Brides and belles

The Advertiser: Brides let down and locked out :

"Meanwhile, Norwood-based national bridal manufacturer, Caleche Bridal Centre, has offered a rescue package to brides-to-be caught in the closure. 'The crucial problem will be to replace the dress in time for the wedding and we can help promptly to replace the gown by making a similar style locally,' said Caleche managing director, Mr Olivier Foubert."

Some people have outlaid a lot of money which they might not recover. It has been distressing and the company probably knew it was in a difficult situation financially and still took the money from people. Some of the brides to be had nearly paid for their dresses and then do not look like they will get them. Brides and Belles has almost been a tourist attraction because the building stands out and is distinctive. It's standing out now, that's for sure. It's the sort of thing which is intolerable because so much money and emotion are riding on it so you need a bridal business which is rock solid and cares about its customers. The financial outlay will set a number of people back and yes, they might have bought something cheaper, but it is still their big day and people have a right to savour it. At the moment the company is looking very harsh and callous because the brides to be and their parents can't seem to easily resolve the financial side of it and with a wedding, that really is an issue. Caleche has obviosly stepped in and will probably ease the way for some of them, but it means another financial outlay. There is a lot ot be said for a community supporting and celebrating marriages so that the local community is an integral part of the event. It creates a more tightly knit community and it then isn't just something you are doing. The Brides and Belles thing has highlighted how much we need to be a community in times of family events. In some places in the world whole villages and towns are involved in something like this and it would be unthinkable for a bride not to have her gown or to have to pay twice. I guess it's a question of honour and tradition and we seem to have lost both of those things. Honesty is what it's about.