How Trump’s Tariffs Are Reshaping the Wedding Dress Industry

In an era where global trade policy is making headlines, one unlikely sector is feeling the pinch: the wedding dress industry. With President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff strategy targeting imported goods, bridal boutiques and brides-to-be across the U.S. are facing rising costs, limited options, and a wave of uncertainty.

The Price of a Dream Dress

Nearly 90% of wedding gowns sold in the U.S. are manufactured overseas, particularly in China and Southeast Asia. These gowns, once imported with minimal duties, are now subject to tariffs as high as 30%. For brides, that means a dress that once cost $2,000 could now carry an additional $600 in import taxes alone.

According to a report by The Knot, 53% of engaged couples say tariffs haven’t yet impacted their wedding planning—but that may be changing. As tariffs ripple through the supply chain, vendors are adjusting prices to stay afloat. Some bridal shops report weekly price fluctuations, making it difficult to provide consistent quotes to clients.

Boutiques Under Pressure

Bridal retailers are caught in a delicate balancing act. Many are absorbing part of the tariff costs to avoid scaring off customers, while others are lobbying for change. In June 2025, representatives from the North American Formal Apparel Association traveled to Washington, D.C., to request that wedding gowns be reclassified as “one-time use” items, which could exempt them from certain tariffs.

The stakes are high. The U.S. bridal industry supports over 300,000 jobs and includes more than 15,000 independent stores. With the average wedding gown priced between $1,600 and $2,000, even modest increases can have a significant impact on both businesses and consumers.

Brides Get Creative

Some brides are adapting by turning to domestic designers or exploring secondhand options. Others are rethinking their timelines, ordering dresses earlier to avoid potential price hikes or shipping delays. But not all alternatives are cost-effective. As one bride told NBC News, switching to American-made flowers or paper goods often comes with its own premium, driven by increased demand and limited supply.

A Symbolic Shift

Weddings are deeply personal, but they’re also big business. The impact of tariffs on wedding dresses is more than a line item on a budget—it’s a reminder of how global policy decisions can touch even the most intimate moments of our lives.

As the industry braces for continued volatility, one thing is clear: love may be priceless, but the dress now comes with a tariff.