Things to consider for wedding garment care and steaming in the Philippines

Scope & experience

• What garment-care services do you offer specifically for weddings (pre-wedding prep, on-the-day support, post-wedding cleaning, long-term preservation)?
• How many bridal gowns and barongs do you handle per month in the Philippines?
• Do you have experience with heritage textiles (piña, piña-silk, jusi, cocoon silk, lace appliqués, heavy beadwork)?
• Can you share recent local client references and before/after photos (with permission)?
• Will a single point person manage our items from intake to delivery?

Intake, inspection & documentation

• Do you do a detailed pre-service inspection with written notes on stains, loose beads, snags, torn lace, or cracked boning?
• Do you photograph all garments at intake and before release?
• How do you tag and track pieces (dress, veil, detachable sleeves, barong, camisa, pañuelo) to avoid mix-ups?
• Can we attend the inspection or join via video call?

Fabric expertise (gowns, barongs & Filipiniana)

• Which fibers and embellishments do you consider “high-risk,” and how are they handled (piña, jusi, hand embroidery, sequins, horsehair braid, pearls, Swarovski)?
• Do you test for dye bleed, fabric strength, or solvent sensitivity before cleaning?
• How do you protect delicate embroidery and open-weave piña from abrasion during cleaning and pressing?

Cleaning methods & stain treatment

• Do you clean in-house or subcontract? If subcontracted, who is the partner and where are garments processed?
• Which cleaning methods do you use (wet cleaning, hydrocarbon, professional hand-washing, spot treatment, solvent dry cleaning), and how do you choose?
• What stains can you realistically remove (makeup, deodorant, sweat, grass/mud, food/oil, wine) and which are likely permanent?
• Will you notify us before attempting aggressive stain removal?
• Do you neutralize perspiration/sugar residues that can yellow later?
• How do you handle metal components (zippers, hooks), adhesives, padding, and boning during cleaning?

Pressing, steaming & finishing

• How do you press lace, tulle, mikado, satin, crepe, organza, and piña without leaving shine or crush marks?
• Do you use press cloths, temperature controls, and formers to protect embroidery and beadwork?
• Can you shape/steam structured features (bows, overskirts, terno sleeves, detachable trains) and re-hang properly after finishing?
• Do you offer anti-static handling for veils and tulle?

Barong Tagalog & traditional wear specifics

• Do you hand-wash or wet-clean piña/jusi barongs, and how do you support the fabric during cleaning?
• What’s your method for removing collar discoloration and sleeve stains on sheer barongs without puckering?
• How do you press barongs to avoid sheen and preserve calado (openwork) details?
• Can you re-stitch loose embroidery threads or reinforce button plackets on delicate weaves?

On-the-day garment care (wedding day support)

• Do you offer onsite steaming/pressing at the hotel or venue on the wedding morning?
• What’s in your emergency kit (needle/thread, clear snaps, fashion tape, lint tools, spot-removal pens, spare buttons, crochet hook for loops)?
• How much setup time do you need, and how many garments can you handle per hour?
• Can you stay through portraits/ceremony for quick fixes?

Packaging, transport & storage (short-term, humid climate)

• What garment bags do you use for pickup/return—are they breathable and acid-free?
• How do you prevent creasing during transport (bust support, tissue padding, rolling method)?
• Do you supply moisture absorbers/desiccants for short-term storage in our closet?
• How should we store the dress and barong between events in the Philippines’ humid weather?

Post-wedding cleaning & preservation

• How soon after the wedding should we bring items in, and do you offer rush intake?
• What preservation options do you provide (archival boxing, breathable muslin bag, hanging vs. boxed)?
• Do you pad folds with acid-free tissue and avoid sealing boxes airtight?
• Will you include gloves, inspection instructions, and a maintenance schedule?

Archival materials & method clarity

• Do you use non-buffered, acid-free tissue for protein-based fabrics (silk, piña) and archival-quality boxes?
• Are your boxes and interleaves lignin-free and photo-safe?
• Do you avoid plastic bags that trap moisture and encourage mold?
• Can you share your recommended temperature/humidity ranges for long-term storage?

Mold & humidity mitigation (PH context)

• What steps do you take to prevent mold/mildew during processing and storage?
• Do you recommend silica gel or other moisture absorbers in closets/boxes, and how often should they be replaced?
• If we need off-site storage, do you recommend climate-controlled options locally?

Alterations, repairs & embellishment care

• Can you secure loose beading, re-appliqué lace, or mend tears before cleaning to prevent worsening?
• How do you treat yellowed glue near beadwork or stiffened hems?
• Do you hand-finish hems and seams after repairs to maintain drape?

Logistics across the Philippines

• What areas do you serve (Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Central Luzon, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Iloilo)?
• Do you offer pickup/delivery, and how are items insured in transit (own riders vs. third-party couriers)?
• For provincial clients, how should items be packed for shipping to you (box size, padding, moisture control)?

Turnaround times & schedules

• What are typical lead times for pre-wedding prep, post-wedding cleaning, and preservation?
• Do you offer expedited service, weekend/holiday handling, or late-night steaming?
• How do you communicate delays (weather, power interruptions, supply issues)?

Pricing & quotes

• How do you price (by silhouette, fabric, beadwork density, soiling level, accessories)?
• What’s included (veil, overskirt, detachable sleeves, barong undershirt/camiseta)?
• Do you charge extra for heavy crinolines, cathedral veils, or layered petticoats?
• Are there rush fees, storage fees after completion, or re-pressing fees before a second event?

Quality control & guarantees

• What are your rework policies if we’re unhappy with finishing or stain results?
• Do you provide a post-service inspection with us present?
• How long do preservation guarantees last, and what voids them?
• How do you handle known “unremovable” stains or pre-existing damage in your documentation?

Safety, sustainability & solvents

• Which solvents or detergents do you use (and are there greener alternatives)?
• Do you offer professional wet cleaning as an option where appropriate?
• How do you ensure worker and client safety when using solvents (off-gassing time before bagging/delivery)?

Insurance, liability & contracts

• Are you insured for fire, flood, and transit loss? What are the coverage limits per item?
• How is declared value set for couture/atelier pieces and heirlooms?
• What happens if an item is lost or irreparably damaged—what’s the claims process and timeline?
• Can we see your standard service agreement before booking?

Communication & customer service

• What is the best channel for updates (Viber/WhatsApp/Email), and what’s your typical response time?
• Will we get a dated service log (intake, cleaning, finishing, boxing, dispatch)?
• Who do we contact for emergency day-of issues?

Try-before-you-book & expectations

• Can we book a paid test clean/press on a similar fabric or on our rehearsal outfit?
• Will you provide realistic outcomes for specific stains or glue yellowing up front?
• Can we visit your facility to see cleaning and preservation areas (by appointment)?

Why these questions matter

Conservator-informed practices emphasize breathable, non-sealed storage, non-buffered acid-free materials for silk and piña, and cleaning methods tailored to both fiber and embellishment. In the Philippine climate, clear processes for humidity control, mold prevention, and transparent documentation help protect gowns, barongs, and Filipiniana pieces before, during, and after the wedding.