Our Complimentary Alterations

Our complimentary alterations have been a hallmark of our boutique for over 26 years. We first provided this amenity to guarantee the quality of our dresses which were all designed and produced in our boutique. We still provide complimentary alterations 26 years later to insure our clients receive the perfect fit for their perfect dress without incurring an additional expense on an already considerable purchase. This amenity, along with our generous layaway plan, has allowed countless young ladies to have the perfect dress of their dreams.

This amenity also receives the most inquiries and is the most challenging to offer. As we've grown, the demand for this amenity has grown. While we were once able to offer this amenity much more casually, we now must clarify our services and reinforce longstanding policies.

We guarantee the quality of our work but to accommodate all of our clientele in a timely manner and at a high level of quality, there are guidelines.

Our Terms

Our alterations are complimentary but they are not free.

• While there is no charge for alterations, they are not free. To say they are free implies they have no value, when they are of an exceptional value. We have mistakenly used the term "free" in the past and have ceased use of the term.

Our complimentary alterations are not included in the purchase price.

• This has always been the case, since the very beginning.
• It is an amenity we provide at our own expense and time.
• It is an amenity we provide above and beyond your purchase.
• We provide this amenity to ensure our clients receive the perfect fit in their perfect dress at a significant savings.

We are under no obligation to provide this amenity and you are under no obligation to accept.

• Again, this is a complimentary service we provide at our own expense for your benefit. If our terms and guidelines are inconvenient, you are welcome to have your dress or gown altered elsewhere. In certain situations, such as being a non-Oklahoma resident, it may be best for you to have your alterations completed locally.

Our complimentary alterations are only offered on regular priced wedding gowns and prom dresses.

• We do not offer alterations on any sale gowns or dresses.

We do not offer alterations, complimentary or otherwise, on bridesmaid dresses.

• Bridesmaid parties often involve many bridesmaids living in different areas, with different expectations, and very different schedules. The coordination of these differences is simply beyond our current capability. We sincerely believe our bridesmaids are better served having their alterations completed locally on their own specific schedules. This policy is effective May 1st, 2014 but is by no means permanent. We are exploring partnerships and solutions to provide the best possible experience for our bridesmaids.

We reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy.

• In particular, we may occasionally offer discounts to clients foregoing our complimentary alterations to reduce our seamstress' workload.

Our Services 

 While our complimentary alterations cover most, we do not cover restyling or added materials.

• Any alteration that changes the dress from its original design and appearance is a restyle.
• Adding any additional material not original to the dress is also extra.
• However, the costs for restyling and additional material are minimal and far below market rate

Basic Alterations		Market Rate	Pomp & Pageantry
Letting Out or Taking In (under 2")		$50-$150	$0
Hem		$100-200	$0
Bustle (per loop)		$25-$50	$0
Adjusting Straps		$25-$50	$0
	Total:	$250-$450	$0
Restyling & Added Material		Market Rate	Pomp & Pageantry
Adding a Corset Back		$50-$100	$40-$60
Adding Straps		$50-$75	$20-$50
Cutting a Slit		$50-$75	$30-$40
Adding a Panel		$50-$75	$20-$40
Taking up or in more than 4"		$100-$200	$20-$40
Restyling Neckline		$100-$200	$20-$40
Adding Cups		$20-$40	$15

*The prices listed above are for bridal gowns. Prices for formal gowns may be much less.

Appointments and Schedule

We require 4 weeks to complete bridal alterations and 2 weeks for formal alterations or rush fees may apply.

• There is a rush charge of $40 for bridal or $20 for formal alterations under those time frames.
• Alterations cannot be performed until the dress is paid in full.

Alterations fittings are only available Monday thru Friday from 3:00pm-5:00pm.

• During peak seasons, alterations fittings may be available until 6:00pm or later.
• There is a $20 charge for fittings on Saturday.
• Our seamstresses do not work on Saturday, but may come in to assist you at their own discretion and fee.
• Most boutiques do not offer alterations fittings 5 days a week and even fewer offer Saturday fittings under any terms.

Restrictions

We are not responsible for fluctuations in weight or size between fittings.

• The process from purchase through various fittings may last several months. Fluctuations in weight and size are not unusual. This is especially true if that period extends over the holidays or if the client is younger and still experiencing changes in growth. We often have brides who fail to meet diet goals or are overly successful.
• At the time of your first fitting and every subsequent fitting, we will take your measurements.
• We do not alter your dress to these measurements. These measurements are for our records.
• In the event a size fluctuation that results in another fitting or extra work there may be an additional charge.

Our seamstresses our trained to provide the perfect fit for the duration of your event. We are not responsible for any damage or discomfort if the advice of our seamstress is ignored and overruled.

• Clients often insist on a fit that is impractical for an event involving sitting, dancing, etc.
• Terms such as "tight" or "loose" are very subjective terms. They are often requested without regard to practicality or comfort.
• After you have been pinned, we will take a fitted measurement.
• We do not alter your dress to these measurements. These measurements are for our records.

You are responsible for bringing the appropriate shoes for your alterations fittings.

• Your dress will be marked and/or cut to your chosen heel height.
• If needed, you may borrow a pair from us but you are still responsible for that selection.
• A measurement of your chosen heel height will be taken at your fitting.

We will make every effort to contact you with the information you provide but you are ultimately responsible for contacting us to schedule or cancel an appointment or for any other inquiries.

• Please leave us more than one method of contacting you.
• All too often we've called and called with no reply, only to have clients claim there was no call.
• We keep records of every phone call made to a client, including topic, and we match them with our phone records.
• Please leave us more than one method of contacting you.

Our offer of complimentary alterations expires the day of your event as first noted.

• If your event is canceled or delayed or any other reason, we will not alter your dress or gown after the date for your event has passed.
• If you chose to push back your event, we will only honor that initial date.
• We schedule our seamstresses according to the projected workload from recent purchases.
• Clients bringing gowns and dresses from years or several years past will cause delays and scheduling conflicts for other clients

Guarantees

While we guarantee the quality of our gowns and the quality of our work, alterations are considered complete after leaving the store. We strongly recommend trying on your dress before leaving the store. We also recommend picking up your dress Monday through Friday before 6pm. If you require a final adjustment, a seamstress will be able to quickly make any changes.

We are not responsible for any wear and tear that may occur.

There are NO refunds, NO store credit, and NO exchanges on altered dresses.

We apologize if the schedule and terms seem prohibitive, but please keep in mind few bridal boutiques offer alterations from an in-house seamstress or offer appointments 5 days a week much less a Saturday option under any terms. Even fewer offer them as a complimentary amenity. Clients who are willing to work with us under these terms are rewarded with substantial savings and a perfect fit.

Our Very Generous Layaway Plan

Since the beginning, we've offered a very generous layaway plan. Bridal and formal dresses can be prohibitively expensive and for many clients it's the best and most affordable option for getting the dress of their dreams. We firmly believe that our most perfect dress will always look better on you than it will ever look on a rack in our boutique.
This amenity receives many inquiries and is very challenging to offer. As we've grown, the demand for this amenity has grown. While we were once able to offer this amenity much more casually, we now must clarify our services and reinforce longstanding policies.

Our Terms

Wedding Gowns

If purchasing a wedding gown off the rack we require 30% of the final purchase price, including tax, as a down payment.

• Very few bridal boutiques offer layaway.

If special ordering a wedding gown we require 50% of the final purchase price, including tax, as a down payment.

• Few bridal boutiques offer partial payment when placing a special order. Most require payment in full.

All down payments are non-refundable after 3 business days.

• We want you to be 100% happy with your dress and allow 3 business days in the event you change your mind.
• Most boutiques will not grant any grace period. Please call ahead before shopping elsewhere.

After the initial payment, we require a minimum monthly non-refundable payment of $100 with the balance paid in full within 6 months.

• If you are unable to make a payment, contact us immediately. We will contact you regardless, but if you contact us immediately we may be able to arrange a different payment schedule.
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Prom, Pageant, Quinceañera, and Formal Gowns

If purchasing a prom, pageant, quinceañera, or formal gown off the rack we require 30% of the final purchase price, including tax, as a down payment.

• Very few bridal boutiques offer layaway.

If special ordering a prom, pageant, quinceañera, or formal gown we require 50% of the final purchase price, including tax, as a down payment.

• Few bridal boutiques offer partial payment when placing a special order. Most require payment in full.
• All down payments are non-refundable after 3 business days.
• We want you to be 100% happy with your dress and allow 3 business days in the event you change your mind.
• Most boutiques will not grant any grace period. Please call ahead before shopping elsewhere.

After the initial payment, we require a minimum monthly non-refundable payment of $50 with the balance paid in full within 3 months.

• If you are unable to make a payment, contact us immediately. We will contact you regardless, but if you contact us immediately we may be able to arrange a different payment schedule.

Bridesmaid Dresses

If purchasing or special ordering a bridesmaid dress, require 50% of the final purchase price, including tax, as a down payment.

If special ordering bridesmaid dresses, we will accept separate payments from multiple bridesmaids but one person must assume responsibility and liability for any balance due.

• If any bridesmaid or bride is not comfortable with the responsibility and liability of any balance due from their own chosen party, it is unreasonable to expect us to assume that responsibility and liability.

All down payments are non-refundable after 3 business days.

• We want you to be 100% happy with your dress and allow 3 business days in the event you change your mind.
• Most boutiques will not grant any grace period. Please call ahead before shopping elsewhere.

After the initial payment, we require a minimum monthly non-refundable payment of $100 with the balance paid in full within 6 months.

• If you are unable to make a payment, contact us immediately. We will contact you regardless, but if you contact us immediately we may be able to arrange a different payment schedule.

Requirements & Restrictions

You must agree to all of the terms above, without exception, and in writing.

• You acknowledge and agree your down payment is non-refundable after 3 business days.
• You acknowledge and agree your minimum monthly payments are non-refundable.
• You acknowledge and agree your balance is to be paid in full within the appropriate time frame.
• If ordering bridesmaids, you or at least one person acknowledge and agree to assume responsibility and liability for any balance due.

There are no hidden fees, penalties, or a credit application.

If you are unable to fulfill your obligation then you simply lose your deposit and any payments made.

You will not be paying off a dress for years to come on a high interest credit card laden with fees.

While we will contact you regarding any outstanding balance or to make payment arrangements, you are ultimately responsible for contacting us regarding any outstanding balance and to make payment arrangements.

• You are responsible for providing us with the correct means of contact.
• If we do call reminding you of a late payment, you agree to return the call.

In the event you cannot fulfill your obligation, we do not give store credit.

• As a matter of fashion, these dresses have a shelf-life. The dress you purchased may no longer be in fashion after a given season. If it's a special order, it may not be in a common size or length. We will have greater difficulty reselling your dress and may have to mark it down to do so. That dress will also occupy valuable retail space until sold.

If you are taking advantage of our complimentary alterations, your balance must be paid in full for them to begin.

• You may schedule your first fitting but it cannot take place without that final payment.
• If your final payment is by personal check, there is also a 2 week period before we can begin those alterations or fittings.

We apologize if the guidelines and terms seem prohibitive, but please keep in mind few bridal boutiques allow partial payment and layaway. Even fewer allow partial payment and layaway on special orders. Our generous layaway plan requires a significant amount of effort to provide and maintain. We do have a few customers, from time to time, who try to take advantage of our generosity and we spend a fair amount of time chasing payments. However, for the young ladies who leave our store with the perfect dress of their dreams it is well worth the trouble.

2014 Pomp & Pageantry Prom Shopping Guide

We put together this 2014 Prom Shopping Guide to help take you through our boutique’s offerings and policies. This is a big decision and we want you to be fully informed and prepared. Feel free to message us with any questions and we’ll update this blog accordingly.

• All of our new 2014 Prom dresses feature complimentary alterations. 
  

  • Our complimentary alterations are not included in the purchase price. It is an amenity we provide in addition to your purchase. You are under no obligation to take advantage of this amenity. If you do choose to take advantage of this amenity, you agree to any limitations and restrictions. We guarantee the quality of our work, but to accommodate all of our clientele in a timely manner and at a high level of quality, there are guidelines.
• Whether you spend $300, $700, or any amount in between, your perfect dress deserves the perfect fit. This is an amenity no other boutique will offer. Keep in mind, that our prices are usually equal or less than elsewhere, including online.
• Our dresses often feature extensive bead work and other fine details. Altering these gowns requires skilled handwork from an experienced seamstress. We have in-house seamstresses with decades of experience in our boutique. They will give your perfect dress the perfect fit free of charge.
• Our complimentary alterations cover what most clients require but do not cover restyling or additional materials. Turning a ball gown into a cocktail dress is a restyle. Adding a corset back or cups requires additional material.
• If you do require any of these services, our seamstresses can provide them at a cost far below market rate. For example, we charge $15 to add cups and that price includes the cups. Most will charge $50. Adding a corset back is usually $40-60. Most will charge over $100. Again, this is done in-house by our staff. Most boutiques will send you elsewhere or bring in an outside seamstress. We guarantee our work, many will not.
• Fittings are available Monday through Friday. They may be available on Saturdays for a $20 fee. Our seamstresses generally do not work weekends but may come in on their own time to assist you. We apologize for any inconvenience, but please keep in mind few boutiques offer in-house alterations. Even fewer offer them 5 days a week. No other will offer them for free.
• For more in-depth information check out "Our Complimentary Alterations" blog post.

• We offer a very generous layaway plan.
• There are no credit checks, hidden fees, or unreasonable deadlines. We only ask 30% down and a minimum payment of $50 a month until paid. If you’re special ordering, we ask 50% down and a minimum payment of $50 a month until paid. Your dress must be paid in full before your first fitting and before your complimentary, free alterations begin. You have 3 business days to change your mind. After the grace period, all payments made are non-refundable.
• For more in-depth information check out "Our Very Generous Layaway Plan" blog post.

• We’ll feature over 15 different designers this year and receive almost 1,000 different dresses over the course of the season.
• No other boutique in Oklahoma City will feature:, Precious Formals, Jovani, Party Time Formals, Terani Couture, Showtime Collection, Blush Prom, Sean Collection, Riva Designs, Paparazzi by Mori Lee, Flirt by Maggie Sottero, Sticks & Stones by Mori Lee, Mystique Prom, Alyce Paris, & Tony Bowls.
• Keep in mind these dresses do not arrive at the same time. They will arrive over the course of a few months. We will also be re-ordering and possibly adding designers as the season goes along.
• While we stock sizes 0-20+, we don't have every dress in every size in stock. We may have the dress you love but it may not be in your size. We can alter the dress but you may need to special order your size. If so, you'll need to special order soon to guarantee delivery.
• We have a one-of-a-kind selection. We won't order a dress in a variety of sizes. Most dresses we will order one in one size. We may reorder the dress and we can special order you another, but once a dress is sold it's gone. If you see a dress you like, don't wait. It may not be available and it may take too long to reorder.
• Our dresses are priced $300-$700. We make a great effort to buy the best dresses at the best prices for our customers.
• We post photos of all arriving dresses on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

• We register every prom dress we sell and we will not sell the same dress to the same school, not even in a different color.
• We can’t guarantee it won’t be purchased elsewhere, but it won’t be from us. Your perfect dress belongs on you and no one else.

• Members of the US Armed Forces and their families receive a 10% discount.
• Please notify your sales consultant and be able to present a military ID.

• We’re giving away $2000 in Pomp & Pageantry Gift Cards for the best Prom Photos.
• Take your best prom photo in our dress and submit it to our Facebook page for a chance to win a top prize of $500 in Pomp & Pageantry Gift Cards. 

• We welcome comparison shoppers and encourage photos. Most boutiques will only allow photographs after purchase or not at all. We firmly believe we are your best choice for one of the biggest nights of your life. We’ve been a part of countless occasions for over 25 years and we want to be a part of yours.
  Beginning January 12th, we will be open Sundays from 1pm-5pm.

Your First Visit: What to Bring, Who to Bring, Etc

The biggest day of your life is preceded by some of the biggest decisions of your life. After 25 years we've acquired a few tips and best practices to make your visit efficient and productive.

It's never too early to begin looking. Special orders can take up to 6 months. We'll need up to 4 weeks to complete your complimentary alterations. If you're planning to diet down, you may need an additional fitting if you miss your target. You'll also have ample time to pay off your dress with our generous layaway plan.

We welcome everyone you choose to bring, but advise against bringing an entourage. More guests means more opinions and those opinions may not reflect what you desire. We understand the pressure to include everyone in the process but if that's the case, we suggest doing some visits on your own with a trusted friend or two. In particular, someone who truly understands what you want and/or has a similar vision. After narrowing your choices and the specific boutiques then you can involve that larger group. Their own experience will be more enjoyable if they are choosing between 2 or 3 of your selections at 1 or 2 boutiques than choosing between 4 or 6 selections from 3 or 4 boutiques. They'll still play a role in the process and you can spend the rest of the day enjoying their company and planning the rest of your big day. In any event, all of your guests are welcome.

We do welcome well-behaved, supervised children but please limit the number of children for obvious reasons.

Please do bring any accessories you have already purchased or plan to wear, your shoes in particular. During your first visit you can borrow a pair of ours and we have a few different heights. At the time of your first fitting you'll definitely want to bring the shoes you plan to wear. A hand-me-down like a veil or headpiece is a great item to bring, especially if it's a particular color or shade.

If you know your venue and the time of day, please tell your consultant. Whether it's indoors or out and  night or day has a significant impact on your selection. Our bridal dressing room lights can be dimmed if you wish to see how your gown may look at night or indoors. You're also welcome to leave your dressing room and view yourself on a showroom pedestal for more natural lighting.

Do your homework and come with a few examples in hand. We post every single gown we receive as they arrive. Our Facebook and Pinterest pages are a great resource for our new arrivals. However, keep an open mind. More often than not, a bride leaves with a different gown than she anticipated. We have a lot to choose from and our consultants can recommend options that are truly flattering.

Be honest about your size. We carry gowns from 0-20+ and our clients come in every shape. We've seen it all and the measuring tape doesn't lie. Most designers run a few sizes smaller or larger than normal clothing. Please don't be offended if we recommend ordering a size larger. It's much easier to take a dress in than let it out. Knowing and ordering the correct size makes for a better fit.

Cameras and pictures are usually forbidden throughout the industry. These restrictions originated for competitive reasons and to reduce counterfeiting. In the modern era, every designer posts photos of their gowns online. Still, most boutiques forbid photographs until at least the point of sale. Even Kleinfeld from TLC's reality show, "Say Yes to the Dress" forbids photographs.

At Pomp & Pageantry, we are so confident in our customer service, prices, complimentary, free alterations, and generous layaway plan that we not only allow photographs but we encourage them. In fact, we have wireless internet available if you wish to Facetime or Skype a friend or family member.

We only ask that photos be limited to appointments or the dressing rooms. Pulling out dresses and running through the racks snapping pictures would create a mess and be a distraction to other clients. Photos of our collection are readily available on our Facebook and Pinterest pages.

This concludes the opening series of our blog. Please check back often as we cover other aspects of our boutique, products, events, and other frequently asked questions. If you have a request to review a venue, product, or other questions please email us at help@pompandpageantryokc.com. If we cover your inquiry on our blog we'll send you a $25 Pomp and Pageantry Gift Card.

Yesterday: "Appointments & Walk-Ins"

Appointments & Walk-Ins

While we accept walk-ins depending on availability, we strongly recommend an appointment. An appointment ensures you will have a dedicated bridal consultant and bridal dressing room. A bridal consultant will make your experience more efficient and productive. There are a lot of gowns to choose from and a bridal consultant can match the right dress to your needs and even suggest alternatives you may not have considered. A bridal consultant will also have better knowledge of what may be in a designer catalog but not on the rack.

If you're concerned about high pressure sales, don't be. Our focus is providing the best customer service possible. We're so confident in our customer service, our prices, our complimentary alterations, and our generous layaway plan we don't need to pressure our clients. This is your special day and we're happy to be a part of  that day. If you want to shop around, that's fine. We're confident you'll return like so many others the past 25 years.

We respect your budget. We may suggest a dress that's slightly higher because it may better fit your needs. We won't put you in a dress beyond your budget in the hopes you'll spend more than you feel comfortable. We won't wait until you've fallen in love with a dress beyond your budget to tell you the price. Unlike many boutiques, our prices are clearly marked on our dresses.

If you're walking in, we'll do our best to accommodate you. If there is no bridal consultant or bridal dressing room available, we will either take you as soon as one becomes available or we can schedule you for another time. Regardless, you are more than welcome to peruse the gowns on your own. We've recently attached designer photos to our garment bags to better assist walk-ins. You can also use this time to view our bridesmaid dresses and the available color swatches. If you don't see anything on the rack that catches your eye, you can also view our designer catalogs. If we can't get to you that day, we will happily schedule you an appointment at your convenience.

Please call us at 405.631.1927 to make an appointment. We do get really busy and if you can't get through please email us at help@pompandpageantryokc.com with a contact number and best times to call and we will get back to you. We look forward to helping you find that perfect dress.

Yesterday: "Our Prices"
Tomorrow: "Your First Visit: What to Bring, Who to Bring, Etc"