Save Money By Navigating Potential Tariffs That May Impact Your Wedding Plans

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I don't know about you, but I'm on the edge of my seat wondering how businesses are going to be affected by tariffs in the days, weeks, and months to come. Couples do not have an endless budget. Hiking prices on already expensive services will most likely add to the stress.

Let's break it down by what could get hit the most. It may help you save money on your wedding. As a disclaimer, I'm not a financial advisor, but I am someone who grew up stretching dollars.

THE FLOWERS

Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, etc have shown couples dream bouquets. Have you ever stopped to wonder where the flowers come from? Some flowers get sourced outside the country, especially from South America. Although they are not being hit the hardest, consider flowers grown in the United States and sourced from local florists.

If you go with fake flowers, many are made in China. Budget out how much you would like to spend. Make sure you know the amount of flowers you want to buy. The trick is to have a little bit extra without overbuying.

THE DECORATIONS

While prices increase in your local haunts, try the places that offer inexpensive items that look expensive. Peruse your local Dollar Tree and Five Below. Dollar Tree has amazing glassware and a large crafting section. Five Below may provide some trendy decor. My go-to is Michaels. If you are a part of their rewards program, you get lots of coupons. Spending money there can lead to $5 or $10 off your next purchase.

If you love the thrill of the hunt, buy previously loved goods. Try Facebook Marketplace or Buy/Sell/Trade community pages online. Flea markets in Dover, Secaucus, Englishtown, Collingswood, and across the state border (Rice's in particular) offer antiques. If you are big into DIY, see if you can repurpose an item.

THE ATTIRE

For the wedding dress, if you do not want a dress ordered from abroad, try buying off the rack. You may find boutiques with a section of take-home dresses or stores totally dedicated to the premise. Go eco-friendly and buy a dress secondhand from sites such as Stillwhite. For the men, utilize fabrics and clothing already imported into the States. For bridesmaids, consider giving them the flexibility to shop for their own dresses in the same color palette. That way they find what they want on their budget. To help locals in the industry, you can also support small businesses, like owners who manage a single shop. Shopping small can also include finding Etsy sellers in the country who made something you like.

THE INVITATIONS AND SIGNAGE

Support your local printers and designers. Find someone who is new, yet reputable to make your invitations. You can even have someone who is established in the industry create a design without adding extra embellishments not needed for your wedding. Etsy also has wedding designers that sell their designs as digital downloads. With digital files, you then get a unique design and print on your terms.

THE POINT I'M MAKING IS...

It is a balance between supporting local business, purchasing items made in the USA, saving money on items imported post-tariff, and searching in places that sell inexpensive goods. Be aware of the DIY components that YOU can do for your wedding without getting in over your head or risking safety. Leave items out of your wheelhouse to a local professional within your budget. It's a step to quell a fear over oncoming tariffs and help vendors who need your support.