Boston Stores Step Up After Closure of Alfred Angelo

Alfred Angelo Bridal Closed by Phillip Pessar on Flickr/Creative Commons

After more than 80 years in business, Alfred Angelo Bridal closed all 61 of its stores on Thursday night, causing panic among brides all over the country.

Those brides have good reason for concern: The company, which filed for bankruptcy on July 14, hasn’t made it clear to anyone who hasn’t received their already-paid-for orders where they stand.

Unsure whether they’ll ever get their dresses and in some cases unable to afford splurging on another expensive dress, brides are scrambling to save their big day, and individuals, as well as companies, are coming to their aid.

Over social media, former brides are arranging to lend or donate their dresses to panicked brides-to-be. Aided by KPCC, a radio station in Southern California, these women are organizing through the hashtag #dressmatchmaker.

Calling all closets! Alfred Angelo abruptly closed and bridesmaids need your help. Can you be a #dressmatchmaker? https://t.co/SvDOkdGi6w pic.twitter.com/HBSywO1EqA

— LAist 89.3 (@KPCC) July 14, 2017

Locally, bridal shops are stepping up to fill the void. Here are some places offering discounts.

Bella Sera

The shop posted on its Facebook page on Friday offering support to women affected by Alfred Angelo’s closing. And they’re offering more than support: Owner Heidi Nicholson says that any bride, bridesmaid, or mother who lost her dress in the Alfred Angelo closing is eligible for a 30-percent-off discount at Bella Sera. The shop is also offering a free dress to the person with the closest wedding date. For other time-sensitive situations, Bella Sera will sell dresses from the floor. “For us, it’s very important to give back to the community,” Nicholson says, adding that she was concerned some brides may not be able to afford a second dress at full price.

85 Andover St., Danvers, 978-774-4077, bellaserabride.com.

Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal

Since Alfred Angelo closed on Thursday, Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal has seen an influx of brides, bridesmaids, and mothers, manager Lauren Brydon says, and the shop is trying to help. Deals will be on a “case-by case basis,” depending on the bride’s circumstances and dress, Brydon said.

775 Lafayette Rd., Ste. #2, Portsmouth, NH, 603-431-5454, madeleinesdaughter.com.

Allegria Bridal

Allegria Bridal is offering a 25-percent-off discount with proof of purchase from Alfred Angelo, owner Barbara Dudley says.

285 Belmont St., Belmont, 617-489-1449, allegriabridal.com.

Flair Boston

For former Alfred Angelo customers, this four-time Best of Boston winner will mark down bridesmaids dresses by 15 percent and wedding dresses by 10 percent, owner Stacey Kraft says. They’re also waiving the rush fee. Flair is eager to help the affected brides, who have been put in the “worst possible situation you could’ve put someone in,” Kraft says. “It’s unconscionable.” Kraft said that she has experienced designer closures before and that they usually let people know in advance and followed through with orders that had already been paid.

140 Newbury St., #202, Boston, 617-247-2828, flairbridesmaid.com.

Bella Bridal Shoppe

At Bella Bridal, select designers—like the collections of JLM Couture—are offering special deals, such as free rush shipping, shop owner Ramona D’Agata says. The shop is also willing to sell off the rack.

339 Cummings Park, Woburn, 978-388-4388, bella-bride.com.

La Reine Bridal

On Facebook Saturday, La Reine Bridal wrote that it would offer 300 dresses for $500 each, but owner Mireille Stanbro later sweetened the deal. The shop will offer 500 dresses for $500 each, Stanbro told us on Tuesday, and the deal applies to in-stock gowns through July 31. “It’s a shame,” Stanbro says of the brides’ situation, adding that she wishes them “all the luck in the world.”

20 High St., #1, Waltham, 781-899-0348, lareinebride.com.

David’s Bridal

Retail chain David’s Bridal is offering 30 percent off on wedding dresses and 20 percent off on bridesmaids dresses at any location to brides with a valid Alfred Angelo receipt, according to a message on the David’s Bridal website. The chain has also waived rush fees on alterations.

Visit davidsbridal.com for locations.

Angela’s Bridal

According to a post on its Facebook page, Angela’s Bridal is offering a 10-percent discount on any Sophia Tolli bridal gown, a five-percent discount on in-stock Moonlight dresses, and free rush shipping on all Mori Lee bridesmaids dresses. The offer is available for a limited time and only with a valid receipt.

1526 VFW Pkwy., West Roxbury, 617-553-2489, angelas-bridal.com.

Cristina’s Bridal and Formal Wear

According to shop owner Cristina Kalman, select designers, like Maggie Sottero Designs, are offering 20 percent off. (Incidentally, the design company addressed affected brides on Facebook on Saturday.) If there isn’t time to order, Cristina’s is also offering 20 percent off in-stock dresses.

“This is the most important day of these women’s lives,” Kalman says, explaining her motivation to help.

1 Main St., Andover, 978-470-3956, cristinasbridal.com.

Vows Bridal Outlet

Vows Bridal Outlet, winner of multiple Best of Boston awards, has set aside some dresses, and owner Leslie DeAngelo says the shop is willing to donate them to affected brides—with proof of Alfred Angelo purchase, of course.

130 Galen St, Watertown, 617-923-7587, bridepower.com.

For brides holding out hope for their Alfred Angelo dress, the company has remained relatively silent—except for a post on its website that refers customers to the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee, Margaret Smith. Smith did not respond to request for comment.

Lawyer Patricia Ann Redmond is handling the case and has been prioritizing her emails (“about 7,300,” she told the Miami Herald) based on wedding date, according to NPR.