Any pageant moms here?

[beautybelle]

Can you pageant moms give me some advice. I have 2 friends whos daughters are into pageants in a big way. They love it and swear that it is so much fun for them and a great way to spend time with their daughters. Well we have a county fair pageant coming up and I entered my daughter into it. So I got the dress, socks, shoes, etc. Well I was dumbfounded how much money was involved. I guess what I want to know is as time goes on what is the ettiquet involved, and what am I looking at in the future if we continue doing pageants. Basically anything you can tell me would be great. Thanks.
Oh btw arent the little dresses beautiful? LOL

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I did this as a kid and my mom spared the expenses and I didn't win ever. Now i wasn't an ugly kid--but my experience is what happens when you go the el cheapo route. My cousin did them a lot and had so many titles--an entire wall in their large family room filled with her trophies, banners, and tiaras. I remember (as an example) that she'd wear 2 or 3 petticoats or whatever the fluffy things are called. I only had one and my dresses always looked silly. I also remember that wearing the same dress twice was a taboo. I am not sure if it still is though.

 

[anewvance]

My girls did them when they were younger. Believe me, it only gets more and more expensive. I am pretty sure you got a prelim dress? The state/national dresses will cost you $300-$500. We never really went that route, did one bigger one but that's it. We owned one dress that my girls shared, lol. They did very well for the 2 years they were in pageants but it got to the point where they would have to get the big hair and start lessons and all and I didn't want to do that.

I think state fairs and other small prelim pageants are very fun! I have thought about trying one or two with my son just to experiance the boy part of pageants. Good luck to your daughter, we want to see pictures!

 

[beautybelle]

I bought her a beautiful little peach dress with some white applique. It has little pearls and clear sequence on it. I think its the cutest little thing Ive ever seen. BUT I bought it used. The lady said she paid $300.00 for it and I bought it for $100.00. That was my first heads up on expenses. I will admit Im looking forward to it but my girl friend that has her daughter in it told me to absolutly not to talk to the other moms about nothing involving pageants. I dont get that mentality. I guess Im about to find out first hand arent I?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I guess b/c some people love 'em and some people hate 'em and some will think of JonBenet .

If it is your cup of tea and you think your child will have fun--they can be fun. But be leary of the pageant mom. There is at least one of them in every pageant and it would just throw my moms panties in a bunch b/c their daughter was THE most beautiful and they'd get all mad when their child doesn't place well.

My own funny pageant story--about THE pageant mom.

This was maybe the Miss Summerville Pageant in South Carolina--I don't remember the title exactly. The pageant was in a banquet room at a Plantation I believe. And it was Reason #5535 of what happens when mom lets daughter compete in a dress she could afford---but not the alternations. EEEK! My dress was sooo southern belle and too darn long. My sister also competed--I do think her dress was better...at least she didn't trip on it LOL!

But the funny part came when they were doing the scores. During the intermission--they had a drawing for Pageant Mom. I don't know what the title was...but it was MY mother who one. Actually my sister will say it was HER mother since that was the card that got pulled. And the funniest thing--my mom got all these dirty looks for "winning" the title.

So there are "moms" out there in the world--you want to make sure you know who you are dealing with. You can be nice...but there are fake ones out there. (Pretending to be nice, but aren't).

It is good that you know some moms who are already in it and can show you the ropes if necessary.

We never got far. But that is what happens when your pageant budget is limited to $50--a consignment store reject gown and your mom thinking that curls are the way to go and makes you look like a poodle.

If you are willing and able all the while making it fun...it can be something enjoyable. My favorite pageant was my very first one.

Your daughters dress sounds lovely!