The Wolsfelt family has been in Aurora's formal wear trade since 1973. That year, the family's bridal site recounts, Don and Donna Wolsfelt turned their flourishing floral business into a full-service bridal salon. Their daughters, Vicki and Dawn, have worked in the business since the start and now own it. PBS Lakeshore's "Friends & Neighbors" later had the sisters on to tell the story of those floral shop beginnings.
Wolsfelt's Prom on Ashland Avenue is the branch the family keeps for school dances. Prom, homecoming and special occasion dresses are the whole floor, and the About page adds pageant gowns.
How a stylist session works on Ashland Avenue
Appointments aren't required, but the FAQ strongly encourages them, and each person gets one per day. Walk-ins are always welcome. In prom and homecoming season the wait for a free stylist can run 15 to 45 minutes, and the shop keeps a heated patio for waiting. Nobody browses alone. Every customer is assisted by a stylist, a rule the store says protects its delicate dresses. Two friends can't share a booking, either, since each person trying on gets her own room and stylist.
The Guest Guide lays out the rest. A session opens with a brief consultation. Your stylist takes your measurements, pulls styles, and handles the zipping and lacing, because the guide notes that sizing varies by silhouette, fabric and designer. Fitting rooms are private, but you step out into the main showroom to see the dress. Most appointments last around 45 minutes.
How a Wolsfelt's Prom session runs (a guide)
First
A brief consultation with your stylist, who takes your measurements
Then
The stylist pulls styles and does the zipping and lacing for you
Then
Change in a private room, then view the dress in the main showroom
Last
Most sessions wrap up in about three quarters of an hour
Space is tight, so each shopper may bring up to two guests. The store's advice is to bring your best decision-makers. Guests stay out of the fitting room area, and there is no food or drink on the floor. Take off your jewelry before you start so nothing snags, and don't try to zip or tie a gown yourself.
Jovani, Primavera and the W Collection
The designer page lists seven collections. Jovani, Primavera Couture, Ashley Lauren and Alyce Paris cover the long gowns. The store describes Ashley Lauren's dresses as designed to highlight a woman's curves. Kate Parker is pitched for homecoming, from sequins to tight hoco dresses and A-lines.
The W Collection is the house label, exclusive to Wolsfelt's Prom. The family's private line leans toward short homecoming dresses, in satin, sequins and corset bodices. The FAQ adds that the store carries a large selection of exclusive dresses that can only be found at Wolsfelt's Prom in the Chicagoland area.
Sizes 000 to 26 are in the store, and stylists can talk through extended sizes. The Curvy Collection is built around Sydney's Closet, the store's main plus-size designer, whose gowns are made only for sizes 14 to 40.
Prom sizes
000 to 40
- 000
- 00
- 0
- 2
- 4
- 6
- 8
- 10
- 12
- 14
- 16
- 18
- 20
- 22
- 24
- 26
- 28
- 30
- 32
- 34
- 36
- 38
- 40
Sizes 000 to 26 are in the store, and the Sydney's Closet curvy line runs 14 to 40. The dashes show a common 00 to 16 rack.
Hems, layaway and the no-registry rule
Alterations are done in house, at extra cost. Prices depend on fabric, layers and the work, and appointments go first come, first served. Allow four to six weeks. Some dresses need more than one fitting, and the full alteration bill is due at the first one. Bring the undergarments and shoes you'll wear that night.
Wolsfelt's takes major credit cards, checks and cash. Layaway is 50 percent down with 60 days to pay, plus a $15 service fee, and covers only merchandise in the store. Select styles can be special ordered in other colors and sizes for a $25 fee, and they can take up to four weeks to arrive. Unpaid dresses are never held, though your stylist will note the ones you loved for the next visit.
Fees
Layaway service fee
$15
Special order fee
$25
Alterations
Priced per dress
Two rules decide a lot. All sales are final, with no returns or exchanges for any reason, so check the gown over before checkout. And Wolsfelt's does not register dresses with any school. The FAQ is frank that someone at your event may be wearing the same dress, and it answers the worry this way.
The wearer makes every dress unique with their own way of styling
Tuxedos at the bridal building, and a quince shop
Tuxedos for dates come from the family's bridal salon, a separate building in Aurora. Labels include Kenneth Cole, Ike Behar, David Major, Ted Stanford, MOD and Couture 1910. Vest and tie colors are on hand for matching to the dress. There are slim fits, a wide size range, shoes to rent or buy and in-house alterations for minor adjustments.
For your date
Tuxedos at Wolsfelt's Bridal
Labels
Kenneth Cole, Ike Behar, David Major, Ted Stanford, MOD and Couture 1910
Matching
Vest and tie colors in the store
Shoes
Rent or buy
The family has also opened Quince Couture by Wolsfelt's in Aurora, a boutique for quinceañera gowns only.
Hours are short, so plan around them. The prom store is closed Sunday and Monday. It opens at noon Tuesday through Friday and closes at 5, except Thursday, when it stays open until 7 (5 in December). Saturday runs 10 to 5. East Aurora and West Aurora High Schools are both close, and Oswego, Naperville and Plainfield are all nearby. Fox Valley shoppers can compare other stores in our Illinois prom shop guide.
Before a Wolsfelt's Prom visit
Can my friend and I share one appointment?
No. Each person trying on dresses books her own appointment and gets her own fitting room and stylist, and the limit is one appointment per person per day.
Will Wolsfelt's make sure no one at my prom has my dress?
No. The store doesn't register dresses with schools, so a duplicate at your dance is possible.
What does layaway cost?
A $15 service fee, with half down and the balance due within 60 days. It applies to in-store stock only.
Can I put a dress on hold while I decide?
No. The store holds nothing unpaid, but your stylist keeps a note of your favorites for a return trip.