Bride Sues Wedding Dress Company After Dress Isn't Ready for Wedding

An Israeli woman has sued the wedding dress company "Riki Dalal - Wedding Dresses" after her custom gown was not ready on her wedding day. The small claims court ruled in favor of the bride, awarding her significant compensation. However, the company has appealed the decision to the Tel Aviv District Court, seeking to overturn the ruling.

According to the bride's lawsuit, she arrived at the salon the day before her wedding to find her dress unfinished and still pinned. When offered a four-hour wait, which was unacceptable so close to the ceremony, she left without the dress. She was forced to wear a different, less formal dress intended for dancing at her wedding.

The bride sought 15,000 shekels in damages, stating, "I had to get married in a second dress meant for dancing. This dress was not at all the luxurious wedding outfit I dreamed of and ordered. I believe a wedding dress is one of the main attributes of the celebration. Because it wasn't ready on time, I still haven't made a wedding album. It really ruined my wedding. I felt unattractive and was unhappy with my appearance."

The court found "Riki Dalal - Wedding Dresses" responsible, noting that the franchise salon transferred 60% of its revenue to the parent company. The judge concluded that the franchisee acted on behalf of Riki Dalal or created the false impression that the bride was contracting with the main company. The company was ordered to pay the bride 6,000 shekels for the dress, 8,000 shekels for emotional distress, and 3,700 shekels in legal costs.

"Riki Dalal - Wedding Dresses" disputes the ruling, arguing that the bride did not purchase the dress directly from them but through a franchisee in Tel Aviv. They claim they had no contract, no communication, and received no payment for the dress. The company stated that the bride agreed to have a custom dress made by the franchisee, not a Riki Dalal design, and that all agreements were between the bride and the franchisee. The company's lawyers also accused the court of a "one-sided review" and pointed out that the bride claimed to have paid 10,000 shekels, while payment documents showed only 5,500 shekels, which was later partially refunded by the franchisee. The company asserts that the franchise agreement placed full responsibility for branch operations and third-party relations solely on the franchisee. The salon where the dress was ordered has since closed.