Origami Marquees, a Bristol-based wedding supplier operating under the Origami Group name, is at the center of a storm after its unexpected closure left multiple couples without essential wedding supplies. Established in 2022 by sole director Luke Graeme-Wilson, the company faced a compulsory strike-off from the Companies House register within just one year. Among those affected is Emily Baldwin, who, with her fiancé, had allocated £6,000 of their £10,000 wedding budget to Origami for a tipi, sound system, lighting, and stage. Baldwin paid an £1,800 deposit in May, only to be met with silence when the company ceased communication in July.
The sudden cessation of operations by Origami Marquees has left countless couples scrambling. Many, like Baldwin, now face the harsh reality of replanning their weddings without crucial supplies. Avon & Somerset police have acknowledged complaints lodged with Action Fraud concerning the company. Luke Graeme-Wilson announced voluntary liquidation for Origami Marquees in November, following its removal from the wedding website Hitched after inquiries were made. Hitched clarified its position, stating:
"We do not have an advertising agreement with it.” – Hitched
Luke Graeme-Wilson addressed the situation, emphasizing efforts to rectify the financial fallout:
“We are doing everything we can to return deposits as we wind down the company, with all available funds and proceeds from the sale of assets used to meet our outstanding obligations. Some deposits have already been returned, and we expect all deposits for 2025 and beyond will be fully refunded.” – Luke Graeme-Wilson
Despite these assurances, the impact on clients like Emily Baldwin has been profound. Baldwin expressed the emotional toll:
“A wedding day is meant to be one of the most special times in life, but ours has been tainted by a business we trusted.” – Emily Baldwin
The average cost of a wedding has surged to nearly £24,000, and with a 24% increase in wedding scams last year, couples face heightened risks when planning their special day. The financial distress experienced by Origami Marquees is part of a larger trend affecting businesses nationwide. Holly Ryland-Jones, another affected client who fears losing her £2,500 deposit, commented on the unsettling nature of such business failures:
“It’s scary to see how easy it is for businesses to ‘disappear’ with our hard-earned money.” – Holly Ryland-Jones
While some deposits have been returned, many couples remain uncertain about their financial recourse. Graeme-Wilson refuted any suggestions of wrongdoing:
“Suggestions of fraud are entirely misplaced – there is nothing more here than a business that, despite many successes, has, unfortunately, not been able to survive.” – Luke Graeme-Wilson
Hitched, which had listed Origami Marquees on its platform, took decisive action upon learning of the company's issues:
“We offer a marketplace that provides real reviews to help couples make informed decisions. When a vendor concern, or complaint, is brought to our attention directly, we take swift action.” – Hitched
For those like Emily Baldwin and Holly Ryland-Jones, the road ahead involves navigating both emotional and logistical challenges as they replan their weddings amidst uncertainty. Emily Baldwin shared her ongoing concerns:
“The emotional stress of having to deal with this has taken away from the excitement,” – Emily Baldwin
“I am sure there are still people out there expecting the company to turn up for their wedding.” – Emily Baldwin