 After the dress began its journey from her home state of California last week, she got some disturbing news.
"I received a UPS alert that they won't be able to get into Washington on Monday and Tuesday because of security and the inauguration," the political consultant says.
Hurst worked the phones to try to arrange alternate ways to get her dress to the nation's capital in time for the ball.
Such logistics are serious business, especially to the thousands of women flocking to what has evolved into a celebration of unprecedented proportions inside the Beltway. Watch singer Aretha Franklin sings "My Country 'Tis of Thee" »
It's hard to keep track of all the soirees planned to commemorate the swearing-in of the country's 44th president, but some of the hottest tickets in town are to the 10 official inaugural balls to be hosted Tuesday night by The Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009. See the glamour of past balls
Melanie Roussell, a spokeswoman for the committee, said that in keeping with tradition, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, will make appearances at each of the official balls. Quiz: First ladies gowns
And there will be more than chips and dip for the new president and his fellow partygoers. "We will have a little more than light fare," said Roussell, who listed such menu items as penne Italiano and chilled chicken roulades with tomatoes, artichokes and pine nuts.
There will also be plenty of music for just about everyone's taste. The Neighborhood Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will feature recording artists including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Faith Hill, Shakira, and Alicia Keys. iReport.com: Are you in DC? Share your story
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Q&A: Presidential inauguration 2009 In addition to that event, there will be the Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball, held to honor active-duty and reserve military; the Youth Inaugural Ball for those ages 18 to 35, which celebrates the role young Americans can play in their communities; the Obama Home States and the Biden Home States inaugural balls; and the Eastern, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southern and Western inaugural balls.
Those not lucky enough to score a ticket or an invitation can always watch on television.
"We are trying to make this the most accessible inauguration in history," Roussell said. "We are encouraging people to plan parties in their own neighborhoods, and they can tune in and celebrate along with the president."
History isn't the only thing being made. Beauty appointments have piled up as attendees of both sexes indulge in marathon sessions of waxing, tweezing, buffing, exfoliating and grooming.
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Maisie Dunbar, a manicurist and the owner of M&M Nails and Wellness Center, said body wraps have become one of the most sought-after services at her Silver Spring, Maryland-based salon about 10 miles outside of Washington, D.C.
"Women come in and they want inches off immediately," said Dunbar, who expanded her hours and will be making special visits to the hotels of celebrity clients like Tyra Banks. "They've done what they shouldn't have over the holidays, and now they want it off so they can fit into their dresses. One treatment of a body wrap is not going to make that happen."
Pascale Lemaire, a stylist and former contestant on "Style Me with Rachel Hunter," said purple was a great color for a woman wanting to appear regal in her gown or dress. But she suspects that many will play it safe.
"We're going to see 'Old Faithful,' which is a whole lot of people in black," she said. "But don't even try and pull out that little black dress you wore to your last company party, because that will not fly at an inaugural ball."
Those bereft of a glam squad and personal shopper can still guard against the dreaded fashion twin faux pas.
DressRegistry.com saw a spike of women logging in their gala gowns.
"It's just been amazing, and people are so excited," said site founder Andrew Jones. "It's so easy for men to get ready for these events, but it's not about us."
"The women are the jewels of these events. Women globally do not want to take the time to buy that special dress and then go there and have someone else wearing it. Every woman wants to feel special and unique."
Fashion designer Kay Unger shared her exclusive designs submitted for Jill Biden's consideration with the registry site.
Erwin Gomez, owner of a salon that bears his name in the heart of Georgetown, said D.C. is abuzz as the flames of local fashionistas have been stoked with the appearance of so many celebrities.
Gomez works closely with the National Council of La Raza's ALMA Awards, and some of those clients attended the 2009 Latino Inaugural Gala, where they rubbed shoulders with Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and comedian George Lopez. 
Gomez said he was swamped with bookings, including an appointment to do the hair of Michelle Obama's sister-in-law. Despite his celebrity clientele, there won't be any price gouging for the multitudes of updo's, waves and curls.
"I know that some are doing it, but out of respect for where our economy is right now, I am not changing our prices because of the inauguration," he said. "Our salon is multicultural, just like our new president, and it's about supporting this historic event, not about money."
