What to Do When Your Wedding Dress Supplier Goes Bankrupt

Written by Erin in Uncategorised

Getting married is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful, especially when things don’t go according to plan. Unfortunately, one of the worst things that can happen is when your wedding dress supplier goes bankrupt while you are waiting for your dress to be delivered. Unfortunately this is an all too common occurrence when we face uncertain economic conditions.

In this post, we will explore what you can do to salvage your wedding dress plans in this situation.

Stay Calm and Contact the Supplier

Of all the things that could go wrong while you’re planning your wedding, losing your wedding dress vendor to bankruptcy is definitely one of the worst, but it’s really important that you try to stay calm. While it is undoubtedly a panic-inducing-level stressful situation, getting super upset will not help you find a solution, and might actually lead you to spending more money than you need to, in order to fix the problem. So you really need to try hard and keep it together while you move through the next steps. And remember that you will find a solution and everything will be ok.  

Depending on the exact circumstances of the vendor you were using, what your solution will be could differ. So, next, you should contact the supplier to get more information about the situation. 

You will need try to get answers to the following questions:

  • When they filed for bankruptcy.
  • Can you find out more info on the bankruptcy filing? What type of bankruptcy is being filed for? (See next paragraph for more info)
  • Where did they file? Eg, what state?
  • What do they plan to do regarding customer orders, and if there are any alternatives available.

Not All Bankruptcies Are The Same

Not all bankruptcies are the same, so if your bridal gowns supplier files for bankruptcy, it’s important to understand the type of bankruptcy they filed for, as this will affect how their assets are handled and whether they will be able to fulfill outstanding orders. This will then affect your plans on what to do next.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, for example, is usually used for individuals, and involves the liquidation of a business’s assets, while Chapter 11 bankruptcy involves reorganization and the possibility of the business continuing to operate. 

As a customer, understanding the type of bankruptcy filed can help you better navigate the situation and consider your options for getting your dress or seeking a refund. 

Consider Your Options

Following your contact with the bridal shop, you will now know a little more about their plans for your order, which will probably be one of these two alternative options:

  • Orders will be processed as normal, possibly with delays.
  • No plans to continue with your order. In this case you’ll need to push for your refund. 
  • Will you have a different plan for your bridesmaid dresses? You may need to think about a couple of different approaches. 

It is possible that they will still be able to fulfill your order. However, it may take longer than expected, and there is a chance that the dress may not be exactly what you had in mind. It is important to have a clear understanding of what to expect from the supplier in this situation. Make sure that any delays will still fit your timeline, including potential extra time for alterations you might not have planned for.

If it turns out that the supplier cannot fulfill your order, or if you think the delays will be too long for your wedding date, you should ask about the process for getting a refund. The supplier may be able to provide a full or partial refund, depending on the circumstances. 

If they are unable to provide a refund due to any court or trustee restrictions, you may need to file a claim with the bankruptcy court.

If you have a choice, you may prefer to push for a refund, so that you can cut your losses and look for a new dress.

It is important to keep a record of all communications with the supplier and any relevant documents, such as receipts or invoices. These may be necessary if you need to file a claim with the bankruptcy court.

You probably won’t need to engage a lawyer to begin this process, but you will need to do a little further research on how to make this process smoother. Each state will have different requirements when it comes to court filings, so be sure to find the correct information for your location.

The following sites are great resources if this is your situation:

California Bankruptcy Courts Info

Investopedia Bankruptcy Info

Are you struggling to decide how much you need to spend on your wedding?
Download our free calculator here to help you finalise your wedding budget number.

Did You Pay Your Deposit By Credit Card?

If you paid your dress deposit you may have some additional leverage, by contacting your bank and asking them to cancel the charge. While this might not be possible in 100% of cases, it is certainly worth trying. If it works and you are able to recover your deposit, this will be the fastest outcome and let you move on to your next dress option. 

Do You Need A New Dress Now?

If the wedding dress supplier is unable to fulfill your order, you will need to consider your options for finding a replacement dress, which will be impacted by how much time you have left until your wedding day. 

Here are some options to consider:

1. Look for a Replacement Dress:

The first option is to start looking for a replacement dress as soon as possible. You can begin by checking out other wedding dress suppliers in your area or online. By this time you’ll probably know pretty clearly the type of dress you want, so you can save time by calling ahead to ask the following questions:

  • What they have in your preferred style, 
  • What are current delivery times, and;
  • What they have available off the rack

Depending on how your refund situation is, you may need to open your mind to other styles that are available sooner, or with less alterations to save time (and money!). Keep in mind you may need to try to change what was your idea of the perfect dress, so you can have something in time for your big day. 

2. Rent a Dress:

Another option is to rent a wedding dress. Renting a dress can be a more cost-effective option, especially if you only need the dress for one day. Many bridal shops offer rental options, and there are also online rental services available. Keep in mind that you may not be able to alter the dress if you rent it, so make sure to choose a size that fits well.

3. Buy a Second-Hand Dress:

Buying a second-hand wedding dress is another option to consider. Many brides sell their wedding dresses after their big day, and you may be able to find a dress that is similar to the one you originally ordered. There are several websites and stores that specialize in second-hand or thrift wedding dresses, so it is worth doing some research.

It is important to keep your wedding date in mind when considering your options. Depending on how much time you have until your wedding day, some options may not be feasible. It is important to act quickly and make a decision that will allow you to have the dress you want for your big day.

Find Other Ways To Save On Your Budget

If you find yourself in fincancial stress with questions around your wedding budget, now is a great time to review your total wedding budget to see if there are any other ways to save.

If you haven’t set a budget yet, read our article here to help get that done ASAP!

Communicate With Your Vendors

Communicating with your wedding planner and vendors is really important if your wedding dress supplier goes bankrupt. 

Let your wedding planner know as soon as possible . They can help you come up with a backup plan and may be able to offer some advice or help you find a replacement dress. If you don’t have a wedding planner, you can reach out to other wedding professionals, such as bridal shops, for help.

Let your other vendors know what is happening. It’s highly likely you won’t be the only bride they’re dealing with in this situation, and they may be able to help with additional info they know about, or may be able to assist in other ways, such as offering flexibility around decision dates, or perhaps even payment terms. By communicating with your vendors as soon as possible, you can leverage their contacts to increase your knowledge also. 

Check your contracts: Review your contracts with all of your vendors to see if there are any clauses or provisions related to bankruptcies or unforeseen circumstances. Some contracts may include clauses that allow for refunds or cancellations in the event of a supplier’s bankruptcy. 

Don’t Give Up

Finally, remember that the most important thing is that you are marrying the person you love. 

While it’s disappointing that your original wedding dress supplier may not be able to deliver, there are still options available to you, and your day will still be a success. Don’t give up on your wedding dreams and keep moving forward. 

While a bankrupt wedding dress supplier can be a nightmare scenario, there are many ways to deal with it.  By staying calm, considering your options, and communicating with your wedding planner and vendors, you can salvage your wedding plans and have a wonderful day to remember.

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