After the fire at Bridal Reflections in Massapequa, here's what brides need to know

Feelings of excitement quickly turned into concern for many local brides after a basement fire at Bridal Reflections in Massapequa Sunday threatened the safety of about 500 wedding dresses. 

"The number one concern seems to be the smell of the gowns and if they are able to get any smoke smell out of them," Heather Cunningham, owner and founder of the organization Brides of Long Island, said this week about the brides she had been in contact with. 

Anthony Micari, co-owner of Bridal Reflections, told Newsday on Monday that inspections of the dresses determined they were not physically damaged.

On Tuesday, the store's staff provided answers to some other questions that customers or others may have about the state of the dresses and what happens next. 

Did any smoke reach the customers’ dresses?

Brenna Cicciari, Bridal Reflections marketing manager, said in an email that customers' dresses experienced minimal smoke exposure, but are being oxidized as an extra precaution.

"This process ensures any potential smoky odor is eliminated and poses no threat to the gowns," she said.

All gowns were stored in a separate and sealed-off area at the time of the fire in carefully protected garment bags, she said.

Newsday video footage shows heavy smoke pouring out of the store located at 3 Broadway on Sunday afternoon.

The dresses were immediately transferred to the Bridal Reflections’ showroom across the street at 20 Central Ave. They were then taken out of their old garment bags and placed in new ones from their supplier for additional protection, Micari said.

"Everyone we work with has been so accommodating and supportive," he said.

Where can customers pick up their dresses?

Cicciari said there is no need to pick up bridal or evening gowns.

However, she said, bridesmaids who have dresses ordered through the Massapequa store should call the showroom at 516-795-2222 to pick up their dresses to make room for bridal gown storage.

What happens if I have a scheduled appointment?

Any bridal consultation appointments that were previously scheduled at the Massapequa location will need to be rescheduled at the Bridal Reflections Carle Place location at 80 Westbury Ave.

The Carle Place store is now open seven days a week to accommodate all appointments.

Customers should call that location at 516-742-7788 to reschedule.

Is there an estimated date to reopen the Massapequa store?

At this time, the Massapequa store does not have a specific date for reopening, Cicciari said.

"Our Massapequa salon will require a complete restoration and renovation, and we expect the salon to be closed for the next few months," she added.

For the most up-to-date information, customers can call the Massapequa showroom directly at 516-795-2222.

Will refunds be issued?

Cicciari said any customer can come to the Massapequa location to inspect their gown for peace of mind.

"While we are grateful that none of our customer gowns were affected by the fire, we completely understand your concerns," she said.

Customers should call the showroom to arrange a time to inspect the gown.

Cicciari said no customers have yet requested a refund.

Will there be any delays in fulfilling dress orders?

There will not be any delays in the arrival of dresses that have been ordered, Cicciari said.

The store is also attempting to secure a new storage space to safely house incoming gowns and ensure there are no disruptions in delivery.

"We want to thank all our valued brides for their patience and understanding during this difficult time," Cicciari said. "We have prided ourselves on 52+ years of business without missing a single wedding, and we have no intention of changing that now."