Online orders cause wedding woe

Sam Howard described the problem as "embarrassing"

A couple are still waiting for their wedding presents to be delivered two months after their big day.

Friends and relatives of Burton-on-Trent newly-weds Sam and Steve Howard spent about £1,400 on 40 presents from online traders The Gift Registry.

The company could not be contacted on Tuesday but a statement on its website said it had gone into administration.

The BBC's Watchdog programme is investigating similar complaints from several other unhappy couples.

We're just praying that people can get the money back Steve Howard

Mrs Howard told BBC Midlands Today: "We've got family in New Zealand, we've got friends in America, friends in France, so using the internet for them to buy us a gift seemed an easy option.

"I'm absolutely devastated. It's meant to be the best day of your life and we've got this to contend with two months after our wedding.

"It's embarrassing. We've sent thank you cards out, saying thank you for the saucepan set, thank you for the duvet cover, and we've not got them."

'No more deliveries'

Mr Howard said: "We're just praying that people can get the money back, more for them really so they're not getting ripped off."

A statement on the company's website reads: "It is with deep regret that we announce that, as of Friday 8 October 2004, The Gift Registry has been placed into administration.

"Regrettably we will not be able to make any more deliveries.

"If any of your guests have paid for goods we have been unable to deliver, they will need to make a claim against their credit/debit card company."