Why Alfred Angelo Just Closed All Its Stores — and Left Brides Panicking

Updated on 7/22/2017 at 10:47 AM

As if wedding planning wasn't already stressful enough, some brides who thought they had decided on Alfred Angelo for their wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses might have to start all over again.

The popular Florida-based bridal retailer closed all of its stores across the country on July 13 without issuing any warning to its now-distraught brides. A statement has since been posted on the store's website confirming that it has filed for bankruptcy, but it does not have answers about what this means for anyone who has paid for a gown:

Alfred Angelo filed for bankruptcy on July 14, 2017. As a result, all stores and wholesalers are closed … If you wish to be contacted regarding your order status once information is available, please send an email to alfredangelo@mjstrustee.com. We will post additional information regarding the status of dresses on this website as it becomes available. We apologize for the inconvenience and hardship resulting from this event. We appreciate your patience. Thank you.

Along with the 60 Alfred Angelo signature stores in the United States, the bridalwear is sold at more than 2,500 stores. Brides who have already paid deposits are sharing their panic across social media about the unknown status of their dresses, while some generous newlyweds are offering to lend their gowns to strangers in need.

PSA: those in trouble with #alfredangelo dresses, @davidsbridal is offering special discounts for those who bring in their original receipt!

— Cathy Nugent (@thecathynugent) July 14, 2017

Feeling awful for every single @AlfredAngelo employee. Losing your job & dealing with hundreds of pissed off brides #alfredangelo #disaster

— Caitlin Levine (@xo__caitiee) July 13, 2017

Brides lending other brides their wedding dresses because of the #AlfredAngelo catastrophe has restored my faith in humanity.

— Katy Shock (@kshock90) July 14, 2017

I'm pretty sure a company doesn't find out they're bankrupt overnight. #alfredangelo is also morally bankrupt not giving brides a heads up!

— Ezequiel Gutierrez (@ezgoo) July 14, 2017

I am not upset with #alfredangelo employees. Poor things got screwed over big time. But I'd knock the lights out of that CEO

— 🤷🏻‍♀️ (@threesacrowder) July 14, 2017

A live look at alfred angelo stores amidst the sudden closings... #alfredangelo pic.twitter.com/TySnJBidiN

— Bryan Johnson (@BryanJohnson__) July 13, 2017

My wedding is in 29 days. I'm glad orange is my wedding color because I'm gonna be married in jail if I can't get my dresses. #alfredangelo

— Ashley Austin (@ashaleh22) July 14, 2017