Rising Wedding Costs: How Tariffs Could Affect Your Wedding Budget
If you’re newly engaged and planning your 2026 or 2027 wedding, you’ve probably noticed that prices are climbing and not just for venues and catering. A recent CNN Business report revealed that new tariffs and import changes are impacting the wedding industry, from wedding gowns to decor, flowers, and rentals.
As a professional wedding planner, I understand the importance of planning with transparency and flexibility. Let’s break down what’s happening and how you can stay on budget while still celebrating your dream day.
Why Wedding Costs Are Increasing
According to industry experts, new tariffs on imported goods are raising costs for many wedding products. Most wedding gowns, accessories, and decor items are made or sourced overseas. With these new trade changes, some bridal shops have seen an additional $100 to $800 in costs per gown, and those expenses often trickle down to couples.
Even small items like table linens, candles, and cake decorations are affected, since many of their components are imported. These rising prices are expected to cause an overall 10–15% increase in wedding budgets for 2026 and possibly 2027.
What This Means for Your Wedding Budget
If you’re just starting to plan, here are a few key takeaways to help you prepare:
Build in a cushion: Add an extra 10–15% to your budget for unexpected price increases.
Ask vendors about pricing timelines: With costs fluctuating, confirm how long your quote is valid before signing.
Shop early for your gown and decor: Bridal designers are already adjusting prices, so ordering sooner can lock in current rates.
Be transparent with your planner: Your wedding planner can help you rework design or vendor options to keep costs manageable without losing style.
How Wedding Professionals Are Responding
The good news? Many wedding professionals are working hard to minimize the impact on couples. Bridal designers and planners are absorbing part of the costs or offering creative alternatives, such as locally sourced flowers, domestic rentals, or custom minimalist décor that still looks elegant but costs less.
Wedding planners are also encouraging couples to focus spending on high-impact experiences, like photography, food, and entertainment, while simplifying smaller details that add up quickly.
Tips to Stay Financially Confident During Wedding Planning
Get clear on your priorities. Decide what matters most to you and your partner before diving into the details.
Work with trusted vendors. Choose experienced professionals who communicate openly about pricing changes.
Plan early and pay attention to contracts. Secure your vendors before further cost increases take effect.
Lean on your planner for guidance. A certified wedding planner can help you navigate pricing shifts and keep everything organized.
The Bottom Line
Tariffs and inflation are affecting the wedding industry in 2025, 2026, and 2027, but with careful planning, your dream wedding is still within reach. Keep communication open with your planner and vendors, and remember, love is the most beautiful investment of all.
Until next time…WEDologize!