Prom is one of the most exciting times in a young woman's life, but the cost can be overwhelming.
From the dress to the hair and makeup, tickets, limo and after-party, the total bill is running many families more than $1,000.
But, there are some cost-cutting ideas that won't take the spotlight away from the special night.
"We have from size 0 to size 24 and colors, all different colors," said Jacqueline Louis as she showed off a few of the dozens of dresses she's collected from work, church and Facebook. "When I was in high school, I knew some girls who couldn't afford to get dresses, so I said in my heart, I always wanted to do this."
Louis just launched her nonprofit group, Beautiful Beauties of Tomorrow.
"We decided that every year, prom and homecoming, we would be collecting dresses from the community, and we'll be giving them out for free," Louis said.
Dana Belfleur, 18, was one of the first girls ready and waiting for a donated dress.
"At first, I couldn't find anything. So finally, I was like, 'I can't go home without a prom dress,' so I kept sifting, kept sifting. I finally found one, tried it on, and I loved it," Belfleur said.
Louis' passion project is helping girls who can't pay top dollar for the dance. Belfleur said she is so appreciative of what Louis is doing.
"She took the time out to ask for donations, to get these dresses, and now she's taking the time to hand them out. It's beautiful," she said.
But there are other ways to bargain your way to the dance floor. Prom-goers can check out sale websites like eBay or Rent the Runway, also consignment shops and discount retailers. Hidden gems like gowns can be found at Goodwill or even the Salvation Army.
Local 10 stopped by G and R fashions on Northwest 20th Street in Miami, where designer deals on dresses filled the store, some as inexpensive as $50.
Belfleur is ready to wear her red dress and dance the night away.
"I'm getting everything in order now so nothing goes wrong, so I'm really excited for prom," she said.
If you are interested in finding a free, donated dress, visit the Beautiful Beauties of Tomorrow website.