How Tariffs Are Affecting Weddings in 2025—And What You Can Do About It

Planning a wedding is stressful enough—and now tariffs are joining the guest list. 🙃

If you’re in the thick of planning, you may have heard whispers about rising costs or unexpected delays. That’s because new tariffs on imported goods are beginning to impact key wedding categories—flowers, food, attire, décor, and more.

But don’t panic. Below, I’m breaking down exactly what’s changing and how you can plan smarter to protect your budget, timeline, and peace of mind.

Flowers Are Getting Pricier

Many of your favorite wedding blooms—like roses, peonies, ranunculus, and tulips—are imported from overseas. Tariffs are now making those imports more expensive, and international shipment delays are becoming more common.

What You Can Do:

• Choose in-season, locally grown flowers

• Be open to substitutions if a specific bloom becomes hard to get

• Talk to your florist now about any potential pricing shifts before your final invoice hits

Food & Drink Costs Are Rising

From imported wine to specialty cheeses and seafood, many wedding menu staples are also on the tariff list. Caterers may have to raise prices, even after quoting you initially.

What You Can Do:

• Ask your caterer about locally sourced swaps

• Finalize your menu early to lock in pricing

• Leave a little cushion in your catering budget for unexpected adjustments

Wedding Attire Is Slowing Down

Most wedding dresses, suits, and accessories are manufactured overseas. Combine tariffs with shipping delays and you’ve got a recipe for longer lead times and higher price tags.

What You Can Do:

• Order your attire 1–2 months earlier than planned

• Ask your boutique for updated lead times before committing

• Build in extra time for tailoring or last-minute adjustments

Décor Costs Are Creeping Up

Candles, signage, vases, linens, and favors—many of the little details that pull your look together—are often imported, which means they're also affected.

What You Can Do:

• Rent instead of buy where possible

• Consider secondhand or local sourcing

• Finalize your design plan earlier to avoid last-minute panic purchases

Your Vendors Might Raise Prices (Even After Booking)

This is a big one. Even if you’ve already signed a contract, some vendors may need to increase prices before the big day. Why? Because we’re not talking about minor increases—many vendors are seeing 10–20% cost hikes across the board. Most small businesses simply can’t absorb that kind of jump and still stay afloat.

What You Can Do:

• Revisit your contracts and ask vendors if adjustments might be coming

• Budget with potential increases in mind

• Keep communication open and kind—remember, everyone’s trying to adapt

• Work with a wedding planner (hi! 👋) to help advocate for you and manage the logistics

Feeling Overwhelmed?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to handle all of this by yourself. I help couples build flexible, realistic wedding plans that account for surprises before they become emergencies.

Want support navigating vendor contracts, timelines, and shifting costs? Book a consultation or send me a DM on Instagram @lovelyoccasions.la. I’d love to help you plan a day that’s stress-free and stunning.