Atelier Studio Services
The Archive Bridal Atelier Sewing Studio:
A creative inspirational space that makes the store truly unique. All Archive Brides have access to the finest couture seamstresses to guarantee a perfectly tailored and beautifully fitted gown. Beyond alterations, the studio also offers gown customization’s ie: creating custom long sleeves making bespoke matching jackets and bridal companions.
Hand sewn laser cut lace and pearl details
A perfect fit after alterations!
Archive Bridal also produces fine handcrafted bridal accessories and custom gowns from scratch. Using only the finest fabrics, trimmings and couture sewing techniques, every Archive bride can have a truly one-of-a-kind accessory and dress. Visit the showroom to view the exclusive private label gowns and accessories. Complimentary consultation appointments are available to have a custom design made. Have a vision..? We can help you make it come true! Email info@archivebridal.com or call 760-918-1818
ALTERATION PROCESS AT ARCHIVE BRIDAL:
COST: Typically, brides can spend between $600 to $800 for regular alterations. We include a garment bag and steaming complimentary!
WHEN DO I PAY: We require a deposit of at least 50% at your first fitting and your final balance at your second fitting.
HOW TO PREPARE: You must have your exact wedding shoes! We also sell undergarments i.e.: Spanx, other shapewear, bras, tape, etc. we can decide at your fitting.
WHEN DO ALTERATIONS TAKE PLACE? Fittings take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10am to 4:00pm.
HOW MANY FITTINGS: Usually two times, sometimes three, over a span of 4 to 8 weeks depending on your time frame.
HOW LONG IS A FITTING: The actually fitting time takes about an hour.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ALTER MY GOWN: About 4 to 8 weeks depending on your time frame.
CAN ALTERATIONS BE RUSHED: Absolutely.
CAN I BRING PEOPLE: Yes, but please let us know ahead of time so we can cushion your appointment time.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE OR GAIN WEIGHT DURING THE PROCESS? We always guarantee you will have a perfectly fitted gown for your wedding day.
THE CUSTOM DRESS MAKING PROCESS
Step 1: Schedule a consultation with our in house designer and dressmaker. Have photos of dresses you love and be ready to try on a few base pieces to gage your style. Custom gowns start at a minimum of $2000. The entire process can take 6 weeks or up to 5 months depending on details of the dress.
Step 2: Approve your emailed sketches, pay a 50% deposit and schedule a second fitting to try on the muslin of your gown. Choose fabrics and details, buttons, zippers, etc.
Step 3: Try on your dress! Make any changes and additions. You could potentially have up to 3 additional fittings with the designer and dressmaker.
Step 4: Schedule the final fitting and pick up.
THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW BEFORE COMING IN
ARCHIVE BRIDAL FAQ’s
The store is always open to walk in and shop the large selection of wedding accessories, bridal jewelry, veils, honeymoon lingerie and to view the gowns in person. For purchasing gowns, an appointment is required. There are several types of bridal appointments to choose from on our appointments page. All appointments require a credit card number on hold to book.
Click on the “Appointment” page to request a date and time or call 760-918-1818 or text 619-707-3668 or email info@archivebridal.com. Due to the high demand for bridal appointments and limited time slots, especially during the weekends, changes or cancellations must be made at least 48 hours. Every appointment requires a credit card for a reservation, and there is a $50 fee for no-shows and cancellations occurring within 24 hours of the scheduled time. The showroom can accommodate a number of guests based on appointment types. For large parties we highly recommend arranging a VIP appointment.
VIP & special bridal party appointments can be arranged allowing you to have full private access to our store, including a two hour appointment, sweets & champagne, extended store hours, more guests and special deals. Rates begin at $650.00, available start time is usually at 4:00pm any day of the week. Currently we are accepting parties of 6-10 guests. Please inquire for pricing and availability by emailing info@archivebridal.com or by calling 760-918-1818 or texting to 619-707-3668.
If the bride is comfortable usually an Archive Bridal stylist will assist the bride in the fitting room to help properly put the gowns on. Brides feel best wearing nude comfortable underwear or spanx and nipple covers. In order for the stylists to guide the bride through the vast collection of bridal styles it will help the process to have the exact wedding date (weather), location (theme) and a few pictures of style inspirations. Please note our dresses can be ordered in any size, however the gowns in the store to try on and purchase off the rack range from sizes 0 – 14.
The wedding gowns in the store are very customizable and can range from $1800 – $10,000, with a majority of the gowns priced within the $2500 – $3500 range. All gowns are made to order and prices can vary based on customization’s such as adding beading, extra train length, unique sizing, adding sleeves, etc. Contact the store by calling 760-918-1818 or emailing info@archivebridal.com to inquire about a price of any specific gown.
Brides typically should shop up to 4 to 12 months before the wedding day. All gowns in the store are new and available to purchase off the sales floor. Sizes in the store vary from 4 – 14. There are many creative ways to try on gowns beyond the size ranges. Most gowns can be ordered from sizes 0 – 28. Typically gowns take approximately 3 – 6 months to order, some styles in certain sizes may be in stock and ready in two weeks, some designers offer an 8 – 12 week rush option for an additional fee. A deposit of 50% down is required to place an order and can be made via cash, check or any major credit card. There are also PAY-IN-4 finance options.
There are no extra fees for steaming or garment bags. All Archive gowns are thoroughly inspected, steamed and placed in a complimentary wedding gown garment bag. Pick ups take place in the store with a stylist to go over all the details. Archive Bridal takes pride in ensuring all brides have well fitted gowns and will guide them through the entire gown fit and care process. A seamstress is readily available if any alterations are needed. Alteration appointments take place only during the weekdays.
The perfect fit is just as important as finding the perfect dress. All sewing is done in house so there’s no need to stress about searching for a good seamstress. Archive Bridal is present and with the bride every step of the way, making gown purchasing a fun and memorable experience to enjoy. The stylists are familiar with sewing to answer alteration and modification questions and will be able to estimate pricing of what to expect. Alteration prices vary, typically a bride can expect to spend around $600.00 to $800.00.
Archive Bridal can “Archive” the gown after the wedding day. Archive Bridal offers an organic in-house specialty gown cleaning and preservation package from $520 – $895, depending on the style of gown and its condition after wearing. The keepsake box will keep the precious gown safe and protected to be handed down to generations to come.