Online wedding trend forces Tonawanda business to close

Brides-to-be know that weddings can cost big bucks.  But one way many brides are saving money is forcing a local shop out of business.

Calling Cards Unlimited closed after more than three decades in Tonawanda.  The store owner says brides have used the shop to essentially window shop before they order online instead.

Rochelle Forman and Rhonda Dragonette have worked together at the store for 35 years.  The pair has helped thousands of brides and grooms find the perfect wedding invitations - creating, designing, printing and selling them and other paper goods at their store on Sheridan Drive.

"If the orders aren't coming in, it's very hard to keep the business open," said Rhonda Dragonette.

"Obviously the internet has taken over not only our business but other businesses," echoed Rochelle Forman.

Dragonette says many brides have come into the shop lately to get ideas, but they end up ordering online.  So after decades together, the women had to hang a closed sign on the door, although they are both sad to see the business go.

"I think one of the nicest things people have said is you'll be missed.  That means a lot to both of us," said Forman.

The duo plans to donate much of the remaining paper to charity.