How Rising Tariffs Are Reshaping the Wedding Industry in 2023
The Impact on Bridal Attire and Accessories
Krista Vasquez, a 33-year-old Atlanta-based paramedic, was eager to find her perfect wedding gown-a sleek, form-fitting dress from Spain. However, in April, she discovered that recent U.S. tariffs on imported goods would add nearly $300 to the cost of her dream dress. With limited time before her October wedding, Vasquez quickly explored alternative options, only to find that European-made dresses would face price hikes ranging from $150 to $400 due to the new tariffs. This increase was compounded by President Joe Biden’s decision to raise tariffs on European Union imports from 10% to 50%, a move aimed at addressing trade disputes but with significant repercussions for consumers.
Fearing delays and additional expenses, Vasquez opted for her initial choice, worried that ordering from other regions might jeopardize her timeline or inflate costs further. “Wedding expenses are already high enough,” she lamented. “It’s just a little disheartening.”
From wedding cakes and decor to attire, floral arrangements, favors, photography equipment, tableware, and beverages, nearly every element of a wedding has felt the ripple effects of tariffs imposed since the Biden administration’s trade policies took effect. The extent to which these taxes are passed down to couples depends on vendors-florists, photographers, caterers, and wholesalers-who are absorbing or transferring the costs.
How Tariffs Are Affecting Wedding Planning and Budgeting
Olivia Reduce, a 28-year-old online content creator based in San Diego, is in the midst of planning her September wedding in Hawaii. She reports that many of her wedding supplies are now more expensive due to tariffs. For instance, her wedding planner has already flagged a 10% increase in costs for menus, place cards, and signage, all imported from abroad. While some items can be sourced domestically, others-like specialty flowers-are more costly due to tariffs and high demand.
“Switching to American-grown flowers isn’t always cost-effective,” Reduce explained. “Hawaii’s local flora, such as orchids and proteas, are in high demand, and tariffs on imports from countries like Ecuador and Colombia-major suppliers of roses and carnations-drive prices up. We’re trying to stay within our budget, but it’s a challenge.”
Despite these hurdles, many couples and vendors are adapting by adjusting their expectations and exploring alternative options. “If we can’t get the specific items we want at a reasonable price, we’ll find substitutes,” Reduce added. “Flexibility is key in this climate.”
Tariffs and the Wedding Cake Industry
In Phoenix, cake artist Armana Christianson typically charges between $750 and $800 for her custom wedding cakes, which feature intricate designs and a variety of flavors. Her creations range from simple vanilla bean with Mexican vanilla paste to decadent dark chocolate raspberry with Belgian chocolates and powders. However, tariffs have begun to influence her ingredient costs.
“The cost of imported chocolate has increased by at least 20%,” Christianson said. “The white chocolate I use for my signature white chocolate mud cake, which I recently decorated in a five-tier design, has doubled in price-from around $75 to $150 per cake.”
While tariffs are a significant factor, Christianson also faces supply chain issues, such as a cocoa bean shortage that predates recent tariffs. To maintain her quality standards, she’s had to absorb some of the increased costs, often without passing them directly to clients. “I haven’t included these unexpected expenses in my contracts yet,” she explained. “But I’ll need to consider doing so for future bookings.”
How Tariffs Are Reshaping Wedding Dresses and Fashion
Most high-end wedding gowns are manufactured in China or other Asian countries, where labor costs are lower, and materials like lace, beads, and zippers are sourced internationally. According to the National Bridal Retailers Association, domestic production of such detailed garments is limited, with most designers relying on imported components.
“The craftsmanship involved in creating elaborate wedding dresses isn’t readily available in the U.S.,” said Christine Greenberg, co-owner of Urban Residing Bride in Richmond, Virginia. “Most of the lace, embroidery, and boning are imported, which means tariffs directly impact our costs.”
If recent tariffs on Chinese imports are reinstated, Greenberg estimates her business could face an additional $85,000 to $100,000 in import taxes annually. “For small, family-run boutiques that serve one bride at a time, this could be the difference between staying open or closing shop,” she warned. “We simply can’t produce these intricate gowns domestically at the same price point.”
Floral Arrangements and the Import of Cut Flowers
Approximately 80% of cut flowers sold in the U.S. are imported, primarily from countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and the Netherlands. Roses, carnations, tulips, and chrysanthemums are among the most common varieties, with many filler greens also imported. The tariffs on these imports have led to noticeable price increases for floral arrangements.
Joan Wyndrum, co-founder of the online floral distributor Blooms by the Box, explained, “While the supply chain for autos and electronics is relatively quick, flowers are more vulnerable. Our stock from South America and Europe takes longer to arrive, and tariffs add to the cost.”
Despite these challenges, Wyndrum sees opportunities for growth within the U.S. flower industry. “There’s a real advantage for American growers-freshness and quick turnaround are key selling points,” she said. “Encouraging local cultivation could help reduce costs and improve supply stability.”
Broader Industry Outlook and Future Challenges
Jacqueline Vizcaino, a prominent wedding planner and president of the Wedding Substitute Consultants Association, notes that the entire wedding industry is feeling the pinch. With over 40 vendors involved in a typical wedding-from florists and caterers to photographers and transportation providers-cost increases ripple across the board.
“Tariffs are causing delays and uncertainty,” Vizcaino said. “Couples are taking longer to make decisions, and many are hesitant to lock in prices early, fearing further increases.”
McKenzi Taylor, a wedding coordinator in Las Vegas and South Dakota, reports that inquiry-to-booking times have nearly doubled-from 40 days to over 70-and cancellations are rising. “Prices are a major concern, and vendors are anxious about the future,” she added. “The industry must adapt to these economic shifts, or risk losing business altogether.”
As tariffs continue to influence costs and supply chains, wedding professionals and couples alike are navigating an uncertain landscape, balancing quality, affordability, and timing in an era of economic change.
