Many people spend months planning their weddings, thinking through everything from the location and dining to the wedding dress. In recent months, though, the arrival of tariffs has become a surprising factor in wedding planning. Conversations about potential tariffs have impacted many industries, and the wedding industry is no exception.
Knowing about these economic changes is very important to our business, primarily to serve our special customers well. With that in mind, will couples find that tariffs influence their wedding plans, especially regarding formalwear? The quick answer: it likely will happen.
Wedding Industry Around the World
Since weddings are a global business, it’s important to pay attention to the impact they may have. Most event essentials like food, service, and the venue are sourced locally; however, wedding items are often shipped from distant locations.
This includes:
- A large number of wedding gowns and men’s formalwear, including suits, tuxedos and the materials and decorations used in them, are mostly manufactured or procured from countries in Asia.
- A large portion of bridal gowns bought in the U.S., up to 90%, are made in China and neighboring countries.
Local blossoms look lovely, but you will often see that popular flowers, eye-catching vases, lights and decor are brought in. - Shoes, jewelry and intricate lace and beads are all common accessories in weddings and many come from countries beyond a local area.
When the government imposes tariffs—essentially taxes on imported goods—it raises the cost of bringing these items into the country. Importers or vendors rarely absorb this extra cost; instead, they almost always pass it on to consumers, including couples planning their big day.
The Direct Hit: Formalwear and Rising Costs
Tariff payments can significantly impact the rental costs of suits and tuxedos. Many fabrics, finished garments, and components—such as buttons, zippers, and linings—are frequently manufactured overseas.
If tariffs are put on these imports, it can change how you plan your wedding,
- Higher Rental Prices: Like many formalwear businesses, our inventory relies on garments sourced from around the world. If tariffs drive up the cost of acquiring new tuxedos, suits, shirts, vests, or accessories, those increases will likely be reflected in rental prices. While we strive to absorb some of these costs to stay competitive, there’s only so much we can take on without affecting quality or long-term sustainability.
- Increased Purchase Costs: For couples or groomsmen who prefer to purchase their formalwear, the price tags on new suits and tuxedos could see a noticeable hike. This applies to both off-the-rack options and custom-made garments, as even domestically assembled items often use imported fabrics or components.
- Limited Selection (Potentially): In an effort to mitigate rising costs, some manufacturers or retailers might opt to streamline their offerings, focusing on more cost-effective designs or sourcing from a narrower range of suppliers. This could potentially lead to fewer style options or a delay in new collections arriving in stores.
- Longer Lead Times: Supply chain disruptions are a common byproduct of tariff implementations. Factories might adjust production, shipping routes could face delays, and customs processes might become more complex. For formalwear rentals, this could mean needing to book further in advance, especially for popular styles or specific sizes, to ensure availability.
How the Broader Ripple Affects Wedding Spending
You might think dresses are only fancy, but they actually come in many types. Across every element of weddings, tariffs play a part in increasing the total cost.
- Venues could see their prices for imported furniture, lighting or certain foods such as specialized cheeses or wines, rise. Caterers may notice that the costs of imports or specific food items are rising.
- Vases, creative lighting and some international flowers add extra expense. Couples could decide to exchange big floral arrangements for smaller ones made from nearby and seasonal flowers.
- Just because a service seems to be okay does not mean it is immune to the economic downturn. Most photographers and videographers use imported cameras, drones and memory cards. Both DJs and bands commonly use sound equipment from outside the country. If the expenses for vendors go up, it may become necessary for them to change their service costs.
- Having a DIY wedding doesn’t always mean there won’t be mistakes. Things sold online, craft materials and rentals for backyard weddings usually come from imports.
Ways that Couples Should Change Their Approach
Seeing wedding costs go up may seem scary, but that doesn’t mean your dream wedding isn’t possible. In other words, organizations must plan using more careful and informed processes.
- Remember to make a budget that adjusts as your expenses can rise or fall. Factor in 10%-15% in your wedding budget to deal with emergency expenses.
- Reserve with vendors for events as far in advance as possible. Almost all businesses will guarantee their quoted prices for a period, so you won’t have to worry about tariff surcharges.
- Work out what’s most important to you both and where you can make some room for compromise. You may invest in a beautiful dress, however, you could save by dressing the groomsmen simpler and using local flowers instead of expensive ones brought from abroad.
- Seek out locally produced goods or products and vendors who work nearby for your business needs. Buying locally helps local merchants and reduces some of the effects of extra tariffs.
- Think Openhearted: For summer weddings, you could look great in a light-colored suit or choose a hip vest-and-trouser combo to cut back on wardrobe expenses and avoid the heat.
- Talk with your Vendors: A responsible vendor should be open about the possible financial effects of their services. If you have questions about possible tariff effects, don’t hesitate to ask your rental provider, florist or planner for ways to stay under your budget.
The evolving landscape of trade policies means that wedding planning in the coming years will likely require a keen awareness of global economics.
At our tuxedo rental business, we are committed to staying informed and providing our clients with the best options and advice, ensuring that even with the complexities of tariffs, every couple can still look and feel their absolute best on their special day. Your wedding should be about celebrating love, not worrying about customs duties – and with smart planning, it absolutely can be.
