The Alfred Angelo chain of bridal stores made national news when it closed its 61 U.S. stores without notice, leaving brides-to-be panicking about their dresses.

The Delray Beach-based chain shocked consumers and bankruptcy attorneys alike with its decision to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation on Friday. The move is a last resort — typically not the first outward sign of trouble, even in an age of frequent retail bankruptcies, attorneys said.