About Us

Jen and David Barton are a married team who decided years ago formal wear was Jen’s passion.  Their expertise has come from years of hands-on experience after raising four daughters who competed in pageants, attended multiple proms, and went to formals in high school and college and years of planning and attending formal military events and area galas. Jen has also been an event planner, local pageant director, coach and judge for years and David retired from the military after over 31 years of service.  Jen and David were excited when the opportunity to purchase an established business that fulfilled her dream job criteria arose, and after much discussion and prayer, they took the leap. Jen is very hands-on, and you will find her in the store almost every day.  You will also find David at the store on Saturdays.  

Beyond Expectations Formals is a 26-year-old business located in central Mississippi.  We are your premier source for formal wear including gala, pageant, prom, and homecoming gowns. We are proud to offer a selection of over 1200 dresses both short and long.  We also offer the accessories needed to complete your look including pageant and prom shoes and an extensive collection of jewelry.

We specialize in everything formal for all budgets.  We offer homecoming dresses in every color for both field and dances. If you are looking for pageant attire, we offer everything you need for your pageant wardrobe, including appearance and interview dresses and exclusive and custom pageant gowns. We have an extensive collection of prom and gala dresses that are elegant and timeless, so you will be wearing them for years to come.  We also offer bridal attire including clothing options for bridal showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinner dresses, reception, mother-of-the-bride/groom and destination bridal gowns.