When you start shopping for your wedding dress, there are lots of factors to keep in mind - everything from the silhouette and fabric you prefer to the fabric and neckline. However, because of the current economic climate in the U.S., there might be something else that plays a role in the gown you order: tariffs. This means that the cost of your wedding dress could be higher than anticipated, depending on the gown you choose. Not only that, but because of unpredictable customs delays and global supply chain disruptions, there could be a delay in receiving your dress as well. Unlike before, when dresses would arrive within weeks, some of them could take 3-6 months longer to get to boutiques. 

While we don’t want tariffs and delays to overshadow the joy of finding your dream dress, we have to accept that this is a part of the new reality and figure out how to navigate it together. Here are our tips for dealing with the potential of tariffs and delays: 

Order Early

Here’s the deal: the best way to move through this situation is to start your wedding dress shopping journey as early as possible. Starting the process a year in advance might seem crazy to some, but in these times, you can never be too careful to make sure your dress arrives in time for your wedding day. 

Build a Budget Buffer

It’s always wise to go into wedding dress shopping with a budget, because the last thing you want is to fall in love with a gown that’s way over the budget. Because of the potential for tariffs and delays, you might consider adding a buffer of about 10-15% of your overall budget to allow some wiggle room. 

Work with Experienced Boutiques (like us!)

You want to work with professionals who are experts in the world of bridal fashion, and if you’re already here, you’re in the right place! It’s important to visit bridal boutiques that can answer the tough questions, like “how much is my wedding dress going to cost with tariffs?” Or “are there any potential delays with this wedding dress designer?” You should expect transparency, and at Crystal Bridal Boutique, we’re here to help our brides seamlessly navigate the world of wedding dress shopping. 

If you have any questions for us, please give us a call at one of our locations and book your bridal appointment with us today!