Just when you thought everything was finally booked and going according to plan, you head to Sussex Drive to gaze at your darling dress one more time. To your surprise you have just learned that the beautiful wedding gown you have had your eye on in the window at McCaffrey Haute Couture is gone! Nonetheless, it is not just your dream dress that has been removed, it is all the other merchandise in the store as well. The windows are dark, the displays are bare and there is a bankruptcy notice hanging from the door. You slowly start to feel your gut turn inside out as you realize your wedding dream dress has just turned into a wedding nightmare!
If this story sounds familiar, you are not alone. It was announced on July 20th that the couture bridal shop we all love to stroll by in downtown Ottawa is now bankrupt! Unfortunately, this means only 50 brides will be receiving their McCaffrey gowns; leaving 20 brides dress-less for their late summer or early fall wedding. This painful short notice leaves very little time for these brides to scramble for something new.
For 18 years, brides from all across Canada and even the world would travel to McCaffrey Haute Couture in hopes of finding the perfect dress. However, the company was almost $400,000 in debt due to owing various creditors. David McCaffrey blames this current state of affairs on the endless years of construction. Whatever the case may be, RSVP Events along with many other future brides and window shoppers will be sad to say goodbye to the corner boutique we all loved to admire.
RSVP wants to lend a helping hand to these brides as well as any others who have encountered a similar situation, by providing some tips for last minute dress shopping.
1. Bring a close friend
Invite a true friend to come with you dress shopping. Someone who knows your style and will be honest so you can pick a dress that is just as flattering on you as it is on the hanger.
2. Go to a store where you can actually touch the dresses
Fabrics can look different in pictures; even the dress itself may look completely different when you see it in person.
3. Go to a store with an in-house seamstress
Since you are on a time crunch, meaning no more time for hiccups, an in-house seamstress is the best option. They are familiar with all the dresses they carry and will be able to give you helpful advice for what will work best.
4. Keep an open mind
Try not get caught up in finding your perfect imaginary dress. Let go – and try on all different styles; you might be pleasantly surprised.
5. Don’t worry about getting locked in
If you are really not sure, why not buy two and sell the one you do not end up wearing online. It’s always good to have options 
6. Buy a dress that fits
Do not buy a dress too small, thinking you will have time to work off some extra weight in-between now and your big day. You most likely won’t!
We also recommend checking out some of our favourite bridal shops:
Cheers!
RSVP Events | Ottawa Corporate & Event Plannersc: (613) 219-3552
Sources: www.ctvnews.ca, ottawacitizen.com, metronews.ca
Photo Sources: hotpinkbrides.com, www.ctvnews.ca, marrymeproductions.com