It’s one of the first tasks you’ll do at the start of the wedding-planning process: determining your budget. Without this critical number, it’s difficult—if not impossible—to hire key vendors, select your décor, and purchase your dress. Regardless of whether you’re spending $10,000 or $100,000 on this celebration, knowing how much you and your partner are able to put toward your big day is critical to ensure that the months leading up to your nuptials aren’t consumed by financial stress. However, for modern couples, there’s another economic factor you’ll likely have to take into account when it comes to your festivities: tariffs.
While the current economic situation in regard to tariffs is ever-changing and uncertain, it’s a factor that couples should account for while planning their upcoming weddings, as many different components of your big day may be sourced from other countries. Think: ceremony lilies flown in from Columbia, authentic Italian cheeses at your cocktail hour, and Irish whiskey for your uncle’s traditional post-cake-cutting toast. “My biggest takeaway for couples is if it’s shipped, imported, or internationally sourced—it’s susceptible,” says Lara Mahler, founder and CEO of The Privilege is Mine and ALTARE.
Meet the Expert
- Lara Mahler is the founder and CEO of The Privilege is Mine and ALTARE.
- Shean Strong is the owner and floral designer behind Shean Strong, a wedding planning and floral design company based in Atlanta, Georgia.
While the specifics of the global tariff landscape continue to change—and the effect on each couple’s celebration will vary based on their location, date, and wedding size, most brides and grooms can expect a high or moderate impact from tariffs on florals, catering, custom items, and rentals, says Mahler. “Music (bands/DJs), beauty services, photography, and venue fees, since they rely more on talent than materials, are less likely [to be] affected by tariffs,” she adds.
Below, the experts explain everything you need to know about tariffs and your wedding, including how to ensure that these economic policies won’t drastically alter your budget.
Tariffs and Your Wedding: What You Need to Know
It's likely that tariffs will affect your wedding budget by making some key items harder to source, as well as by raising overall shipping costs. “Couples may be surprised to see a ‘fuel’ or ‘logistics surcharge’ line item creep up on invoices closer to the event date,” says Mahler. “Even if you’re not directly importing anything yourself, tariffs can create downstream inflation in fuel, freight, and logistics, leading to higher delivery fees from local vendors. For example, your rentals or catering equipment might be trucked in from several hours away, and if gas or shipping costs spike due to broader economic effects of tariffs, vendors may add surcharges.”
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How Will Wedding Flowers Be Affected by Tariffs?
While you may try to bypass the impact of tariffs by sourcing items and materials from the U.S., that’s extremely difficult—if not impossibe—when it comes to some elements of your celebration, including flowers.c “The U.S. doesn’t grow many of the most loved wedding flowers at scale, especially not year-round,” says Shean Strong, a wedding planner and floral designer. “Even when local blooms are in season, their timing can be unpredictable, which makes last-minute substitutions tough. Because flowers have a short shelf life, typically a 48- to 72-hour window from farm to vase, any minor customs delays can spoil entire shipments.”
As a result of tariffs, expect to see higher prices to cover the cost of flowers and greenery grown internationally; tools and materials (like floral foam and tape) not manufactured in the U.S.; and increased shipping fees. “Some blooms are especially vulnerable to rising costs or availability issues depending on where they’re grown,” says Strong. “Garden roses from Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya; ranunculus and sweet peas from Japan, Italy, and Holland; and staple greenery like smilax, olive, and ruscus from Italy and Israel could all be affected. Orchids, particularly from Thailand and the Netherlands, may also become pricier or harder to source.”
If you have your heart set on a must-have flower, make sure to give your designer a heads-up from the start. “Florists will absolutely get creative and find beautiful alternatives, but if your dream design hinges on a specific imported bloom, clear communication and a little flexibility will make all the difference,” says Strong.
How Will Wedding Food and Cakes Be Affected by Tariffs?
For some couples, a menu built around seasonal, local ingredients is a priority—but if you’re envisioning recreating the meal you had after your Amalfi Coast engagement or treating guests to a buffet of your favorite travel-inspired entrees, prepare to see a moderate cost increase, says Mahler. “While most ingredients are domestically sourced, caterers who offer luxury or international menus may be impacted,” she says. “Imported cheeses, meats (like prosciutto), seafood, spices, and certain produce (especially out-of-season) are vulnerable to tariff-driven price swings.”
Couples might also see an increase in the cost of their cake and dessert spreads. “If your cake baker or caterer uses imported ingredients—like Italian mascarpone, Belgian chocolate, or European liqueurs, tariffs could increase the cost of high-end or specialty desserts,” says Mahler. “You might not think about where your butter or vanilla comes from, but small-batch bakers certainly do—and they may adjust menus or pricing if ingredients suddenly cost more.”
How Will Wedding Paper Goods Be Affected by Tariffs?
Even if you’ve hired a U.S.-based company to create a suite of bespoke papers, signage, or favors, the materials are often sourced internationally; Mahler anticipates these costs going up by 10 to 20 percent as a result of tariffs. “Custom wedding items, like invitation suites, favors, signage, or welcome bags, often use materials from abroad (e.g., handmade paper, silk ribbons, glassware, or keepsake boxes),” she says. “Tariffs on these specialty materials can make custom work pricier, or limit what's available.” To avoid such costs, she suggests seeking out designers who source their materials domestically or have U.S.-based production partners.
How Will Wedding Rentals Be Affected by Tariffs?
The printed linens, woven napkins, and ceramic chargers you envision for your tablescape may not be as local as you think: “Many rental companies source items like glassware, chargers, chairs, or linens from overseas—particularly Europe and Asia,” says Mahler, who adds that couples can expect to see a 10 to 25 percent increase in these costs due to tariffs. “Tariffs on materials like aluminum, textiles, or porcelain can increase wholesale costs, and those hikes are often passed along to couples.” Soon-to-be newlyweds might be surprised to find an added cost for chargers, flatware, chairs, lounge furniture, and even drapery, she says. To help manage these costs, she recommends asking your rental company about what's locally made or already in their inventory, avoiding anything that needs to be specially ordered.
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
How Will Alcohol for Your Wedding Be Affected by Tariffs?
From regional Italian wines and French Champagne to Irish spirits and Mexican beer, you likely have an idea of the specific types of alcohol you want to offer at your reception. However, be prepared to be flexible with this element of your soirée. “Alcohol is one of the most tariff-sensitive categories,” says Mahler. “Tariffs on imported wine, spirits, and liqueurs from Europe (especially France, Italy, and the UK) have fluctuated over the past few years. This can affect French Champagne (expect 20 to 30 percent hikes in some markets); Scotch, Cognac, and Irish Whiskey; and Italian wines, aperitifs, and digestifs.”
If you need to save money in this category, consider trying domestic versions of your favorite international drinks, or keep your menu intentionally local: “If you're using a bar service, ask about domestic alternatives, or build a fun menu around American-made wine and spirits from California, Oregon, New York, Kentucky, etc.,” says Mahler.
5 Ways to Manage the Effects of Tariffs on Your Wedding
It's no secret that tariffs can have a drastic impact on your wedding budget and some of the key items associated with your big day. Here, Mahler and Strong offer five ways to protect your celebration from these economic measures.
Request Locked-In Pricing
Costs can change frequently over your wedding-planning timeline, so requesting a locked-in price can help you adhere to your budget. “If you’re eyeing rentals, florals, attire, or any vendor using imported goods, book early and get everything in writing,” Mahler says. “Many vendors honor current pricing even if tariffs go up later, so signing contracts sooner can shield you from unexpected hikes. Ask vendors directly: ‘Are your rates locked-in or subject to change based on material costs or tariffs?’ Clear communication goes a long way.”
Buy Domestic
While you may not be able to find an American-made version of every item on your list, a few acceptable swaps can help you keep your budget balanced. “Where possible, source locally made or U.S.-produced goods,” says Mahler. “Not only are you supporting small businesses, but you’re also avoiding the import chain altogether. Look for local florists using in-season blooms, stationers using American-made paper, designers or boutiques with U.S.-based production, and artisans for favors or signage who craft everything in-house.”
In addition to protecting you from potential tariffs, Mahler notes that sourcing local goods often results in faster turnaround times and lower delivery fees.
Add a Budget Buffer
Building a buffer for extra costs into your budget is smart planning—even if you aren’t thinking about tariffs. Extra costs (or last minute must-haves) pop up for almost every couple. “If you're mid-planning and tariffs are in flux, set aside a small contingency fund (around 10 to 15 percent of your overall budget) to absorb rising costs,” says Mahler. “This buffer gives you room to adjust without sacrificing core elements of your day. Realistic planning equals less stress when surprises happen.”
Be Flexible
Couples who focus on their overall vision—and not specific materials, colors, florals, or other design elements—will have the easiest time adjusting to changes in the market. “Flexibility doesn’t mean compromising style, it just means being resourceful and design-savvy,” says Mahler. “You can’t control tariffs, but you can control your timeline, your vendors, and your priorities. Staying flexible, informed, and proactive ensures your wedding reflects your vision, without being derailed by global trade policy.”
Stay Calm
As you move through the planning process, don’t let the uncertainty of tariffs steal the joy of designing your day. “Do not panic,” says Strong. “Tariffs might cause a few issues, but they do not have to throw off your whole wedding plan. With a thoughtful designer, a bit of flexibility, and some honest conversations, everything can stay right on track…and your day will still be unforgettable.”
