Wedding planning is already one of life’s most exciting—and expensive—milestones. But now, couples across the U.S. are being hit with an unexpected new factor driving up costs: tariffs. With the average wedding already topping $30,000, recent government-imposed tariffs on imported goods could make that number even higher.
So what’s really going on—and what can savvy couples do to stay on budget?
💸 What’s Causing the Price Hike?
A significant portion of wedding-related products are imported from countries like China and European nations. Tariffs—essentially taxes on those imports—are now being passed along to consumers. That includes:
- Wedding dresses (over 50% are imported from China)
- Decor items like charger plates, candelabras, napkins, and linens
- Stationery for menus, invitations, and signage
- Wine and liquor, often sourced from Europe
- Fresh flowers, with 80% coming from overseas
In some cases, boutique owners report dress prices increasing by up to 20% due to tariffs alone. And it’s not just bridal fashion that’s impacted—everything from seating to stemware might now come with a higher price tag.
📝 A Wedding Planner’s Advice
Amy MacKenzie, a wedding planner featured in a recent news report, says she’s now urging couples to lock in vendor rates early to avoid being hit by future increases. Her top tips?
- Book vendors and pay deposits ASAP to secure today’s pricing
- Add a 10–15% buffer to your budget for unexpected cost increases
- Read contracts carefully, especially sections about price changes or supply chain disruptions
- Prioritize what matters most, like flowers or music, and look for places to simplify elsewhere
She also notes that many couples are leaning more into DIY projects to keep costs manageable—something we fully support here at The Budget Savvy Bride.
🪡 Is U.S. Manufacturing the Answer?
One bridal boutique mentioned they’re considering moving dress manufacturing to the U.S. to avoid international tariffs. While that might seem like a great idea on the surface, there’s an important reality to consider: American workers deserve a livable wage.
That means domestic manufacturing would likely drive costs up even further—potentially pricing out budget-conscious couples. The reason so many products are made overseas is because labor is cheaper, but often that comes at the cost of ethical working conditions. It’s a complex issue with no simple solution.
Related: How to Combat Inflation and Have a Beautiful Wedding on a Budget
💡 How to Stay Savvy
Here’s the good news: you can still have a beautiful, meaningful wedding without going into debt—even in the face of rising costs. Here’s how:
- Stay flexible with your vision. If imported flowers or dresses are a priority, you may need to cut back in other areas.
- Go local when possible. Support small businesses and regional vendors who may be less impacted by global tariffs.
- Get creative with decor. DIY projects, rentals, and secondhand items can help you pull off your dream look for less.
- Consider alternatives. Think off-peak dates, smaller guest lists, or unconventional venues to save big.
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love—not impressing anyone else. Staying focused on what matters most to you as a couple is the best way to create a day that’s both unforgettable and financially feasible.
