DISTRESSED brides-to-be have spoken of their horror after choosing their dream wedding dresses to later discover the company is set to enter administration this month.

This has caused great uncertainty among three brides, who are due to get married later this year, as they do not know whether they will have their “beautiful” dresses for the big day or receive their money back. Administrator Smith Cooper announced that Bridalwear by Francesca - which was situated on Maesglas Retail estate - and Formal Weddings Affair Limited are part of the same company and both are set to enter administration.

Previously, on December 22, 2016, administrator Smith Cooper announced that Formal Affair Weddings Limited had ceased trading and is due to enter administration.

Nicola Lewis, 31, of Cwmbran, said she paid for her “wonderful” wedding dress in July 2016 and getting married this September.

She said: “I went to the Bridalwear by Francesca and Formal Affair store and paid in full. I paid £223 on card and £400 in cash for my perfect dress.

“Even if I find another wedding dress I’ll always think of the one I originally chose.”

Another bride-to-be Siobhan Jones, 25, of Southville, Cwmbran, said: “We bought a beautiful dress and I was told to go in January to be fitted. The total came to £1,148 and I’m worrying in case I don’t the dress.”

The support worker is getting married in August 2017.

For Carrie Morgan, 29, of Pontypool, the time is stressful due to the illness of her grandmother.

She said: “I’m getting married on Halloween so it was hard to find an appropriate dress but I did and paid a £50 deposit and £100 bit by bit.

“I’m upset because nan is very ill and she was going to pick up my dress with me.

“Now I don’t know if I’ll get that lovely dress.”

Dean Nelson, of Smith Cooper, said Formal Affair Weddings Limited had tried to reduce costs but had faced difficulty due to “wedding attire market” changes.

He said: “We are currently in the process of assisting the company repatriate its stock to the head office with a view to a closing down sale being instigated in the New Year. Once appointed administrators, we will be in contact with creditors regarding the financial position of the company and dividend prospects.”

Newport Trading Standards said they were “aware of the situation” and had been contacted by one customer. They advised customers in this situation to visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/consumer/