The closure of an Abbotsford party rental company has left some local brides searching for alternatives as their big days approach.
The staff of Classic Party Rentals were informed last Friday that the business was closing immediately, but many of the company's customers say they only heard through social media that they would need to make new arrangements.
Chelsea Caldwell, who is getting married in April, said she had paid a $300 deposit in order to rent chairs and tablecloths, among other products.
On Monday, she heard through social media that the company was closing down.
Her sister Aynsley, who is also getting married this year, but not until August, found herself in the same position.
While the sisters hope they'll get their deposits back through their credit card companies, they say the closure has added to the stress that comes with planning a wedding.
"It's an extra headache that we don't want," said Chelsea, who said she has begun to look to borrow the supplies from people she knows.
She said representatives from Classic Party Rentals had been helpful during the planning process when she visited the store just last month, but that there was never any mention that she might not receive the rentals she was paying for.
The company's website no longer exists and a sign on the the front of the business's showroom reads "Classic Party Rentals will be closed until further notice - Have a great day."
A call to the company's store elicits a voicemail message that states: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be closed until further notice. Sorry for any inconvenience."
Emails to the company's showroom manager receive automatic responses stating that staff were informed last Friday "that Classic Party Rentals will no longer be in business - effective immediately.
"I am very sorry for any inconvenience this has undoubtedly caused you," concludes the automatically generated message.