Parents’ Guide to Prom Dress Shopping – What You Need to Know!
At Blush Studio, we know that buying a prom dress is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—not just for your teenager, but for you too. The excitement, the emotions, and the endless dress choices can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide for parents to help you navigate the prom dress journey with confidence, while making it a fun and stress-free experience for everyone. Although we are primarily Appointment only, we do accept walk ins However, appointments will always be prioritised and you would need to wait until a room is free. Appointments mean dedicated assistance and helps you have a much better and special experience. Book your appointment online here
1. When to Start Shopping
The earlier you start, the more choice you’ll have. Our prom season begins as early as August/September, with the first delivery of brand-new styles arriving in store. By starting early, you’ll have first pick of the most sought-after designs before they sell out. Plus, it means you can spread the cost over several months rather than making one or two larger payments closer to prom. During summer months we start our Prom Dress sale where you can get absolute bargain prices on discontinued colours, samples and last season designs. All in brilliant condition - and if they aren't - The price reflects that and we will advise you accordingly.
View the full 2026 Prom Dress collection and Sale Dresses here.
2. Understanding the Cost
Prom dresses vary in price depending on the style and the detailing. At Blush Studio, our dresses typically range between £150 and £600, then a couture collection £600 plus - and we offer payment plans to make it more manageable. This means you can secure the dream dress now and pay it off in smaller amounts over time.
3. Securing a Dress for Your Child’s School
We’re proud to run a strict one-dress-per-school policy—once a dress is sold to a student from your child’s school, we won’t sell the same style in that colour to anyone else from that school. This ensures your teen’s dress is unique to them on prom night. To lock in a style, a deposit is all that’s needed.
4. If They Change Their Mind
We know teenagers can change their style preferences, so our Swappable Deposit Scheme gives you peace of mind. If your child falls in love with a different dress before our drop of 2026 Dresses in October, you can swap your deposit to another style.
5. Alterations
A perfect fit makes all the difference. Most prom dresses will need some minor alterations, and we can recommend trusted seamstresses who specialise in formal wear. We also stock dress hoops to complete the look and you can try these on during your prom dress appointment. Please note we do not offer an alteration service in house.
6. Making It a Memorable Experience
Shopping for a prom dress should be an exciting, confidence-boosting experience. At Blush Studio, we offer private fitting rooms, a warm and friendly welcome, and expert stylists who work with nervous or first-time prom shoppers every day. There’s never any pressure to buy—we want your child to feel comfortable, happy, and completely in love with their dress.
7. Additional Features
Storage Facility - We have a secure storage facility for those who purchase in-stock (off the peg) dresses. It is an additional costs but many customers use this service as they are quite space consuming and keeps them free from damage.
Free On-site Parking - We have free parking outside of Blush and also a free carpark behind Cliftons Vets on Station Road.
Customers who Travel - We get many customers who travel to visit us. If you let us know in advance we can offer you a longer appointment so you get the most out of your visit.
Personalised Dress Bags - Once you place your dress order we offer a range of packages (optional). We will discuss this with you at time of purchase.
Dress Hoops - We sell dress hoops as an optional extra. We have them in store for you to try during your appointment so you can make up your mind!
✨ Final Tip: Prom dress shopping is as much about the experience as the dress itself. At Blush Studio, we make it special from start to finish—because prom only happens once, and your teen deserves to shine.
📍 Blush Studio, 77 Station Road, Billingham, Teesside, TS23 1AE
📞 01642 983982