Closed wedding shop's unhappy brides

A sign posted outside Pretty Brides and Formale in Broadwater Street West, on Thursday, April 19, said it had gone into receivership.

Overnight, all the dresses had disappeared from the shop.

The company's website makes no mention of the closure and attempts by customers and the Herald to contact bosses have proved unfruitful.

Devastated brides and bridegrooms-to-be have not only been left without their big day outfits and a struggle to find alternatives, but they also appear to have been left out of pocket.

Some were able to collect their dresses before the shop closed, and some have been lucky enough to track down wedding dresses through other shops who have put them in touch with local dress makers.

But for others their dresses and money are feared lost, with some couples having to pay twice.

Simon Shipp and Julie Mayo, 36, live just a few streets away from the shop in Lavington Road.

When they discovered the shop closure, just weeks before their wedding, they were in turmoil because they had ordered Julie's dress, two bridesmaid dresses and four suits.

Fortunately, Julie managed to find the dress maker who had the dresses but Simon has been forced to pay 250 for new suits, on top of 280 he had already paid.

Simon, 33, said: "I think it's absolutely terrible not to inform people what was happening.

"Julie was very emotional.

"At such short notice we really did have to consider cancelling the whole thing. Not only have I had to pay out for the suits again but they are not the ones I wanted."

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Customers left out of pocket can call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 for advice.

Sue O'Donnell, the manager at Patricia Diamond Bridal Suite, in Shoreham, said: "We do have connections with a lot of manufacturers Pretty Brides ordered with so if they have the dress we can get it.

"The fitter who worked at Pretty Brides also works for us and does have a list of dresses she has been looking after."

Sue can be called on 01273 441167.

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