Things to consider when shopping for wedding gowns and dresses in the Philippines

About the designer & shop

• How long have you been designing or retailing bridal gowns in the Philippines?
• Do you specialize in made-to-measure, couture, RTW, rentals, or a mix?
• Which styles or body types are your strongest fit expertise?
• Can we see recent real-bride photos (not just editorials) of your work?
• What is your sample size range for fittings? Do you carry plus-size samples I can try on?
• Do you offer virtual consults for OFW/abroad brides?

Availability & timeline

• What lead time do you need for made-to-measure vs RTW vs rentals?
• What are your cutoff dates for bookings before my wedding date?
• Do you accept rush orders? What are the rush fees and limits?
• How many fittings are typical, and when are they scheduled?
• When is the final pick-up/dispatch date, and how early can I get the gown?

Budget & payment

• What is your price range for bespoke, RTW, and rental gowns?
• What’s included in the base price (patternmaking, fabric, basic embellishment)?
• What add-ons commonly increase the price (lace upgrades, beading, detachable overskirt)?
• Do you offer installment plans? What are accepted payment methods?
• How much is the reservation fee/security deposit, and is it deductible/refundable?
• Do you issue an official receipt (OR) and a detailed invoice/contract?

Design & customization

• Can you adapt a design for modest/church-appropriate coverage (sleeves, higher neckline)?
• Do you offer Filipiniana elements (terno sleeves, piña/cocoon fabric, barong-inspired details)?
• Can you create a two-way or convertible look for ceremony-to-reception?
• How do you handle inspiration photos while ensuring originality?
• Will you provide sketches or 3D mockups before production?
• Can you color-match to off-white/ivory/champagne and my partner’s barong/suit?

Fabrics & construction

• What fabric options are available for our climate (breathable linings, lightweight tulle)?
• Are corsetry/boning and built-in cups included? How structured will the bodice be?
• How do you secure heavy beading so it won’t snag or shed during the day?
• What is the typical train length and bustle options for my venue?
• Can you provide swatches to test under church and reception lighting?

Fit & alterations

• What alterations are included vs charged separately?
• Who performs alterations—in-house seamstresses or external partners?
• What is the timeline for each alteration stage (pinning, sewing, final fit)?
• How do you handle weight changes or pregnancy closer to the date?
• If I am abroad, how are measurements taken and who assumes risk for fit?
• Do you offer a last-week check/steam and minor tweaks?

Appointments & fittings

• Is there a fitting or appointment fee? Is it deductible upon purchase?
• How long is each appointment and how many guests can I bring?
• What undergarments/shoes should I bring to fittings?
• Are photos/videos allowed during try-ons?
• Do you enforce no-makeup or deodorant policies to protect samples?
• Do you have weekend or after-hours fitting slots (traffic considerations)?

RTW & sample gowns

• Are your RTW pieces made-to-order or truly off-the-rack?
• What sizes are available for immediate purchase?
• Do you hold sample sales? What is the condition and discount policy?
• Are sample gowns cleaned and repaired before release?
• Can samples be altered significantly (taking out/letting out, hem, strap changes)?

Rentals

• What is the standard rental period and return date/time?
• What constitutes damage and how is the deposit assessed?
• Are basic alterations/temporary adjustments allowed on rentals?
• Is steaming/pressing included for rental pick-up?
• What are late return, stain, or tear fees?
• Can I reserve a backup size for rentals?

Accessories & add-ons

• Do you make or source veils (cathedral length, embroidered names/date)?
• Can you provide matching hair accessories, boleros, detachable sleeves, or overskirts?
• Do you rent or sell petticoats/hoops?
• Can you coordinate the groom’s barong/suit or entourage attire?
• Do you have shoe, jewelry, or underskirt recommendations compatible with the gown?

Day-of services

• Do you offer on-the-day dressing assistance, steaming, or emergency repairs?
• Can you deliver/collect the gown to/from my hotel or venue?
• Do you provide a garment care kit (hook, fashion tape, mini sewing kit)?
• Will you brief my HMUA/coord team on bustling and handling?

Care, cleaning & preservation

• Is pre-wedding steaming/pressing included? What about post-event cleaning?
• Do you partner with a certified wedding-gown cleaner/preservationist?
• How should I store/transport the gown in humid weather or during flights?
• Do you offer acid-free boxing or breathable garment bags?
• What stains require immediate attention and how should I manage them day-of?

Venue, weather & logistics (PH context)

• How will the design handle heat/humidity and potential rain or typhoons?
• Is the skirt/train practical for beach/garden/church aisles and Manila traffic logistics?
• Do you recommend a shorter reception look for heavy dancing or outdoor venues?
• Can you add a bustle sturdy enough for uneven surfaces or cobblestones?
• Are there special considerations for out-of-town weddings (Baguio, Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao)?

Church & cultural considerations

• Are you familiar with Catholic modesty guidelines and parish requirements?
• Can you provide a detachable modesty panel or sleeves for church, removable for reception?
• Do you create Filipiniana-inspired options respectful of tradition yet modern?
• Can you coordinate with my coordinator/priest if specific attire rules apply?

Sustainability & ethics

• Do you offer rentals, sample-sale, or buy-back/consignment options?
• Where are your fabrics sourced? Any sustainable or locally woven options?
• Can embellishments be repurposed or removed for re-wear after the wedding?
• Do you minimize waste in pattern cutting or offer fabric recycling?

Policies & contract

• What exactly is covered in the contract (deliverables, changes, timelines, warranties)?
• What is your policy on design changes after approval?
• How do you handle cancellations, postponements, or force majeure (e.g., typhoons)?
• What are the refund/credit policies for each scenario?
• Who owns the design/IP for custom work and can it be reproduced for others?

Communication & checkpoints

• Who is my primary point of contact (designer, consultant, project manager)?
• How often will you update me (milestones, WIP photos, fitting reminders)?
• Through which channels do you prefer to communicate (Viber, WhatsApp, email)?
• How quickly do you respond on weekdays/weekends and during peak season?

Shipping & out-of-town/overseas brides

• Do you ship domestically/internationally? Which couriers and insurance options?
• How is the gown packed for shipping (anti-wrinkle, moisture protection)?
• Who handles customs duties/taxes for international deliveries?
• What is the contingency if shipping is delayed close to the wedding?

Data privacy & consent

• How do you handle my measurements, photos, and contact details (PDPA compliance)?
• Will my fitting or wedding photos be posted online? Do you ask for written consent?
• Can I request takedown of content later if I change my mind?

Entourage & packages

• Do you offer bundles for mothers, bridesmaids, flower girls, and groom?
• Is there a price break or timeline advantage when we book the entourage with you?
• Can you ensure cohesive fabrics/colors across the wedding party?
• What is the fitting/alteration flow for multiple entourage members?

Try-before-you-buy & decision support

• How many gowns can I try per appointment and can I revisit favorites?
• Do you provide natural-light mirrors or outdoor checks for color/shine?
• Can I do a movement test (walking, stairs, sitting, dancing) in the samples?
• Do you allow video calls for feedback with relatives abroad during try-ons?

After-sales & re-wear

• Do you offer post-wedding tailoring to convert the gown into a cocktail dress?
• Can you retain leftover lace/fabric for future baby dress or anniversary projects?
• Do you provide appraisal/documentation for insurance?

Risk management & backups

• What are your backup plans if a fabric or lace becomes unavailable?
• If my gown is damaged before delivery, what immediate remedies do you provide?
• Can you guarantee a backup bustle or emergency seamstress contact on the day?

Red flags to clarify upfront

• Are there extra charges for “excessive” fittings or communications?
• Do you guarantee the named designer will oversee my project, not outsource entirely?
• Will you put all promises in writing (fabric type, lace brand, bead count, delivery dates)?
• What happens if final fit is off despite approved measurements?

Final checklist before paying the balance

• Can we review and sign off on fabric, lace, and beading samples actually used?
• Did we confirm bustle points, modesty add-ons, and veil length?
• Have we scheduled steaming, pick-up/delivery, and a dress rehearsal fitting?
• Do we have garment bag, care instructions, and contact numbers for day-of support?