Houghton’s Curated Lending Program
Archive Access: Bridal
For almost two decades, Houghton has been trusted by celebrities, stylists, and brides alike for exceptional craftsmanship, a distinct point of view, and pieces that expand what bridal can be.
An appointment-led experience designed to help you discover, style, and borrow.
A curated borrowing experience featuring signature Houghton designs, thoughtfully styled with complementary accessories and personalized fit guidance.
Frequently asked questions.
Archive Access is Houghton's borrowing program: a curated selection of signature archive looks, available to reserve online or through a private appointment at the Beverly Hills atelier. Your access period is eleven days in total — one week with the gown, plus two days of shipping on either side. The gown is inspected and pressed at Houghton Studio, and ships to arrive two days before your week begins. A prepaid return label is included.
The access fee is $1,250 and is applied at checkout. Two further charges are made: a dry-cleaning fee of $250, which is non-refundable and covers professional care of the gown on its return, and a $500 deposit. The deposit is a hold, not a charge against the gown; it is held for the duration of your access period and released back to your card within seven business days once the gown has been returned and passed inspection in good condition.
Sizing and fit are specified on each product page, and our size guide will help you check your measurements against the specified sizing on the product page. Should you have any questions about fit, please contact us directly — our styling experts will guide you. If you would like to try your gown in person, book a private appointment at the Beverly Hills atelier. If the gown does not fit, we will gladly exchange it for another look. Please note that once a reservation is confirmed, it is non-refundable.
When you reserve online, you receive the gown. When you book an in-person appointment, our stylist works with you to complete the look with complimentary shoes, veil, and jewelry from the archive.
For online reservations, we can create a temporary hem for you. Our stylists will confirm your measurements, and the gown may be altered provided it can be returned to its original form. If you book an in-person appointment, we will advise on alterations with you in the atelier and handle them in-house. Alterations range from $250 to $650.
Every gown is inspected before it leaves Houghton Studio, and again upon its return, and you will be notified within 48 hours of any damage or staining found, with images. Minor marks that cleaning can resolve are not charged. If the gown is damaged beyond repair, the $500 deposit is applied. To avoid a late fee, please ensure your return shipment is postmarked by the final day of your week; a return shipped late incurs a fee of $250 per day.
Spills happen, and we understand that hems will gather a little of the evening. Minor marks that our dry cleaners can resolve will not be charged against your deposit. A gown is considered damaged beyond repair when it cannot be restored by our seamstresses, or is stained to a degree that professional cleaning cannot remove. Upon the gown's return, Houghton will inspect it, send you images of any damage found, and advise whether it can be repaired. Only in the case of damage beyond repair is the $500 deposit applied.
Every shipment is insured. If the gown is lost on its way to you, we will replace it with a comparable gown. If the gown is lost in transit on its return, the $500 deposit is applied.
Have more questions?
Bridal Appointment
Made-To-Order Gown or Archive Access Appointment.
White Glove Service – VIP Bridal Appointment
White Glove Service is for Brides who want a custom gown.
