You Might Also Like…
Stephenie has worked with and around books and authors for over 12 years, both at retail booksellers and public libraries. She is a rare Huntsville native, mother of two high-energy teens and two ridiculous dogs, spouse of one incredible guy, and eerily addicted to community volunteering. When she's not being the Executive Editor for RCM she likes to stalk her favorite authors online, cook with way too much butter, and conduct freelance marketing and SMM work.