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Custom Prom Dress Process​

Custom prom orders are first-pay, first-served. Slots fill quickly during prom season. Book early to secure your spot!

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PROM ORDER PROCESS - LOCAL CLIENTS

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STEP 1: Complete Prom Interest Form

Before anything else, start here:

  • Fill out our Prom Interest Form on our website

  • Information needed:

    • Your name, contact info, and location

    • Prom date (CRITICAL - we need this!)

    • Design inspiration and style preferences

    • Approximate budget range

    • Preferred consultation dates/times

  • Response time: We'll review and respond within 24-48 hours

  • What happens next:

    • If we have availability for your prom date, we'll send booking link

    • If slots are full, we'll add you to our waitlist

STEP 2: Book Your Consultation

Once approved:

  • Consultation fee: $25 (applies toward your final order)

  • Duration: 45 minutes

  • Consultation includes:

    • Discussing your vision and prom theme

    • Reviewing inspiration photos and design ideas

    • Taking detailed measurements

    • Examining fabric swatches and embellishment options

    • Reviewing timeline to ensure we meet your prom date

    • Going over pricing for your specific design tier

    • Explaining deposit and payment schedule

STEP 3: Receive Your Design Proposal

Timeline: Within 3-5 days after consultation

  • Custom sketch of your prom dress design

  • Fabric recommendations and swatches

  • Itemized quote breakdown:

    • Labor cost (based on tier: $650/$950/$1,500+)

    • Estimated fabric and material costs

    • Total investment

    • Payment schedule with dates

  • Timeline with all fitting appointments scheduled

STEP 4: Secure Your Spot - DEPOSIT REQUIRED

This is where you officially claim your prom slot:

⚠️ CRITICAL TIMING RULE:

  • 50% deposit must be paid at least 8 weeks before your prom date

  • If paid with less than 8 weeks to prom = RUSH ORDER (+50% rush fee)

  • If paid with less than 4 weeks to prom = EXTREME RUSH (+100% rush fee)

Example:

  • Prom date: May 15th

  • 8 weeks before: March 20th

  • Deposit must be paid by March 20th to avoid rush fees

To secure your spot:

  • Approve the design and quote

  • Sign the design agreement

  • Pay 50% deposit immediately

  • Your slot is NOT held until deposit is received

  • Slots are first-pay, first-served (approval alone doesn't hold your spot)

STEP 5: Fabric Selection & Production Begins

Timeline: Week 1-2 after deposit

  • Final fabric selections confirmed

  • Materials ordered and received

  • Construction officially begins

  • You receive confirmation email with production start date

STEP 6: First Fitting

Timeline: 3-4 weeks before prom (varies by complexity)

  • Dress is partially constructed

  • Try on to check fit, proportions, and silhouette

  • Adjustments made to fit, length, neckline

  • Confirm embellishment placement

  • Duration: 30-45 minutes

STEP 7: Second Fitting

Timeline: 2-3 weeks before prom

  • Dress is 75-80% complete

  • Final fit adjustments and hemming

  • Embellishments being finalized

  • Ensure comfort and ease of movement

  • Duration: 30-45 minutes

  • Pay 25% second payment at this fitting

STEP 8: Final Fitting & Pickup

Timeline: 1 week before prom (or as scheduled)

  • Your dress is complete!

  • Final try-on to ensure perfection

  • Styling tips and accessory recommendations

  • Care and storage instructions

  • Photo documentation (with permission)

  • Pay final 25% balance

  • Take your dress home and get ready to SHINE! ✨

STEP 9: PROM NIGHT!

  • Tag us in your prom photos (@astonishingapparel)

  • Enjoy being the most astonishing person there!

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PROM ORDER PROCESS - OUT OF STATE CLIENTS

STEP 1: Complete Prom Interest Form

Start here - this is required:

  • Fill out our online Prom Interest Form

  • Information needed:

    • Name, contact info, and full address (for shipping)

    • Prom date (ESSENTIAL!)

    • Design inspiration photos/Pinterest board

    • Budget range

    • Measurement status (professional or self-measured)

  • Response time: 24-48 hours

  • We'll assess:

    • If we can meet your prom date with shipping time

    • If we have available slots

    • If your location allows adequate shipping time

STEP 2: Virtual Consultation

Once approved:

  • Schedule Zoom/FaceTime consultation ($25 fee)

  • Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour

  • Before the call, you must:

    • Email inspiration photos in advance

    • Review our measurement guide

    • Understand the remote fitting process

  • During consultation:

    • Discuss design vision via video

    • Review fabric swatches (digital or we mail samples)

    • Go over timeline including shipping

    • Explain remote process thoroughly

    • Confirm your prom date works with our timeline

STEP 3: Professional Measurements Required

Timeline: Within 1 week of consultation

  • REQUIRED: Visit local seamstress/tailor for professional measurements

    • We provide detailed measurement form

    • You cover measurement cost ($30-50 typically)

    • They send measurements directly to us

  • For out of state prom orders, self-measurements are NOT recommended

  • This protects both you and us from fit issues

STEP 4: Design Proposal & Quote

Timeline: Within 5-7 days of receiving measurements

  • Custom design sketch sent via email

  • Fabric swatches mailed if not already sent

  • Itemized quote with shipping estimates

  • Timeline with all virtual check-in dates

  • Quote includes:

    • Labor cost based on tier

    • Estimated materials

    • Shipping costs (standard and rush options)

    • Total investment

STEP 5: Secure Your Spot - DEPOSIT REQUIRED

⚠️ CRITICAL TIMING FOR OUT OF STATE:

  • 50% deposit + shipping costs must be paid at least 10 weeks before prom

  • Out of state requires 2 extra weeks due to shipping time

  • Less than 10 weeks = RUSH ORDER (+50% rush fee)

  • Less than 6 weeks = EXTREME RUSH (+100% rush fee) + expedited shipping required

Example:

  • Prom date: May 15th

  • 10 weeks before: March 6th

  • Deposit must be paid by March 6th to avoid rush fees

To secure your spot:

  • Approve design and quote

  • Sign digital agreement

  • Pay 50% deposit + estimated shipping immediately

  • Slot is NOT held until payment received

  • First-pay, first-served policy applies

STEP 6: Fabric Selection & Production Begins

Timeline: Week 1-2 after deposit

  • Final fabric approval via photos

  • Materials ordered

  • Production begins once materials arrive

  • Confirmation email sent with timeline

STEP 7: Virtual Check-In #1

Timeline: 4-5 weeks before prom

  • Scheduled video call (20-30 minutes)

  • Progress photos shown

  • Discuss construction and fit expectations

  • Answer questions

  • Confirm embellishment details

STEP 8: Mock-Up Fitting (For Tier 2 & 3 ONLY)

Timeline: 3-4 weeks before prom

  • For moderate to complex prom dresses, mock-up is REQUIRED for out of state

  • Mock-up garment shipped to you (expedited)

  • Try on and assess fit

  • Virtual fitting via video call

  • Take photos from all angles and send

  • Ship mock-up back to us immediately

  • Additional cost: $100-150 (included in quote)

  • Final adjustments incorporated

STEP 9: Virtual Check-In #2

Timeline: 2 weeks before prom

  • Dress is nearly complete

  • Progress photos sent

  • Confirm everything looks perfect

  • Pay 25% second payment at this stage

STEP 10: Final Photos & Approval

Timeline: 10-12 days before prom

  • Detailed photos of completed dress from all angles

  • Virtual "reveal" video call if desired

  • Final approval before shipping

  • Pay final 25% balance before shipment

STEP 11: Expedited Shipping

Timeline: Ships to arrive 5-7 days before prom

  • Dress professionally packaged and insured

  • Shipping is EXPEDITED for prom orders (2-3 day delivery)

  • Tracking number provided immediately

  • Signature required

  • Arrives with steaming and care instructions

STEP 12: At-Home Try-On

Timeline: 5-7 days before prom

  • Try on IMMEDIATELY upon arrival

  • Document fit with photos

  • Contact us within 24 hours if any concerns

  • Emergency video call available if needed

  • For minor adjustments: Take to local seamstress with our instructions (we cover reasonable costs up to $100)

STEP 13: PROM NIGHT!

  • Be ASTONISHING! ✨

  • Tag us in photos (@astonishingapparel)

  • Share your experience

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PAYMENT SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN

Local Clients

  1. Consultation Fee: $25 (at booking)

  2. Initial Deposit: 50% (at least 8 weeks before prom)

  3. Second Payment: 25% (at second fitting, ~2-3 weeks before)

  4. Final Payment: 25% (at pickup, ~1 week before prom)

Out of State Clients

  1. Consultation Fee: $25 (at booking)

  2. Initial Deposit: 50% + shipping (at least 10 weeks before prom)

  3. Second Payment: 25% (at virtual check-in #2, ~2 weeks before)

  4. Final Payment: 25% + actual shipping costs (before final shipment)

  5. Mock-Up Fee: $100-150 (for Tier 2 & 3, included in initial quote)

RUSH ORDER FEES

Local Clients

  • Less than 8 weeks to prom: +50% of labor cost

  • Less than 4 weeks to prom: +100% of labor cost

  • Less than 2 weeks: We cannot accommodate

Out of State Clients

  • Less than 10 weeks to prom: +50% of labor cost + expedited shipping

  • Less than 6 weeks to prom: +100% of labor cost + overnight shipping

  • Less than 3 weeks: We cannot accommodate

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Rush fees are non-negotiable and required due to:

  • Overtime work required

  • Bumping other scheduled projects

  • Material expediting costs

  • Stress on production timeline

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PROM SEASON POLICIES

Limited Slots

  • We accept a limited number of prom clients per season

  • Peak season: January - April (books fastest)

  • We recommend starting your process 3-4 months before prom

  • First-pay, first-served (not first-inquire, first-served)

Prom Date Changes

  • If your prom date changes, notify us immediately

  • If new date allows more time: No issue

  • If new date creates rush timeline: Rush fees apply

  • If new date is impossible to meet: Refund 50% of deposit

Cancellation Policy

  • Consultation fee: Non-refundable

  • Deposit: Non-refundable once work begins

  • If cancelled before work begins: 50% of deposit refunded

  • After first fitting: No refunds

What Happens If You Grow/Lose Weight

  • Minor changes (1 size): Typically adjustable within our fittings

  • Major changes: May require additional alterations (additional cost)

  • We recommend maintaining stable weight during the process

Priority Timeline (Recommended)

For best experience and no rush fees:

Your Prom DateStart Process ByDeposit Due By

Early MayLate JanuaryEarly March

Late MayEarly FebruaryLate March

April PromNovemberEarly February

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PROM DRESS TIERS REMINDER

Tier 1: Basic Elegance - $650 labor

  • Clean silhouettes, no embellishments

  • Timeline: 6-8 weeks (local) / 8-10 weeks (out of state)

Tier 2: Moderate Glamour - $950 labor

  • Sequins, moderate beading, structural elements

  • Timeline: 8-10 weeks (local) / 10-12 weeks (out of state)

Tier 3: Show-Stopping Luxury - $1,500+ labor

  • Heavy crystals, feathers, embroidered lace, complex construction

  • Timeline: 10-12 weeks (local) / 12-14 weeks (out of state)

*Does not include fabric and materials

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WHY THESE POLICIES EXIST

We want you to have the BEST prom experience possible, which means:

  • ✅ Adequate time to create a masterpiece (not rushed work)

  • ✅ Multiple fittings to ensure perfect fit

  • ✅ Time to handle any unexpected issues

  • ✅ Breathing room for you to enjoy the process, not stress

  • ✅ A dress that arrives well before prom (not cutting it close)

Starting early = better experience + no rush fees + less stress!

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READY TO START YOUR PROM DRESS JOURNEY?

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STEP 1: Fill out the Prom Interest Form Here

Visit: astonishingapparel.net/prom-form

Questions?

Email: info@astonishingapparel.net

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Don't wait - prom slots fill up fast! Start your process today! 💕✨

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