Wedding shop closed and they still have my dress. Help!

BELINDACC

I found out last night that the wedding shop I have bought my wedding dress from has closed down. I only found out by seeing it in the local paper. The thing is, they still have my wedding dress, which is fully paid for. I did not have any call from them to say that they were closing and now have no idea how to get my dress. But surely they must have known what was going to happen? Also, I had ordered 3 bridesmaid dresses through them, which were to made by a dressmaker. I managed to track her down last night but she knew nothing about my dresses! I placed the order for them in January, and they are supposed to supply her with the material etc, but she had nothing. I spoke to the shop 3 weeks ago and booked fittings for myself and the bridesmaids, for their now apparently non-existent dresses, and no mention of anything was made then. My wedding is 6 weeks away, and I seriously need some advice! As you can all imagieg, I am very panicky about all this. Thak you anyone who can offer me some advice. Belinda

withabix

They've done you over. They were obviously using your (and other customers) money to keep themselves afloat and were probably trading whilst insolvent, which is an offence for which they could be prosecuted.

Did you pay be credit card? If you did, the card company should refund you if you put in a claim.

That doesn't help you get the bespoke dresses you've ordered, but I'm sure you will be able to get some elsewhere?

Kavanne

If you can afford to I would get yourself downto Monsoon/M&S/Debenhams and buy a bakc up dress!

withabix

Do you know who ran the business?

Ask at the next-door shops if they know?

Pay the owners a visit . Chop an onion in your car just before you knock on the front door

Jennifer_Jane

I think you should visit the police immediately. I would assume that the stock has been removed for sale on e-Bay. A total fraud. And yes, I would find out first who ran the business and pay them a visit, and appeal to their conscience (but obviously they must have known how this would impact on brides, so don't expect too much - but 'the squeeky wheel gets the oil'!). The dressmaker obviously has lots of information, be very nice to her and get all the info you can from her, and perhaps ask if she could make you another dress at a good price (I know, but it's worth a go!). The dressmaker may also not have been paid for work that's been done.

And go to the Police. Perhaps also check if any estate agents etc are trying to let the property and then check with Citizen's Advice Bureau if you can get a lien on debt repayments. In other words, make yourself known to everyone and cause a fuss. Let everyone know you're not taking this lying down (in the 1960's my brother and I took on the Midland Bank, and we won; so you may be just you, but you can take even the big boys on).

But strangely, I don't hold out much hope of the Police, either - what does that say about our country.

This is very sad and upsetting, it's bound to impact on your day, but I'm sure that you and your bridesmaids will look absolutely gorgeous and it will be a fabulously happy day - that's what you and your husband, and the guests will remember.

Stephb1986_2

Hi if you paid for them on your credit card im sure they will refund the money. in the mean time you can pay the owner a visit and demand your money back or the dress.

Im sure your HTB wont mind you turning up in your nightie aslong as you get married. I hope everything works out for you, dont panic too much as your hair will fall out.

Hugs and kisses

Steph xx

Horace

Speak to your local trading standards office - you'll probably have to wait until Tuesday now because of the BH. They may be able to get your dress back. To be honest, the police probably wont do anything because they will say that its a civil matter (they don't like get involved with those:mad: ).

Also, as others have said if you paid by credit card speak to them and they will most probably give you a refund.

Try not to get too stressed about it as it will only make you ill.

Good luck.

MoaningMyrtle

Hi there, sorry to hear about this, you still have time to get it sorted out.

My immediate thoughts are to contact the local paper, there will be other brides to be in the same position, speak to a journalist to print a damming article to make others aware and to shame the owner.

There is always Watchdog programme too.

You could also ring the maufacturere of your dress and speak to someone about the situation, they may have a sample of the dress you could have.

Let us know how you get on, I'm sure we have more ideas between us.

Regards

barnabee

But strangely, I don't hold out much hope of the Police, either

Neither do I .... because it's a civil matter not a police matter. Trading Standards is the place to go.

ktflosspot

Really sorry to here about this x Don't panic too much honey I'm sure you'll get some great advice here x
I found this on the grabbit forum posted by happy2bhere
http://www.littlewoodsdirect.com/rf/..._product&Nao=0
might be of some use as a cheap back up option if nothing else for your bridesmaids x

beccatt

I got my wedding dress off the peg from a bridal shop - they don't necessarily have to be ordered months in advance.Phone round a few shops and see if they can help. I'd also go to the local paper - you want to make sure everyone knows how these people have let you down as otherwise they'll just pop up in a few months with a different business name and start all over again. If you say you're looking for someone to supply the dresses someone may contact the paper to help.
Repeat the mantra - if at the end of the day we are husband and wife, the wedding is a success.
Good luck!