NSW wedding caterer goes bust leaving engaged couples in the lurch

A wedding caterer has gone bust owing around $184,000 with the boss informing a bride and groom about the bankruptcy a little over 24 hours before their big day.

Chef Christopher Holt has gone bankrupt forcing him to cease operating his NSW-based company Orchard Catering Co. 

'Due to unforeseen circumstances Orchard Catering Co will no longer be able to continue its operations as a catering supplier,' a message from the company read. 

'Sadly we have been made bankrupt and cannot fulfil our current obligations to our clients.' 

One couple was left $14,000 out of pocket and had to spend a lot of their honeymoon money to get a last minute replacement for the following day. 

Another couple got nine days' notice that their wedding catering was cancelled and were left with a $16,000 bill, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

Some couples had noticed it was taking a long time to get replies to emails and phone calls and that food tasting sessions had been cancelled, but were still shocked to discover that Orchard Catering had gone bankrupt.

'My jaw dropped,' one man said. 'We were a bit suss on why he wasn't replying but we never imagined it was because he'd gone bust.' 

People initially started to find out what was happening when it was revealed on an Australian wedding-themed Facebook page.  

But while word spread around, many didn't find out until they were contacted close to their wedding date.

Orchard Catering's creditors' report lists around $184,000 owed to clients, suppliers and other creditors.

This includes $85,000 to Lumi Finance, $17,000 to Toyota Finance and more than $20,000 to clients.

'It's an incredibly disappointing thing for a person to do considering the emotion attached to the day and financial burden couples already face,' a bride said.

Mr Holt has denied threatening to sue people for talking about his bankruptcy and apologised for any hardship caused.

'All couples have my contact info and I have advised them to seek legal advice to reclaim any lost money or services. I am devoted to making this right for all parties involved,' he said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Holt for further comment.