Stoughton store rents designer prom dresses for cheap

BROCKTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- Prom night comes with a hefty price tag and in a tough economy, many are looking to cut costs. But now there's a way that girls can get the designer dresses they wish for without paying a fortune.

What girl doesn't want to look beautiful on prom night? Heather Helveston of Brockton is no exception.

But like many family's right now -- Heather's folks are struggling financially.

"My husband's a truck driver, his paycheck varies," said Michelle Helveston, Heather's mother.

"My mother and father are both on disability and we live with them due to the fact the economy is just, well we wouldn't be able to be out on our own with a three bedroom apartment and rent and utilities and everything,” Heather said.

Heather didn't think she'd be able to get a dream dress. But Fairy Tales Formals helped make her fairy tale come true.

The Stoughton store rents designer prom dresses on the cheap.

"I passed it one day and I was like, ‘Oh I’ll look in there no big deal,’ and I went in and was like, ‘Oh wow these are nice dresses, there’s even Vera Wang in there,’ I mean, it’s Vera,” Heather said.

Marketing Director Jim Nispel for the store says business is booming.

"One of the reasons that we have such a tremendous business is because you can get a designer gown for a quarter of the cost of what you pay, $300 to $600 for a brand new gown,” said Jim Nispel, Fairy Tales Formals.

Turns out a lot of potential prom queens are rushing to rent.

"You only rent it for four days and then you can get rid of it when you’re done instead of keeping it in your closet,” said Andrea Landy.

It was love at first sight when Andrea Landy of Foxborough saw a one-of-a-kind gown.

“Finally, I think this is the one I am going to keep,” Landy said.

And her mom loved it too - for a different reason

"I think it's a great way to go because in this economy people you know, are falling on hard times and especially I have three children,” said Angel Landy, Andrea’s mother.

They grabbed the dress for just $60. That's quite a bargain, and an affordable way to help make priceless memories.

And it’s not just for prom. Some stores in the area rent wedding dresses as well.