How to Save on Your Beauty Pageant Gowns

Well, it is no secret that beauty pageant gowns and all things pageantry is an EXPENSIVE hobby!

From wardrobe to eating right (oh yeah, those healthy foods can be pricey) to traveling...the cost of living in pageant world is high...

...And the bill racks up!

Whether you come from a privileged home or you're struggling to make ends meet, everyone likes to save money. Here are a couple of tips I've learned along the way...

1. Don't be afraid of the "USED" Beauty Pageant Gowns.

The judges are never going to know if your wardrobe was previously owned, so why not save hundreds of dollars and buy used items? Gowns, swimsuits, interview, talent, jewelry, shoes...you can get just about anything you need from a consignment website (such as the one here on Pageant-Girl.Com), or from contestants you already know.

Just like a car that is driven off the lot, once something is worn it immediately loses value. For example, a pageant gown that was purchased for $2,000 and worn twice for competition, you could end up stealing for half the price! On the other end, you can sell your old wardrobe that you no longer use to make some money back.

Eye on The Prize

Reigning Miss USA, Rima Fakih, said she had to sell her car to help pay for her elegant evening gowns. Paid off, didn't it?

2. Stone it yourself.

Something I learned quickly is a lot of stones = a lot of money! Beauty pageant gowns and shoes that are beautifully stoned are super expensive. You can save a lot of money by stoning things yourself. For example, you can take a plain pair of taupe shoes used for swimsuit competition, glue crystal AB rhinestones across the ankle strap and the toe strap and they quickly turn into a very familiar, more expensive pair of evening wear shoes! Be aware that the price of rhinestones alone can be high, but in the end it will save you money. You can also save money on the rhinestones by purchasing them in bulk. You can glitz up any piece of wardrobe by adding more rhinestones!

3. Look around.

Not all beauty pageant gowns need to have a well known pageant label. It also does not have to be bought from a pageant store or website. Think outside the box. You will be surprised at what you can find if you just look around. I have found very suitable, inexpensive pageant jewelry at boutiques, discount department stores, and thrift stores. Costume jewelry is sold on all levels and some of it can transition over to pageant jewelry. Along with accessories, interview and swimsuit areas can also be found in surprising places!

I must say that patience and creativity is required! Shopping clearance, looking around, searching for resale, and stoning pageant gowns and shoes can be a chore. However, putting the time in to saving money was always worth it for me!

Stay tuned for interviews with current Pageant Girls and their tips on saving. Happy Shopping!

Written by a Current Title Holder and a Top 5 contender in the Miss America System