Pretty Brides closure - two dresses found

Two desperate brides-to-be who fear they have lost their dresses after the closure of Pretty Brides and Formale in Broadwater could be in luck '“ the Herald has found two gowns which could save their big day.

The Herald has spoken to the seamstress who worked for the shop in Broadwater Street West and had around nine dresses at her home for alterations when the shop suddenly closed two weeks ago.

The woman, who does not want to be named because she has been inundated with calls, took as many contact details with her as possible. She has managed to reunite several brides-to-be with their dresses but has two left and has not been able to trace the owners.

The first dress belongs to a lady called Andrea Marshall who is getting married on June 9. The ivory satin dress has no train, a draped front and has embroidery including sequins. The seamstress estimates it is around a size 12.

The second dress has been made for Jane Willoughby and is also ivory. It is a straight dress which the seamstress describes as "vintage-style". Jane's wedding is listed as being planned for October.

The seamstress, who worked at the shop for two years, said: "I am sad the shop has gone. It was a nice shop, the dresses were nice. It's just a pity really. None of the staff knew it was closing but all of the women who had dresses in the shop were told to collect them.

"The women who haven't got their dresses are those where the dresses hadn't arrived at the shop."

Mystery still surrounds what has happened to the shop. A note on the door said it had gone into receivership and to visit the website for details.

The website has not been updated at all and couples are still desperately trying to find out if they will get their big day outfits or money back.

If you are one of the women mentioned above, please call Herald news editor Nicola McLarnon on 01903 282357. Your contact details will be passed to the seamstress.