Wedding decorator leaves brides in limbo

They have no decorations or linens. Their calls are not being returned.

Many brides throughout the Edmonton area have been left scrambling to save their weddings after being deserted by their wedding planner.

“I think my faith in humanity dropped a little bit,” said Trudy Thompson, whose daughter Courtney was left in the lurch just days before her wedding.

The Thompsons are among dozens of clients who hired Stony Plain-based decorating company Amour Decor this spring, some forking over deposits of up to $2,000.

Last week clients started having trouble contacting the company, and it’s owner Amy Conibear. The company’s phone number came up as out of service, though those who were able to contact Conibear were promised that everything would be delivered.

When contacted by phone, Conibear told Global News that she is in the process of going out of business. When asked if she would be contacting her clients or returning their money, Conibear refused to comment and hung up the phone.

As recently as last week Conibear had contacted some of her clients, offering a discounted price if they paid their entire bill up front.

“How dare you do this to other brides when you say you’re a bride yourself” said bride-to-be Desiree Julien, now out more than $1,200. “I just wish she would have been honest. We hope for this day our whole lives. A girl plans this from the time she’s five.”

Bruce Demkiw of ABC Weddings in Edmonton has been hearing a lot about Amour Decor recently.

“A lot of very frustrated brides coming in with kind of the same story, that their decorator has bailed at the last minute,” Demkiw said.

So far Demkiw has been able to help about a dozen panicked brides. He says the impact of businesses like Amour Decor extends far beyond clients.

“It’s very bad for the industry, its bad for the brides, there are really no winners in this,” Demkiw said.

Conibear advertised Amour Decor online at sites like Kijiji. She may also have used the names Reception in a Box, and A Touch of Love.

Stony Plain RCMP have confirmed that they have received a number of complaints about Amour Decor and are looking into the matter.

Many of Amour Decor’s clients have banded together on Facebook to share their experiences with the company and to keep each other informed about how the matter is being dealt with.

“We’re going to do everything and absolutely anything we can do to get our money back,” Julien said.

Amour Decor clients contacted by Global News have already reported combined losses of over $35,000.

Global Edmonton Trouble Shooter Julie Matthews suggests the following tips when when hiring a wedding vendor:

• Research the business’s complaint history and years in business.
• Talk to previous clients
• Shop around, beware of prices that are too good to be true.
• Don’t pay everything up front.
• Have a detailed written contract.

Clients can also register complaints through Service Alberta by calling 1-877-427-4088.

With files from Julie Matthews.