'Our bride doesn't have a wedding dress': Local brides left hanging after closure of bridal shop

EDMONTON -

If planning a wedding during a pandemic wasn’t stressful enough, imagine not having a dress for your big day.

“We have a wedding in 66 days and our bride doesn’t have a wedding dress,” said Melissa Erickson.

The maid of honour said she thought they were "good to go."

The bridal party says it ordered and paid for their dresses from the Bridal House in April. Two weeks ago they were told there was a delay with shipping.

“The warehouse said they were waiting for payment. It’s clear our money never made it to the distribution centre,” said Erickson.

She said they’re out $2,200 for four bridesmaid dresses and a wedding dress.

“Really the focal point is the dress,” Erickson said. “When that dress isn’t there everything starts to look bleak.”

The Bridal House has served area brides for 25 years; now anyone calling the business gets this recorded message: “We are now permanently closed.”

CTV News Edmonton reached out to the Bridal House for comment, however we have not yet received a response.

Erickson said as their bridal party began the hunt for new dresses they discovered they weren’t the only ones affected by the closure.

“It sucks being out the money,” she said. “We’re really not holding our breath on getting any of it back.”

With two months to go before the big day, Erickson said they’ve found another boutique willing to help.

Bridal Debut in Sherwood Park has received dozens of calls from brides left without dresses.

“We’re offering 35 per cent off. Cleanings, steamings, fittings,” said Heather Dymchuck, Bridal Debut’s owner. “They’re stressed more than anything,” she said, adding they’re doing what they can to help keep brides dream weddings alive.