Your complete guide to booking a prom dress appointment at CityProm
Booking your first prom dress appointment is exciting — but if it's your first time, it's completely normal to wonder what to expect. At CityProm, every appointment is private, unhurried, and built entirely around you. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Why we book by appointment only
Unlike high-street stores, CityProm operates entirely by private 1-2-1 appointment. It's not a gimmick — it's how we're able to offer every family the boutique to themselves for a full hour, with no queuing for the fitting room and no rushing between customers. It's the same considered experience you'd expect from bridal shopping, designed especially for prom.
Before you book: A few things to think about
Decide who's coming with you. We suggest bringing two or three guests — whoever helps you make decisions best. For some girls that's a best friend or sister; for others, it's mum, dad, or nan. Bring whoever's opinion you trust most, and whose approval genuinely matters to you.
Have a family chat about budget. Our designer prom dresses range from £399 to £799, with most falling between £500–£599. A quick conversation about what you're comfortable spending before your appointment means you can focus on styles within your budget, rather than falling for something outside it.
Save your inspiration. Screenshots of styles you love — even from other collections — help us understand your taste and pull similar looks from our rails as a starting point. No inspiration yet? That's fine too; we're just as happy to start from scratch based on your body shape and personality.
What happens during your appointment
Your hour-long private appointment includes full 1-2-1 styling advice. We'll chat about your ideas, talk through price points as we go, and pull dresses based on your preferences, body shape, and what catches your eye as you browse. There's no limit on how many dresses you can try — some girls like a small, focused selection; others prefer to work through everything before narrowing it down. We adapt to you.
A few practical tips:
Avoid fake tan and heavy makeup, which can transfer onto delicate fabrics
Simple, plain underwear works best under fitted styles
If you're planning on shapewear, buy it before your appointment
Many of our dresses have built-in bust support, so a special bra often isn't necessary
Is there an appointment fee?
During peak season — typically January to June, and other busy promotional periods — a £25 appointment fee applies to your first hour-long appointment. It's fully redeemable against any purchase made on the day or at a follow-up visit, and it helps us keep appointments calm, unhurried, and available to everyone who wants one. We'll always confirm whether your date falls within peak season when you book.
Take your dress home the same day
Every dress in our boutique is available to buy and take home immediately — we don't sell from samples, and we don't offer holds or payment plans. If you fall in love with a dress, it's yours to take away there and then, giving you plenty of time to sort alterations and accessories well before prom night.
Ready to book your CityProm appointment?
As Cardiff's only stockist of Tania Olsen, Amarra Prom Morilee Prom and Ellie Wilde, CityProm offers a genuinely exclusive appointment experience you won't find on the high street.
Book your private appointment today, or read our full FAQ page for more detail on what to expect. You can also call or WhatsApp us on 07813 133794 — we can't wait to meet you.