Places to borrow a Quinceañera dress

Nowadays, having a Quinceañera is a luxury considering the high prices of a Quinceañera dress.

Not every family can afford to spend hundreds, much less thousands of dollars in hosting this type of celebration. Especially since a basic venue rental with minimal amenities and a light dinner can take an estimated $8,000 chunk out of a family’s savings.

If you’re a Quinceañera in the making, you might be searching for ways to stretch the dollars in your budget for a Quinceañera dress. Comparing prices, bundling party planning services, and doing things on a do-it-yourself level are some ways that you may consider helping you save money.

But as closely as you may be watching your budget, wouldn’t it be amazing to offer your family more party planning relief? Well, help does exist. Places like Donate My Dress, The Princess Project and CASA of Los Angeles Glamour Gownsoffer dresses for Quinceañeras and high school dances that were once worn and then donated by young girls just like you. These type of programs are often considered “princess projects” because their sole objective is to make girls feel like princesses, at least for one day.

Girls looking to borrow a dress can visit any of the participating pick up locations, where they are given a certain amount of time to search through dresses for the one they want to borrow. Most of these locations also allow you to choose accessories including gloves, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, small purses and tiaras.

It is common for these “princess projects” to ask for basic information in exchange for taking a dress, which you would then have to return so other young girls can enjoy it as well.

If you already purchased your Quinceañera dress, you can still be part of this act of kindness by donating your dress, post your celebration. Since these places run solely on donations, they need girls just like you to gift their gently worn dress after they have worn them to their grand event.

 Check any of the above organizations’ websites for a full listing of locations, and if none exists in your area, consider making a donation to your neighborhood church, goodwill or shelter. After all, that’s one of the beauties of Quinceañeras – making dreams come true. And in the case of these programs, it’s being done one dress at a time.