Couples and vendors face new stress in wedding planning due to the introduction of tariffs affecting costs.

In recent months, American brides have faced a new challenge in planning their weddings, as tariffs on imported goods significantly impact the costs associated with wedding attire and supplies. Krista Vasquez, an Atlanta paramedic, found her dream halter-style wedding gown from Spain subjected to a price increase of nearly 0 due to new tariffs. She quickly discovered that similar dresses from Europe would also incur tariff-driven price hikes ranging from 0 to 0, underscoring a broader trend that is reshaping the wedding industry as these tariffs come into play.

The implications of these tariffs stretch far beyond wedding dresses. A wide array of goods essential to wedding celebrations—including cakes, decor, attire, floral arrangements, and catering supplies—are now affected by tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Vendors from florists to photographers are grappling with how to manage rising costs, leading to heightened anxiety and uncertainty among couples planning their big days.

Olivia Sever, a 28-year-old online content creator in San Diego, experienced firsthand the impact of tariffs on her wedding budget. Her wedding planner alerted her to a 10% increase in the costs of essential paper goods—menus, place cards, and signage—needed for her September celebration in Hawaii. Sever found that switching to American-made alternatives is not always a viable option, as local flower prices had also surged due to demand and the same tariff pressures affecting imported blooms.

The cake industry has also been caught in the crosshairs of rising costs. Phoenix-based cake artist Armana Christianson reports spending two years developing her popular flavor combinations, only to see the price of key ingredients such as chocolate—exacerbated by cocoa shortages and tariffs—skyrocket by over 20%. This has made pricing her creations more complex, as she absorbs costs for clients already under contract.

Bridal retailers are similarly bracing for inviable trade tariffs. The National Bridal Retailers Association notes that most bridal gowns and various fabric components are produced in Asia, where labor is less expensive. Consequently, the inability to source American-made alternatives will likely increase operational costs for small businesses significantly if tariffs on Chinese imports are reinstated.

With roughly 80% of cut flowers sold in the U.S. sourced from international suppliers, the floral industry is particularly vulnerable. As U.S. producers are unable to meet the flower supply demands, florists warn that price increases are inevitable for couples relying on these essential wedding arrangements.

Couples planning weddings now face delays and indecision as they navigate their budgets amid rising costs. Jacqueline Vizcaino, president of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association, indicated that many couples are taking longer to finalize decisions due to uncertainty over pricing and availability of desired services and goods.

Compounding the dilemma, a recent ruling from the federal court declared that the Trump administration exceeded its authority in implementing widespread tariffs. As the administration appealed that decision, a temporary halt on the ruling was secured, allowing tariffs to remain in place for the time being. This ongoing volatility in trade regulations stands to further cloud the landscape for couples looking to celebrate their weddings in the near future.

As the wedding industry continues to adapt to these economic pressures, the lasting effect of tariffs on love’s most celebrated occasion poses significant challenges that couples and vendors alike must navigate carefully.