Appointments at City Prom -when and how to book?
Once you have a confirmed date for your prom then book your appointment at City Prom too. We offer appointments Tuesday to Friday 12pm-6pm, with late nights on Wednesday and Thursday, 10-6 on Saturday & Sundays. Securing your dress five months before your prom date is advised although some families prefer to plan earlier to allow for the exam periods and any alterations. It has also been known for customers to purchase on prom night, although we do not recommend this.
Price Point
Our starting point for prom dresses is £489, the average price falling between £500-£599, but then there are a few that although pricey we just loved, these can be up to £700. Therefore, we have something for everyone. For more info about a particular style or price just contact us on WhatsApp, we may be able to find you a similar style within budget from our varied collections. Remember these dresses are designer prom dresses and are not available in the high street, as an authorised stockists of the brands- Faviana, Tania Olsen, Ellie Wilde Prom, and Colette by Daphne, and award winning designer brand Amarra Prom, we are the only boutique stocking these dresses in Cardiff.
Is there a charge for appointments at City Prom?
Only during peak season, you will be advised if your requested date is during peak season. (March-May and other special promotional events)
Due to the seasonal nature of the prom business our busy times are from October to July. School holidays and special promotional events do get extremely busy, and we need to limited appointments during these times. To avoid no shows and cancelations we occasionally find it necessary to charge for appointments during these peak periods. We have learnt in over fifteen years in the prom business that a quality lengthy appointment in one store, where the gowns are beautifully displayed and in excellent condition is the preferred choice of the City Prom customer. You will be advised at the time of making your enquiry or whilst booking if an appointment is within our peak season.
If required the appointment fee of £25.00, is for your first hour long private appointment. This covers a private style consultation which is invaluable even if you choose not to purchase on the day. If you do find your dream dress with us, then this amount is fully redeemable against any purchase made on the day of your appointment or at a second follow up appointment. Payment will be required at the time of making your appointment.
To Make appointments at City Prom
If you are ready to book- click the button below, otherwise if you require more information text or WhatsApp, 07813 133794, or direct message us on social media.
Appointments at City Prom
What to expect at appointments at City Prom?
Firstly, we cannot wait to meet you. Your appointment will be a relaxed affair. We have been styling prom girls since 2008 so have seen many girls in all shapes and sizes and all personalities.
Privacy is paramount, you will have the boutique to yourself and your family. We will start with a chat about your ideas and inspiration. Have your screen shots to hand as this will assist us in selecting similar looks from the rails as a starting point. If you don't have any ideas yet, that's great too as we can narrow your search by selecting silhouettes to suit your body shape, hair and skin colour. Additionally we may just pull those gowns that you are drawn to when you browse the rails. We will discuss price points as we view the dresses, as a guide most dresses are at the £550 mark with a few very special ones around £700. Our starting price is £489, with fewer dresses at this point.
Who to bring with me
We suggest you bring two or three guests with you to your appointment. Bring the decision makers. Those who will really assist you in choosing between those two final favourite dresses. Sometimes this is a best friend or sister more often this is mum or nan. We all have that person whose opinion really does count.
Styles to choose from
We keep a variety of dresses in stock. Many styles have been chosen in certain sizes as they are best suited to certain body shapes. We would not for example stock a smooth clingy satin jersey, form fitting dress with a thigh split, and cut outs in a size 22. However, we would stock a dress with a fitted and boned bodice, stretch lace applique fabric that would enhance the curves of the same size 22.
There is a dress for every body shape, trust us, but it may not be the one you had imagined. Be open minded compare and eliminate as you go through the appointment after all you can only wear one on prom night. The final decision is easy, it is the one you feel amazingly confident in and you do not want to take off, you will know!
To keep our dresses exclusive we tend to only offer one dress in one size and colour, (unless its within the ordering period October-February).
Stock becomes more limited from February through to July, although we have a store full of dresses your dream one may not be in your size so keeping an open mind to trying dresses in your size during your visit may open up more exciting and surprising options.
How many dresses can I try?
We do not put a number on how many dresses you can try on during your appointment at City Prom. For some a small selection is great. Others prefer to race through all the no's first then linger between the last two. No customer is the same. So we adapt to you not the other way round. After all its your choice to make not ours. As a small privately owned business, and to keep our cost down we respectively ask that girls don't just book to "try on dresses", no point falling in love with one of our dresses if its just too expensive, ensure you have fully discussed the price point you are in with family members before you arrive at your appointment.
We do ask girls not to wear fake tan and limit your makeup to avoid transfer onto the dresses. Think about your underwear, simple plain knickers work best under fitted dresses. If you are planning on wearing shapewear then buy before you try. A good strapless or backless bra can also be a good idea. Many dresses do have enhanced bust cups in the dresses so bras are not always necessary.
Alterations
Most prom dresses will require slight alterations to the bust line, straps and hem line, once the final decision is made we can offer advice on any adjustments needed and put you in touch with local seamstresses. We do not offer an in house alteration service.
Will my dress be ordered or taken on the day?
Absolutely, why not? Unlike wedding dress boutiques, the dresses in store at City Prom are not sample dresses, all dresses are available for sale and as such can be taken home with you on the day. This means you start matching up accessories and book in for any alterations in good time before your prom date. We do not offer payments plans or hold dresses with deposits, if you love it don't loose it!
Special Orders (October -February)
If your dream dress is not available in store we may be able to source it for you in the required time for your prom date, all options will be discussed at your appointment.
Any special order either direct from the manufacturers or from their USA warehouse to secure a specific style, size, or colour not in store will require full payment in advance.
We will always go out of our way to source your favoured style, our long relationships with our suppliers often assists us in securing certain styles within tight time scales. Rush cut supplement charges may apply.
Payment Methods
We accept all mayor debit and credit cards, including American Express and cash payments (no personal cheques). All sales are final and form a contract between you and City Prom. From October-January, the main ordering period and if required we may order a dress for you when a £300 or 50% (whichever is the greater) deposit will be required. All dresses in store on the rail, are sold on the day by full payment and taken away. We do not offer an option to hold a dress on payment of a deposit, or offer payment plans. Full Terms and Conditions will be given and are available here
Exclusivity of dresses - The School Prom Record Book
We keep a record of every dress sold to each school prom and we will never sell the same style to the same school. As these dresses are not sold on the high street the chances of other girls having the same dress are reduced, but not guaranteed. We do like to point out that if families travel far and wide to other boutiques there is more of a chance that another girl could buy from another store selling the same collections as we do, so we advise you to shop local and tell all your friends about us so we keep school groups within one boutique.
Can you hire dresses from City Prom?
I am afraid we do not hire dresses, it’s not ideal to hire as most dresses need slight alterations, generally to the length and straps to get the perfect fit, a hired dress wouldn’t allow you to do this. Do consider looking at one of our sale rail dresses as an option with prices from £99, they are a great buy.
Do we have a Sale?
City prom has an annual sale the last Saturday in September. Throughout the year we keep a limited number of reduced items on a sale rail in store. These items are greatly reduced with many priced at £299.
Do we buy back dresses?
Unfortunately we are unable to buy back or sell your pre-worn dress from you. Our commitment to selling the amazing brands we stock, means we need to purchase new stock for the boutique every season.
Many of our past customers do sell on their City Prom gowns, on Instagram, Gumtree and eBay, obtaining on average 50% of the purchase price. When placing an advert mention it was purchased from City Prom. Its also worth quoting the designer brand, style number and purchase price, as this confirms it authenticity and quality.
What to do now, first steps
Take a look at our website CityProm.co.uk for ideas. Follow the links to other styles from our suppliers as not all dresses may be available in store but may still be available to order. (October -February only) Take screen shots of any preferred styles. At your consultation this will help us pick dresses for you to try and give us a preview of your style.
Have a sensible chat with your family about what prices they are happy to pay for your dream dress. Think about how you too could contribute to the cost. Decide who you would like to bring to your appointment. Who will help you the most to make your decision? Mum, nan or best friend? You want someone whose opinion you trust but also someone whose approval you really want. If dad's approval really matters then he should be there with you.
Need more information about appointments at City Prom or other general information?
Finally, if you still have a question or you or a parent wants to talk things over with us give us a call or send a text to 07813 133794. The best time to have a general chat is midday till around 3pm, when the boutique is less busy. Then book your appointment and let the prom excitement begin.