Buying a ballgown can be difficult because the perfect dress has to balance fit, style, comfort, and budget—quite a tall order for one outfit. Sizes and cuts can vary dramatically, so a gown that looks like a dream online may become a real-life seamstress situation. Formal dresses also tend to have price tags that make your wallet feel less than royally treated. Finding the right color, neckline, fabric, and amount of sparkle can turn shopping into a full-scale gown quest. Add limited local inventory and special-event deadlines, and the search can feel like chasing a glass slipper. Fortunately, Meridian shoppers have several places to begin their dress hunt before the clock strikes midnight.
*Prices below are estimated planning averages for ballgown-style, prom, pageant, quinceañera, or formal dresses commonly sold by each retailer. Inventory changes frequently, so check the store’s website or call the Meridian location before making the trip.*
- **David’s Bridal**
- **Kohl’s**
- **Burlington**
- **Ross Dress for Less**
- **Marshalls**
- **T.J. Maxx**
- **Target**
- **Walmart**
- **JCPenney**
- **Old Navy**
David’s Bridal is a strong first stop for formalwear, prom dresses, bridesmaid gowns, and fuller-skirted styles, making it a fitting place to begin your gown game. **Estimated average price: $250–;$350.** Browse the [David’s Bridal website](https://www.davidsbridal.com/) for current styles, appointments, and local availability.
Kohl’s typically carries long formal dresses and special-occasion gowns at approachable prices, so your search can be both elegant and economically sound. **Estimated average price: $80–;$130.** Visit [Kohl’s](https://www.kohls.com/) and search for “formal dresses” or “ballgown” before heading to the Meridian store.
Burlington’s formalwear selection can include surprisingly glamorous gowns at discount prices, proving that looking like a million bucks does not require spending one. **Estimated average price: $45–;$90.** Check the [Burlington website](https://www.burlington.com/) and remember that in-store inventory may be more hit-or-miss than a perfectly timed twirl.
Ross is worth exploring if you enjoy a treasure hunt and are willing to let the dress find you, because formalwear bargains can appear when you least expect them. **Estimated average price: $35–;$70.** Use the [Ross website](https://www.rossstores.com/) to locate the nearest Meridian store, then shop early so your gown search does not become a dress rehearsal for disappointment.
Marshalls often offers designer-label or boutique-inspired formal dresses at reduced prices, giving shoppers a chance to make a grand entrance without a grand financial exit. **Estimated average price: $60–;$120.** Visit [Marshalls](https://www.marshalls.com/) and browse the women’s dresses section for floor-length or occasion styles.
T.J. Maxx can be a good choice for shoppers seeking polished eveningwear, especially if you enjoy a little retail roulette with your royal wardrobe. **Estimated average price: $60–;$130.** Look through [T.J. Maxx](https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/) for formal dresses, though selection and sizing may change faster than a ballroom dance step.
Target may carry affordable maxi dresses, prom-inspired styles, and special-event looks, making it a convenient option when you want to dress up without letting the price steal the spotlight. **Estimated average price: $50–;$100.** Search [Target’s dress selection](https://www.target.com/) for “formal dress,” “prom dress,” or “ballgown,” and check whether pickup is available at the Meridian location.
Walmart’s online and in-store selection can include budget-friendly formal gowns, particularly for shoppers who need a dramatic silhouette at a modest cost. **Estimated average price: $35–;$80.** Browse [Walmart’s formal dresses](https://www.walmart.com/) and filter by floor length, color, or occasion so your search does not wander off the runway.
JCPenney commonly stocks long evening dresses and special-occasion styles from value-focused brands, offering plenty of room to make a statement without making your budget bow. **Estimated average price: $70–;$140.** Explore [JCPenney’s dress collection](https://www.jcpenney.com/) and check local pickup or nearby-store availability before visiting.
Old Navy is more likely to carry elegant maxi dresses than traditional princess ballgowns, but it can still provide an affordable foundation for a dressier look—especially with the right accessories and a little tailoring magic. **Estimated average price: $45–;$90.** Visit [Old Navy](https://oldnavy.gap.com/) and search its women’s maxi and occasion dresses for styles that can be crowned with statement jewelry.
Before buying, try sitting, walking, and lifting your arms in the gown so the dress passes more than just the twirl test. Bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear, because the right accessories can help the whole look fall into place without causing a hem emergency. If you need alterations, shop early since a last-minute fitting can turn your royal affair into a needle-and-thread ordeal. With a little patience, Meridian’s stores can help you find a gown that makes your entrance truly sew memorable.