Reservations & Shipping
Reservation Requests: Gowns and hoops can be reserved up to 4 weeks before an event with payment of rental fee and deposit. To reserve a gown:
(1) Put the gown option (with or without hoop) you select in your cart.
(2) Select the appropriate deposit and place in your cart.
(3) Check out to submit your order.
(4) Send us a message with your event dates.
This submits your rental and deposit fees and reserves your gown. You will receive an email confirming your reservation, shipping date, and return due date.
Refunds & Returns: Rental fees are fully refunded if an order is cancelled within 3 days of placing the order, and prior to shipping. After 3 days, or after the order is shipped, the rental fee is not refundable. Deposit fees are 100% refunded if an order is cancelled. Check your measurements carefully to make sure the dress you are renting will fit.
Exchanges: We want you to be happy with your item! Rental fees are not refundable, however you may exchange your gown for another available gown (less a $15 dry cleaning fee for the returned gown). Free shipping is not available on exchanges.
Theatrical Productions: Contact us for information about quantity discounts and longer term rentals for theatrical productions.
Accessories: Free shipping on accessories is available only with an accompanying dress rental. If you would like to rent accessories only, please contact us for shipping prices.
Domestic Shipping: All items are shipped by USPS priority mail (select the free shipping option at checkout rather than the priority mail option) and usually arrive 2-4 days after shipping. Customer pays return shipping (simply place the items back in the original shipping package, reseal, and ship - be sure to insure the package, let us know it is on its way, and send the tracking number).
International Orders: For international orders, please contact us for shipping rates and item availability. USPS Priority International shipping rates apply.
Rental Fees & Deposits
Fees & Deposits: Each item will list a rental fee and a deposit fee. When you add an item to your cart, you are adding the rental fee. To add the deposit, click the link for Rental Deposits under the Rent menu and select the required amount. As soon as we receive your item back in original condition, the deposit will be credited back to your account.
Items must be returned in original condition. We handle all cleaning, please do not attempt to clean an item. If dirt or stains have occurred, send us an email with a photo of the damage. As long as our cleaner can remove the stains, your full deposit amount will be returned. If items are damaged (tears, etc.) the cost of repairs will be deducted from the deposit (usually $12-$25). If items are damaged beyond repair, the deposit will be retained to cover the cost of the item. Determination of the degree of damage is solely determined by Civil War Ball Gowns; we will do our best to repair any damages, however some damage is too extensive or too visible to restore the gown to rentable condition.
Late Returns: Items not returned by the return due date will be considered purchased, and the deposit will not be returned. We understand that sometimes emergencies happen - if you think you will be late returning an item please contact us.
Sizing
Size: Check your measurements carefully before ordering. Rental fees are not refundable.
All gowns are measured with the gown laying flat on a table. The bust is measured from underarm seam to underarm seam and the waist is measured from side seam to side seam - these measurements are then doubled to approximate the circumference. The length is measured from the smallest part of the torso to the hemline as if the skirt dropped straight to the floor (see "Length" below). Take your measurements over whatever you will be wearing under the dress. Your measurements should be about 1" smaller than the dress measurements.
Length: Remember to consider the hoop you will be wearing when you select a gown. A 4-bone hoop will shorten the effective skirt length by about 2 inches, and a 6-bone hoop will shorten the effective skirt length by 3-4 inches.
Alterations: Alterations are not allowed. Even basting stitches will usually leave stitch marks behind. Depending on the gown, a basting stitch might be permitted in order to shorten the hem - check with us ahead of time if you are ordering a gown that might need to be shortened.