Wedding dress store's shock closure leave brides in a lather

Almost 200 panic stricken brides-to-be were today given a guarantee they would have a dress for their big day after an exclusive bridal store in Cork city closed down without warning.

The Wedding Dress Shop shut its doors without notice on Wednesday sparking fears among scores of women, who forked out thousands of euro on designer outfits, that they had been left high and dry.

Five brides-to-be managed to get their wedding dresses from the store before it closed, but 183 other young women were left with nothing to wear.

Gardaí were called to the renowned store yesterday after a crowd of panic stricken women gathered outside demanding an explanation from staff and begging for their outfits be handed over.

But the shop moved quickly to dispel fears that the 183 women would be left high and dry on the most important day of their lives.

In a statement the renowned firm said: “Due to financial difficulties the Wedding Dress Limited of Penrose Wharf, Cork has ceased to trade as and from the 21st March, 2006.

“However, arrangements are being made to ensure that all persons who have placed deposits on wedding dresses will receive their dresses.”

The company also said the process of appointing a liquidator had begun.

Dresses from the exclusive store start at around €2,000 with designer bridal outfits costing as much as €7,000.

It is understood customers who paid on credit cards will be able to get their money back, but those who paid with cheques or cash will not be so lucky.

Kathleen Lynch, Labour Party TD, said customers were in a state of panic and she urged the store’s owners to meet with them to discuss their options.

“Many of them have already forked-out huge sums to pay for their dress, yet they are totally in the dark as to whether the dress will be finished, if they should start looking for a new dress-maker, or if they should seek their money back,” she said.

“We all know that despite a wedding day often being the happiest in a woman’s life, the build-up and preparation to the ceremony is extremely traumatic. I can only imagine the stress these brides are currently experiencing,” Ms Lynch said.

“There must be an immediate meeting between representatives from the shop and its customers to explain the precise reason for the liquidation, whether the dresses will be delivered, and if refunds will be paid-out.”