By JODI RALL
In the Bubble columnist
Right before Christmas “they” started to arrive. The dreaded prom dress books with gowns costing an arm and a leg. While we are a few months away from prom season, a wonderful program is happening next Saturday, Feb. 4, to give young ladies in our community the chance to purchase a dress for less. You know I love a good deal . . .

Lilly Reynolds, Caity Runger and Allison Keys, members of Ravenwood's FCCLA, show some donated dresses that will cost $20 at the Love the Dress: A Prom Shop & Swap Event on Feb. 4.

Back in the 80s when I went to prom, it was big hair and big dresses. What I have noticed the past few years with my own daughters going to prom is you see “everything.” From long to short, puffy to fitted, young ladies seem to choose the dress that allows their personality to shine. Since I’m not a mean Barbie, I will refrain from giving my opinion on some of these “personalities.”

Picking out the perfect dress is a huge decision, as I have born witness to with my own two “distinctly different” daughters’ taste in dresses. Since my girls affectionately called me Jodester the Prom Mom and last year Return of the Prom Mom, both girls attended Ravewood’s prom with two of the most handsome and proper BA boys at their side. (Thank you to the Renfro and Peach families for raising such good Southern gentlemen to escort my girls.)

My oldest daughter attended two proms her junior year and this may sound familiar to you parents out there, “I can’t wear the same dress Mom! How embarrassing. . . ” Fortunately my daughter is a chip off the old block, and we found two dresses on a dimes budget and nobody knew we had shopped “sale” racks in the off season. Guess now you all know, but who cares since she is in college.

Last year with my girls a year apart in school, yes we needed two dresses. Poor Ken doll simply stared at his budget spreadsheet on his laptop and, because he is one smart man, said nothing.

Here is an example of why my girls might call me "Prom Mom” . . .

Last year the girls and their friends asked to have dinner at our home instead of spending money eating out. I was thrilled and jumped into action working in my flower garden, planning the menu, the table décor and everything down to the tiniest of details for an outside magical evening. Not only were the couples coming for dinner, parents were invited too – all in all about 30 people total.

Return of the Prom Mom last year

One small detail I could not control – the weather. With it cold and dreary, we had to be move inside. We did manage to get beautiful photos at Crockett Park as the girls froze in their sleeveless dresses. Ken doll and I looked sooo good as we too posed for our prom photo. Then the girls and I posed as Charlie’s Angels and had a great laugh.

After dinner the limousine arrived, and each parent had chipped in for this luxury item. But wait a minute – if we paid for this, should we not get to get in first? So all of us parents piled into the stretch limo laughing and giggling like we were going to prom. The couples lined up and the driver laid out a red carpet as each couple waved and we adoring parents took photos. Off they went for a delightful night. Oh, the memories as I watched them go.

The girls still joke “Mom had as much fun as we did.” Why not? These are moments to treasure.

Will there be a reappearance of “Prom Mom” this year. Hope so! My beautiful senior daughter will be gorgeous in her dream dress. And yes, it will be within our budget.

If you had a daughter attend prom or college formals and have dresses uselessly sitting in the closet, it is time to get a jump start on spring cleaning. I have just the place to donate dresses and accessories to give other young ladies a chance to look beautiful on prom night.

“Love the Dress!” A Prom Dress Swap & Shop Event is an experience like none other in Williamson County where young ladies can shop for a prom dress.  The cost of each dress is only $20 and all proceeds go to Mercy Ministries. The event runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and is being held at Full Life Assembly of God, 813 Oak Meadow Drive, Franklin, Tenn.

The dresses need to be in good condition, with no tears or missing pieces. Accessories are needed too! This is the second year of the event and I hope it’s a tradition that continues for many years to come.

Hats off to Teri Black and her daughters Kelsy and Katie for bringing this marvelous idea to our community; the program is similar to one based in Atlanta.

“Women and young ladies do not like to wear a gown/formal more than once, so the dresses tend to be in great condition,” Teri said. “Our committee didn’t know what to expect. The community was supportive, and we received over 350 gowns and distributed over 150 gowns the day of the event.”

Throughout the day young ladies will be given fashion and makeup tips. Stylists and makeup artists have donated their time, and many businesses and individuals have donated door prizes.

This year the goal is to have at least 500 gowns/dresses. Dress drives all over the community have been taking place and will continue until the day before the event. Teri expressed her thanks to Ravenwood’s FCCLA Club for making “Love the Dress” their service project. Teacher and club sponsor Sabrina Maggart said 18 of her girls will be at the event volunteering.

For complete information and a list of drop off sites, please visit www.lovethedresstn.org or email lovethedress2012@gmail.com.

I can’t wait to see how many young ladies walk away saying “Yes” to the dress.

Until next week.

In next week's In the Bubble: “Everyone has a story."

Jodi Rall is a special events coordinator and publicist who lives with her husband, four children, two dogs and various other pets in Brentwood. She has been known to play tennis. Contact her at jodi@brentwoodhomepage.com. Follow her "Jodi in the Bubble" blog by Clicking here.