The Process

• Phone Call/Text: (951) 268-4452
• fB DM & video chat:  facebook.com/lonamillersmith
• IG DM: instagram.com/lonasmithcreates
• Email: info@hotmessdanceapparel.com
• Google Meet

We will discuss…

• Your timeline
• Your budget
• Your ideas & specifics; basically, your wants
• Your dancer or performer’s general size

From our discussion, we can determine if we can meet your custom or semi-custom dance costume expectations within your timeline & budget.

Feel free to download our sample estimates, which are available in our store.  They are free to download & will give you an idea of our line-item approach & pricing as does the Pricing Page.

Custom Dance Costume Deposit

Early-bird customers who book in January (or way in advance) do not get an invoice/estimate until we are closer to the production date.  Along with not knowing their future song, music, and look & feel of the piece, it is impossible to know the pricing of very specific items so far in advance. Alternatively, we have many materials & supplies on-hand, which are at a discount.

Specific estimates are created for viable requests. Example estimates are available for you to download in our store.

Invoices are written when needed. This is usually when we have prepared the costume for fitting.

Communication with our customers exposes more about their budget and expectations, allowing us to fulfill their order to the best of our ability, while remaining within their budget.  

Customers who book later will receive a quote if we have time for them and will be expected to pay a 50% deposit of the total amount quoted/invoiced. The quote pricing is valid for 24 hours and not official until locked in with a deposit. At peak season, multiple quotes are out and about.  The first to deposit for a specific timeslot first, gets it.  Some of our customers book in January with production scheduled for September-January.

Waitlisted clients are expected to pay more up front. 

Design Rendering

We create a generalized design rendering for reference & share it with you.

Measurements for Dance Costumes

You receive a password to access our measurements page. It has detailed instructions to take specific measurements of your dancer/competitor. We are happy to assist via video chat.

There are specific measurements required for different styles of costumes.  Accurate measurements are essential for a great fit.

Local Southern California residents may want to schedule their measurements in person with us.

Procurement of Materials

We procure materials needed to create your masterpiece, starting from the time we receive your deposit.  Sharing options & progress with you as we go.  

Production of Your Custom Dance Costume

Patterns are created for your costume, and the pieces are cut out.
Assembly of your custom costume begins.

Fitting Custom Costumes: Local & Remote

Costumes are shipped to remote customers for a fitting. Upon receipt, we schedule a video chat with you & your performer, wearing the costume & pinning areas as needed.  You return the costume to us.

Local customers do fittings in person, on an appointment basis.

Finish Assembly

We complete the costume as soon as the fitting is done, and for remote customers, when we receive it back. Everything is finalized to your fitting tweaks, if any.  Throughout the costuming process variations arise, and you are given the options of your choosing.  We want you to be as thrilled with & excited about your handmade custom costume as we are.

Baubles & Rhinestones

Rhinestones are added along with other decorative embellishments according to both our agreement and your budget.

Shipping Finished Product

The finished masterpiece is shipped to out-of-area customers when the invoice is paid in full. Local customers make an appointment to pick up their costume, pay the balance, and have a mini-photoshoot.

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Please be sure to read our agreement terms at checkout or click TERMS.