Booking & Ordering
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 1–3 weeks in advance for the best selection.
For postal bookings, please ensure your order is placed at least 4 working days before your event (earlier if you're rural) to allow time for delivery.
When booking, set your rental start date as the day BEFORE you plan to wear the dress.
Local pickups can often be arranged closer to the date, subject to availability.
Can I place a last-minute order?
Yes! Last-minute bookings are welcome, but please note that we can’t guarantee delivery in time for your event if booked less than 4 business days out. If your event is urgent, contact us directly before ordering.
Pick up orders are more flexible if you are based in Auckland.
How will my dress be delivered?
We ship with NZ Post Overnight Courier (Signature Required).
You'll receive a tracking link by email once your dress is on the way.
Saturday Delivery and Rural Delivery are available and must be selected at checkout if needed.
Important:
Please do not redirect parcels once shipped, as this can delay delivery by up to 3 working days. No refunds or credits will be issued in such cases.
Receiving Your Dress
Your dress will be professionally cleaned and arrive ready to wear.
A prepaid return courier bag will be included for easy returns.
Once the item is delivered (or attempted for delivery), it is considered to be in your care. If you’ve selected “Authority to Leave” with NZ Post, we are no longer responsible for the item once delivered.
What if my dress doesn’t arrive?
We understand things can go wrong with postage. Here's what to expect if your dress doesn’t arrive:
You booked at least 4 working days before your event, and the parcel does not arrive by the booked date: A store credit (valid for 12 months)
You booked less than 4 working days before your event: No refund or credit as the booking was made at your own risk.
You gave a rural address but did not select and pay for rural delivery: No refund or credit will be given.
You redirected your parcel OR provided an incorrect delivery address: No refund or credit will be given.
You selected Saturday delivery and the item didn’t arrive: No refund, but a store credit may be offered (minus shipping), at our discretion.
Final Tips
Always track your parcel once shipped and call NZ Post (0800 COURIER) directly if you have delivery concerns – they can help faster than we can.
We recommend you start your booking for the day prior to your event
Book early for peace of mind – we always aim to dispatch 1–3 days before your booking date where possible.
Need help? Reach out to us as soon as you spot an issue. The sooner we know, the more we can do.
In-Store & Postal Try-Ons
Can I book a try-on session?
Yes! We offer in-person try-ons at our studio and postal try-ons. Both options allow you to try styles before committing. Book a Try-On
How does the postal try-on service work?
- Postal Try-Ons are available nationwide (non-rural addresses only).
- Try-ons are sent during the week (Monday – Thursday)
- You may try on dresses in your own space, but items must not be worn out, altered, or removed from your home.
- All garments will be sent with security tags attached. If these tags are removed, you will be charged the full rental amount.
- Find out more about Postal Try-On's
Do I need to return try-on garments right away?
Garments are loaned to you strictly for try-on purposes and must be returned by the following day by 12pm.
Sizing & Fit
You have a dress I love, but not in my size
Please send us an email if there is a particular outfit you love but we do not have in your size. Although we cannot guarantee it, we will be able to investigate some options
Can I try items on before booking?
Yes we offer In-Studio Try-On's and Postal Try-On's.
What is a backup option and how does it work?
Coming Soon!
What if the dress doesn’t fit?
We don’t offer refunds or store credit for sizing issues, but we offer try-ons and backup options to help you choose confidently.
If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll happily guide you on fit and size.
Garment Cleaning & Hygiene
How clean are the garments?
Very! Each piece is professionally cleaned, steamed, and inspected after every wear to ensure it arrives fresh, clean, and ready to wear.
What products do you use to clean the garments?
We use gentle, garment-appropriate detergents, and eco-conscious products wherever possible. Delicate fabrics are hand-washed or dry-cleaned depending on what’s safest for the piece.
Do I need to clean the garment before returning it?
Absolutely not, we’ve got that covered.
All garments are professionally cleaned and steamed after every rental, so there’s no need to wash, dry clean, or spot-treat anything yourself. In fact, we kindly ask that you don’t attempt to clean or alter the garment, as certain fabrics require specialist care.
Just enjoy your event and return the piece as-is - we’ll take care of the rest
Exchanges & Cancellations
Do you offer refunds or credits if I change my mind after booking?
Refunds are not offered for change of mind or if the item doesn’t fit. However, store credit may be available if your garment hasn't been dispatched yet. For peace of mind, we recommend booking a try-on or backup option.
What if my event gets cancelled, can I cancel or change my order?
Yes, we offer flexible options. Depending on how far in advance you cancel, you may be eligible for a store credit, or exchange. Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for full details.
Can I swap my dress after booking?
Yes, if your order hasn’t been dispatched, we can exchange your rental for another style.
You'll receive store credit (minus a $5 admin fee) to rebook.
Exchanges are not available once your garment has been sent.
What is your cancellation policy?
Find out more about Cancellations, Refunds & Exchanges
Shipping & Returns
How does shipping work?
We ship via NZ Post overnight courier with tracking.
Your package includes a prepaid return bag for easy returns.
Rural and Saturday delivery options are available for an additional fee.
For full details see out our page on receiving and returning your garment
Do you deliver to rural addresses or on Saturdays?
Yes, we do! Rural and Saturday delivery is $20.00. We recommend ordering early to avoid delays. This includes your return postage.
For full details see out our page on receiving and returning your garment
How do I return my rental?
Simply pop your garment back in the Style Archives Cotton bag AND prepaid courier bag and return it over the counter at an official NZ Post store by 3pm the next business day.
Do not use drop boxes or third-party postal agents.
For full details see out our page on receiving and returning your garment
What if I lose the courier bag or Style Archives cotton bag?
If you loose the return packaging, you’ll need to return the item at your own cost via NZ Post Overnight Courier and email us the tracking number.
Lost cotton bags incur a $15 replacement fee.
Late Returns & Fees
What happens if I return my dress late?
A late fee of $25 per day applies for up to 10 days. If your return is more than 10 days late and we haven’t heard from you, it will be treated as a non-return and charged at 150% of the garment’s RRP.
Will I be charged if the return is delayed by NZ Post?
You are responsible for ensuring the parcel is scanned at an NZ Post counter by the due date. If delays occur due to incorrect return methods (e.g. drop boxes), late fees may still apply.
What if I forget to return my rental altogether?
If a garment is not returned within 10 days and we don’t hear from you, you’ll be charged 150% of the RRP and the item is yours to keep. We will also seek reimbursement for any missed bookings.
Garment Care & Damage
Do I need to clean the dress before returning it?
Absolutely not! Cleaning is included. Please don’t attempt to clean or alter the garment yourself. We’ll take care of it professionally.
What if I accidentally stain or damage the garment?
Minor wear is expected, but if there’s damage such as rips, fake tan, wine stains etc you may be charged for additional cleaning, repair or replacement. If a garment is beyond repair, you will be charged up to 150% of the RRP.
Can I alter or pin the dress for a better fit?
No alterations of any kind are allowed, including hemming, pinning, or sewing. If the garment is returned altered or with signs of altering, you will be charged a restoration or replacement fee.
Garment Condition
Are your dresses brand new?
Not always, but every item is carefully maintained. We categorise garments as Flawless, Ready to Party, or Timeless, with condition notes provided on the product page so you’ll always know what to expect.
What does “Timeless” condition mean?
“Timeless” garments may show more visible signs of wear (like light marks or minor repairs), but are still fabulous for budget-friendly rentals or casual events. You’ll see full details and photos before booking.
Will I be able to see photos of wear before booking?
Yes, we include condition notes on the product page. Want more detail? Just ask, we’re happy to help.
Security & Payments
Why do you need my ID?
For high-value or high-risk orders, we may request photo ID to protect both you and our business from fraud. If we’re unable to verify your identity, your booking may be cancelled and refunded.
Why is there a Security Authorisation at checkout?
When you book a rental with The Style Archives, a zero-dollar "Security Authorisation" product is automatically added to your cart.
This does not cost you anything at checkout, it simply allows us to securely hold your card details, so that if additional charges are needed later (for example, late returns, damage, or non-returns), we can process them easily in line with our Rental Agreement.
Most customers never incur any extra charges, the Security Authorisation is just a standard industry practice to help protect both you and us.
You’ll only ever be charged if a fee applies under the terms you agreed to at checkout. If no fees are due, nothing further happens!
How are damage or late fees charged?
Your saved card may be automatically charged for late returns, damage, or non-returns. If payment is unsuccessful, we may invoice you directly or refer the matter to collections.
Will I be notified before being charged extra fees?
Yes, we’ll always try to contact you first about any additional fees. If we don’t hear back, the charge may be processed automatically or referred for recovery.