Read This Before Buying That Prom Dress

Girls, it’s that time of year again.

With prom season in full swing, many are wondering where to find the perfect dress. And since 's June 3 prom is quickly approaching, Patch found places around the borough that will make prom night more than memorable. Here are our top five stores:

The Wedding Store at Liz Clinton
200 Main St., Andover; (973) 786-5330
How odd that Patch's top choice for prom gowns is actually called The Wedding Store. With a great selection for both prom and wedding, the store has been in business for over 45 years. It features a large boutique with many different rooms filled with gorgeous gowns—any girl would be in her glory here. It's knowledgeable and helpful, so you’ll never be lost in the sea of dresses. Boasting various in-house dresses of many different designers and catalogues throughout, you are bound to find “the one.” The size of this store allows for many fitting rooms and sitting areas for the belle of the prom and the rest of her posse. If you don’t find what you’re looking for in store, the staff can help you order your perfect dress to be shipped there for a custom fitting. The best part of this place, however, is an employee’s adorable little dog that follows you around and poses properly for his close-up. This element of the boutique allows it to feel even more inviting and makes the shopping experience much more fun. The one spot where you can find your ideal prom dress while getting to play with a precious little pup is the one and only Wedding Store at Liz Clinton.

Enelda’s Happy Brides
10 Whize Deer Plaza, Sparta; (973) 729-0408
Located on the boardwalk at Lake Mohawk, Enelda’s Happy Brides is a small boutique bursting with welcome. With picturesque surroundings and neighboring stores offering candy and crepes, this is a unique place to explore on a sunny spring day. Enelda’s employees are personable and willing to work with your schedule for alterations and pick-up dates. The dresses are tightly packed, making it even more fun to dig up a hidden treasure. Conveniently, you can buy your dress and have it altered at the same location, which isn’t too far from home. Because of its uniqueness and intimate size, this store does not have its own website, so give them a call or walk right in.

Cache
301 Mount Hope Ave., Rockaway; (973) 537-0523
Sophistication and location are the reasons Cache made Patch's list. With a selection of gowns that is adequate instead of overwhelming, this store is great for the efficient shopper who isn’t interested in sifting and searching for hours. Plus, its location in the Rockaway Mall is close to Hopatcong, minimizing travel time. Every prom essential, from the shoes to the clutch, is available somewhere in the mall, so there's one-stop shopping potential. While you’re at it, you can check out the cosmetic counters in department stores—they specialize in makeup application and can get you looking glamorous for prom!

Group USA
651 Kapkowski Rd., Elizabeth; (908) 351-1053
This store is geared toward proms, weddings and formal events, combining the convenience factor of an in-mall store with the exceptionality of formal-based wear. Group USA offers a selection of gowns and cocktail dresses for reasonable prices, a crucial factor in deciding what to wear on your special night. Plus, since they specialize in formal event wear, you're bound to have assistance from people who know their stuff in the business. Group USA also boasts an online store for at home shopping, but only select styles are available for shipment, so you’re better off taking the trip there.

Bloomingdale’s
1400 Willowbrook Mall, Wayne; (973) 582-2400
If you're looking for convenience with an off-the-rack approach to prom, Bloomingdale’s is the place to be. With designer labels like BCBG Max Azria and Sue Wong, you can find a gorgeous gown with the ease of department store shopping. This cuts time as far as ordering and altering goes, and being in a mall setting allows you to shop for other items or even grab a bite from the food court. You won’t have the personal connection with your salesperson as you would at a more intimate boutique, but this location is ideal if you are looking to try on and walk out.