It starts with us -

and it's all about you!

It starts with us - and it's all about YOU!

About image
It Starts With Us - and It's All About You
At Sheri's in Fort Smith, we believe finding your dream gown should be one of life's most joyful experiences.  From brides to pageant queens, our goal is to help you make a lasting impression with the perfect dress - one that reflects your personality, confidence, and style.

Our dedicated team, affectionately known as "Sheri's Stylists", brings both experience and excellence to every appointment.  We're not just here to sell dresses - we're here to guide, celebrate, and inspire.  Whether you're saying "I do" or stepping into the spotlight, we'll help you find a gown that makes you feel absolutely unforgettable.

You'll notice right away that at Sheri's, the experience is different.  Our stylists do not work on commissions, so you'll never face pushy sales tactics or pressure to buy.  Instead, you'll enjoy a relaxed, luxury environment and one-on-one attention that's honest, sincere, and completely focused on you.

We also specialize in pageant gowns for little girls and women and can help you design or customize a truly "crown-worthy" look that captures your individuality and confidence.  Our selection of prom gowns, homecoming dresses, mother of the bride, gala or wedding guests' dresses is selected to meet the styles and personal tastes of our customers.

At Sheri's, every detail, every fitting, and every "yes to the dress" moment comes from the heart - because for us, it truly is, and always will be.......ALL ABOUT YOU!
Appointment Guest Size and Information
Bridal Appointments: Brides may bring up to 5 guests during normal hours. For parties with more than 5 guests, a private appointment is required. The $100 private party fee will be applied to your dress purchase or otherwise is non-refundable. After hours private appointments are also available and special requests can be made concerning refreshments and finger foods.  

Please note that our store is not child-friendly, and children under 12 years of age should not attend bridal appointments. 

Pageant & Formal: We encourage limiting guests to 2 (including shopper) due to limited space and seating. If you bring more than 2 guests, we cannot guarantee seating.

We can’t wait to style you! Bridal and pageant fittings are by appointment only so we can ensure you receive dedicated time with your stylist. Prom, HOCO, and other formal fittings are welcome anytime— but scheduling is recommended during busy seasons! Need help booking, or don’t see the time you want? Give us a call at 479-763-1516 and we’ll do our best to help! A credit card is required to hold your appointment. A $50 fee applies to missed or late-canceled (under 24 hours) appointments.


  • Off-the-Rack: 30% of the final purchase price (tax included) is required as a non-refundable down payment.  
  • Special Orders: 50% of the final purchase price (tax included) is required as a non-refundable down payment.
  • Payments on Layaway & Special Orders: Monthly non-refundable payments are required, with the full balance paid within 3 months.
  • All payments are non-refundable.  

Requirements & Restrictions:

  • You must agree to all of the following, without exception, and in writing.  
    • You acknowledge and agree your down payment is non-refundable.
    • 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.
  • No hidden fees, penalties, or credit applications. Failure to pay results in forfeiting your payments.
    • If you're unable to make a payment, contact us immediately to discuss arrangements.
  • No store credit is issued for canceled layaways.


Why We Ask for a Credit Card When Booking

We ask for a credit card when you book your appointment to hold your spot. When you schedule with us, that time is reserved just for you — we make sure our team is ready and available to serve you.If something comes up and you can’t make it, no problem! Just let us know ahead of time so we can offer your spot to another customer. Your card will not be charged unless you miss your appointment without canceling in advance. In that case, we’ll apply a $25 no-show fee to help cover our team’s time and the missed opportunity to assist someone else.Thank you for understanding — this small step helps us keep things running smoothly and ensures everyone gets the service time they need!


Why Do We Request That Minors Be Accompanied by Someone 21 or Older When Shopping?

At Sheri’s, everyone is welcome — absolutely everyone! During our busiest times of year, such as prom and homecoming season, our staff works hard to provide personalized attention to each customer looking for their perfect dress.We’ve found that having minors accompanied by someone 21 or older helps ensure that our fitting rooms and sales floor remain focused on guests who are seriously shopping and ready to make a purchase. We know that trying on dresses and taking photos is fun, but during peak times, we want to make sure our team can dedicate their time and expertise to those actively selecting and buying their gown.Thank you for your understanding — it helps us keep the Sheri’s experience enjoyable and efficient for everyone!


Why Does a Sheri’s Staff Member Need to Help Me in the Dressing Room?

We totally understand wanting a friend or family member to help, but at Sheri’s, our staff are required to assist customers with trying on dresses.Here’s why: our team is trained to handle each gown carefully and to make sure it fits just right. If a zipper sticks, a seam pulls, or a bead comes loose while we’re helping, that’s on us — you won’t be held responsible. If someone from your group were to help instead, any accidental damage could make the customer liable, and we definitely don’t want that!So, to keep both you and the dresses safe (and looking fabulous!), we kindly ask that our staff assist you during your fitting. 💖


Understanding Formal & Bridal Dress Sizing

Formal wear and bridal gowns are sized very differently from everyday clothing. For example, if you normally wear a size 8 in your daily clothes, you may need a size or two larger in formal or bridal styles — that’s completely normal!Each designer — like Jovani, Ashley Lauren, Allure, or Rachel Allan — also has its own unique fit and measurements. At Sheri’s, we use your regular clothing size as a helpful starting point and guide you to the formal size that fits your body best.Please don’t be discouraged by the number on the tag — it’s just how formal sizing works. What truly matters is how you look and feel in your dress. And we’re here to make sure you feel confident, comfortable, and absolutely stunning. ✨You are beautiful in every size — and we’ll help you find the one that fits you perfectly.

Sheri's Fantastic Staff

Sheri Smeltzer Stell

Owner

Miss Arkansas USA 1987, Sr Ms Arkansas State Fair Queen 2021, Former Owner Arkansas USA State Pageants, Miss Arkansas America Hall of Fame inductee 2021, Miss Arkansas America Top 5 finalist - talent and swimsuit winner multiple years. Professional vocalists - opener for country artists as Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, Don Williams, Ricky Skaggs, and Ronnie Milsap. Featured vocalist at the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and the Inaugural ceremony for then Governor Bill Clinton. She is married to her husband, Tim for 30 years and has one son, Gray - a Fort Smith Firefighter and First Responder

Katelyn Gallardo

Assistant Manager

Katelyn Gallardo serves as the Assistant Manager. She is a Junior Honor Student at UAFS, majoring in History with a Social Studies Teacher Licensure. Katelyn has been closely associated with Sheri's since 2019, playing a pivotal role as the lead buyer. Enthusiastically participating in pageantry since age 7, she has achieved numerous local and statewide titles. Katelyn is also an accomplished cross-country and half-marathon runner. Her achievements include being a two-time state essay winner for the VFW Patriot Pen Program and earning 8th place nationally.

Alayna Turner

Formal & Bridal Stylist

A Senior attending UAFS majoring in Media Communications with a minor in Public Speaking. Vice President of Public Relations for Gamma Phi Beta sorority. A former preliminary title holder and Miss Arkansas contestant. A vocalist and an avid equestrian. A published writer for Arkansas Living Magazine. 2022 Arkansas Youth Tour Delegate to Washington DC. Advocates for PTSD Veterans in public schools promoting Military Kids Month of April throughout the RiverValley.

Camdyn Dove

Formal & Bridal Stylist

Tommie Attee

Formal & Bridal Stylist

Tim Stell

Co-Owner, Sheri's "Better Half" & All Around Good Guy!

  • 5305 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR, USA

Hours ⭐️Tuesday - Friday 11-6 ⭐️Saturday 10-3 ⭐️Sunday - Monday CLOSED ⭐️BRIDAL SHOPPING IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Walk-Ins accepted as long as a personal stylist and dressing room is available. Please check with the store!


Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the team at Sheri's Bridal and Formal.   Please complete the fields below including a brief description of your previous experience in the bridal and/or formal wear industry in the "message" box.  Upon receipt we will forward an Employment Application.  You must return the Application and a Resume to sherisbridalandformal@gmail.com within 2 weeks of receipt to be considered for the current position being posted.  After receipt of your Application and Resume, if selected, you will be contacted by a team member of Sheri's to schedule an interview.