Minnesota bridal shops pay $50K in settlement with state

Two Minnesota wedding dress stores, which have now been consolidated into one entity, have agreed to pay $50,000 and reform business practices to settle a complaint by the state.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office announced Wednesday that Posh Bridal Couture and m. Elizabeth Bridal agreed to the payment and to avoid misleading and false statements in the future.

The shops told buyers to expect wedding gowns in six months or sooner but often delivered late, forcing brides to pay extra fees for rush alterations or buy backup dresses.

Ellison’s office alleged the stores often blamed the late deliveries on international customs or dress designers when they actually failed to pay the gowns’ manufacturers and then lied to customers.

This case highlights how the media, Minnesota consumers, and your elected officials can work together to bring accountability to businesses in our state," Ellison said. "If you have a problem with a business, you might not be the only one, contact us. We may be able to help not only you, but many others."

Minnesotans can report deceptive and unlawful business practices on the office’s website.