Rochester, Minnesota — Selecting the perfect wedding dress can be an emotional journey for brides, but rising tariffs on imported gowns have complicated that experience in unexpected ways. Christine Greenberg, co-owner of Urban Set Bride in Richmond, Virginia, describes the dress fitting as a personal and intimate moment, filled with discussions about dreams, feelings, and body image. However, the weight of financial concerns, especially regarding tariffs, has now intruded on what should be a joyful occasion.
The bridal market has been significantly impacted by the importation of dresses made predominantly in China. According to industry experts, roughly 90% of wedding gowns sold in the United States are manufactured overseas. Recent negotiations have led to a fluctuation in tariffs, with rates once reaching as high as 145% under the previous administration, now temporarily reduced to around 30%. As a result, brides are feeling the pinch, as stores add surcharges that range from 10% to 15% based on the design and supply chain of each gown.
Jessica Kaplan, a soon-to-be bride from Boston, experienced this firsthand during her bridal appointment. She learned that the price of her dream gown included an additional charge due to tariffs, adding an extra $150 to her bill. “It wasn’t detrimental,” Kaplan recounted, “but it was definitely a bummer on the day.”
Greenberg pointed out that the impact of tariffs extends beyond gowns to include other bridal necessities such as veils, hairpieces, and even hangers. For smaller shops, these costs can accumulate quickly, creating substantial financial strain. With wedding gowns often made to order, boutiques face uncertainty regarding future costs linked to tariffs that could change during the months-long wait for delivery. Claire Landgraf, who runs Finery Bridal Chic in Rochester, echoed these sentiments, expressing concern about how to navigate these financial labyrinths.
Some bridal shops are being forced to adjust their pricing strategies in light of these new economic realities. Many designers have opted to raise prices across the board — some by as much as 30% — in an effort to mitigate the effects of tariffs. Landgraf, for instance, has implemented a surcharge that she hopes to remove if tariffs decrease. “I can’t do that to brides,” she said, illustrating the delicate balancing act of maintaining customer trust while navigating unpredictable costs.
Brides looking for American-made dresses face a stark choice. These gowns typically start at double the price of their imported counterparts, and available options are limited. A report from the National Bridal Retailers Association noted a significant shortage of skilled American craftsmen specializing in the intricate work required for high-quality bridal gowns.
“Regrettably, the truth is that American manufacturing in the bridal industry has dwindled dramatically,” Greenberg lamented. Many U.S. designers, including brands based in Utah and Tennessee, have urged lawmakers to exempt formalwear from tariffs, arguing that the economic burden could result in business closures rather than a resurgence of American jobs.
As uncertainty looms, some brides are choosing to delay their decisions. Landgraf mentioned an increase in brides returning for multiple visits before making a final purchase. They are grappling with wedding budgets that are quickly becoming constricted as everything from dresses to catering costs rise.
Chelsea Ritchie, a bride from Los Angeles, is exploring alternative avenues, considering whether to hire a dressmaker and purchase fabric herself. Yet, even if she goes that route, sourcing materials would likely still involve importing goods affected by tariffs. With production delays possible and warnings of future price increases, Ritchie feels the weight of financial planning during a time that is already filled with stress.
“There’s a lot of anxiety around this,” she remarked. “We’re in a time when people are struggling with everyday expenses, and now there’s the added challenge of budgeting more for something as significant as a wedding dress.” With so many uncertainties, the search for the perfect gown has become an adventure filled with surprises and challenges that brides never expected to face.