Helping a bride find her perfect wedding dress can often feel like an intimate journey, with emotions running high as they discuss everything from childhood dreams to body image issues.
Christine Greenberg, co-owner of Urban Set Bride in Richmond, Va., has seen it all during her 11 years in the bridal industry.
“The last thing I want to do in that joyous moment is discuss politics or global trade policy,” Greenberg explains.
However, the ongoing tariff situation is forcing such discussions into bridal fitting rooms across America.
Almost all wedding dresses sold in the United States are manufactured overseas, primarily in China, which accounts for 90% of the bridal market, according to the National Bridal Retailers Association.
Recently, these Chinese-made gowns faced a steep tariff of 145% imposed by President Donald Trump, which has now been temporarily reduced to 30% until July 9, as negotiations continue between the two countries.
As a result, couples are increasingly discovering that their dream gowns come with an unexpected price tag due to tariffs.
Jessica Kaplan from Boston encountered this reality during her bridal appointment when staff informed her that wedding gowns now carry a 10% to 15% tariff surcharge based on the designer and supply chain.
While her A-line dress came with a smaller surcharge, she still had to pay an additional $150, which she described as “definitely a bummer” on her special day.
The uncertainty surrounding tariffs is causing headaches for bridal store owners, too.
Unlike standard retail clothing, wedding gowns are typically special orders, taking six to eight months to come in after purchase.
Claire Landgraf of Finery Bridal Chic in Rochester, Minn., explained the challenges of budgeting when the tariff landscape could change dramatically during that time.
Landgraf has already incurred hundreds of dollars in tariffs for dresses ordered before President Trump’s administration, leaving her uneasy about potentially needing to charge brides an unexpected fee later on.
“I can’t do that to brides who are already at the top of their budget,” she says, highlighting the dilemma many store owners face.
The impact of tariffs is not limited to gowns; accessories like trims, crystals, veils, and even garment bags also come from abroad, making them subject to increased costs.
To cope with new tariffs, some designers have opted to raise prices across the board by as much as 30%, a move that has forced many boutique owners to follow suit.
Landgraf has introduced a temporary surcharge with plans to remove it should tariffs disappear in the future, budgeting for possible refunds in the meantime.
For brides looking to avoid tariffs altogether, American-made dresses are often the only option.
However, Greenberg states that those dresses typically start at twice the price, making them inaccessible for most brides outside major cities, where spending averages below $2,000.
The National Bridal Retailers Association has argued that the U.S. lacks a skilled labor force capable of manufacturing intricate bridal gowns, which often feature elaborate beadwork.
The argument for tariffs aimed at reviving American manufacturing faces a stark reality: it would take years to train craftsmen in skills such as lace work and embroidery required for bridal fashion.
Popular American designers like Maggie Sottero and Allure have voiced their concerns regarding tariffs, suggesting that such policies could jeopardize businesses rather than bolster American jobs.
As a result of the price instability, more brides are hesitating to make a purchase decision at bridal boutiques.
Landgraf notes a shift in shopping behavior, with brides making multiple visits rather than committing after one or two appointments, reflecting a more cautious approach due to the current economic climate.
“This has been one of the slowest seasons I’ve experienced since COVID,” she says, illustrating the challenge facing many retailers in the current market.
Brides are turning to social media for support and seeking alternative solutions for their wedding dress needs, with some contemplating hiring a dressmaker to create their gown.
Chelsea Ritchie, a Los Angeles bride, is exploring the option of purchasing materials and fabric for a custom-made dress, although she acknowledges that these materials may still need to be imported.
Ritchie’s dream dress features a dazzling white mermaid silhouette, but with uncertainty surrounding potential surcharges, she feels the weight of financial anxiety as she plans her wedding.
“With everything going on, it does give me a little anxiety,” Ritchie admits, as rising costs for everyday items compound the stress of wedding planning.
As brides navigate this uncertain landscape, they are left weighing their options and making hard choices as they strive to realize their wedding dreams amidst rising costs and tariffs.
image source from：npr
