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Victoria Spicer, 27, from Midlothian, married six weeks ago after deciding to go ahead with the ceremony after the recent death of her father.
She and her new husband, John, have not received a single gift. News of Wrapit going into administration has quashed any dwindling hope that they will receive the presents that were paid for by their 120 guests at an estimated cost of £4,000.
Mrs Spicer, who works in the magazine industry in London, said that the happiest day of their lives has been soured.
“It is devastating. This is just another blow to deal with, and it has ruined the glow of being a newlywed. We are now in the position of having to call our guests, and explain that they have to try to get a refund. We chose the company, so we feel responsible. There is no way we would want them to pay twice, but some feel they have to pay again. I especially don’t want elderly friends of my parents going through that hassle. It’s mortifying.”
Mrs Spicer added that, contrary to the company’s claim, most guests paid by debit card. Many were put off by the £2 charge for using a credit card, she said.
She did not expect the sort of charity people showed to families whose Christmases were ruined by collapse of Farepak, the hamper company that went into administration in 2006, leaving 120,000 savers £38 million out of pocket. She added, however: “If you have a bad Christmas, there is always next year. I only planned to get married once, and this is now a major part of our wedding.
“I’m trying to remain philosophical, and we had a lovely day, but it is very upsetting.”
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What a strange idea these wedding lists are anyway. Surely most couples getting married these days already have their own cookware and kitchen appliances - often twice over! Why do they need people to buy them this stuff just because they decided to get a marriage certificate?
Sarah, London, UK
I have been affected by this too, I can live without my wedding gifts, I never had them in the first place and over time I can buy myself lots of nice cookware etc, however I am really annoyed at the fact that the many people who bought my husband and I gifts will not get their money back.
Margaret, London, UK
HSBC have encouraged Wrapit to continue trading despite their seeming destiny of failure. They should have allowed them to pay debts but not take on new customers. We stand not to get 1 wedding present! Join us at 4 pm tomorrow at HSBC Canada Sq for the protest!!!
Felix, London,
The difference is that the families affected by farepak were going to go without Christmas dinner not without a few wedding gifts.
If the gifts were that important maybe they can save up and replace them over the next few years.
Katie, London,
No Emily it does not seem vulgar. Your comment on the other hand is mean and spiteful.
rose, Stirling,
Didn't you learn from what happened to Farepak? It's sad but amazing that UK consumers put their trust in companies like this. The rule in England is this: The unsecured creditor (that's YOU) comes last, and usually gets nowt. Just buy stuff directly and use the plastic so it's their risk!
Clive, Monterrey, Mexico
It is devastating. This is just another blow to deal with, and it has ruined the glow of being a newlywed..."
Doesn't this seem a little vulgar in light of the tragic death of the couple in Antigua?
I don't agree with wedding registries or people giving gifts for weddings full stop.
Emily, Melbourne, Australia
Our wedding presents (£3000) were also lost when Wrapit went under. Contrary to their claims, they were letting guests buy after our wedding (1 month ago). They have also known about this since Feb 08. They're now encouraging us to harass indiv HSBC employees by email to give in - we're outraged.
KL, London, United Kingdom