I got my dream gown from...?

October 12, 2010 9:54 AM

I'm looking for a vendor for a Dream Gown promotion, can you help?

With the release of my next book, I'm having a dream gown promotion and I need recommendations for a gown vendor.

The winner will be a teen entering to win a prom/formal dress. My plan is to buy a $300 gift certificate, so the winner can choose her own gown.

I'm actively avoiding David's Bridal/David's Prom. I would be willing to consider an independent vendor/designer/seamstress, so if you have a great Etsy recommendation, I'd love to have it.

posted by headspace to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (8 answers total)

I would give the winner $300, or if you're concerned about it not going to a dress then tell the entrants that the winner will have up to $300 to spend at the shop of their choice and you will pay the bill (or reimburse upon receipt of a receipt?).

It's hard to say which shop will have your dream gown, especially if it's limited to a particular designer. And if she spends <$300, then that money is wasted.
posted by mrs. taters at 10:21 AM on October 12, 2010

About a $300 prepaid debit card?
posted by cestmoi15 at 11:15 AM on October 12, 2010

I second the $300 card. Then the dress can be purchased anywhere and if it costs less than $300 the girl will have money left over for shoes and accessories.
posted by TooFewShoes at 11:26 AM on October 12, 2010

Response by poster: Gift cards are awesome, but please assume that my publisher's marketing department needs me to choose a dress vendor.
posted by headspace at 11:32 AM on October 12, 2010

Whatever you do, please make sure to pick a vendor who has a good selection for plus-sized ladeez. I know that in programs like Dress for Success (which targets an older demographic, but still) they're always having a tough time finding plus-sized stuff, partially because they don't get a lot of donations and partially because the need is greater in that size range.

Of course, recommending Sydney's Closet won't do much for the people who are UNDER a size 10 :)

Are you targeting a particular region? Could you just go to a place like Macy's or Dillards, or are you trying to avoid something quite so large?
posted by Madamina at 2:43 PM on October 12, 2010

is there a fashion design school near you? you could pay the $300 to a designer who would be able to design the dream gown, and fit the dress precisely to your winner. The designer would also have bragging rights. get a recommendation from the school's faculty, or find someone who already won some other contest. (even better, the person who came in 2nd place, if you like the work)
posted by ChefJoAnna at 3:13 PM on October 12, 2010

If you need a national chain, although it sounds like you don't, Jessica McClintock comes to mind.
posted by GaelFC at 5:04 PM on October 12, 2010

Disclaimer: I'm not American so don't know how widespread prom stores are there...

I found often with promotions and competitions the prize was for a store that wasn't in my local area - as a teen I couldn't easily travel to the next city. I think a chain would be a safer option as it would avoid someone winning a prize they can't use. Does it have to be brick and mortar?
posted by mippy at 10:25 AM on October 14, 2010