Wedding planning is becoming more challenging as new tariffs on imported goods significantly impact the cost and availability of flowers and plants, essential elements in wedding decor.
Roughly 80% of cut flowers sold in the U.S. are imported, with major suppliers including Colombia, Ecuador, and the Netherlands, while many floral greens used as fillers are also sourced from abroad.
The tariffs have caused immediate price increases that florists and wholesalers are struggling to absorb, leading to higher costs passed on to consumers.
Florists note that the U.S. flower industry currently cannot fully compensate for the reduced imports, although there is potential for growth in domestic flower production.
Flowers grown locally offer the advantage of freshness, which benefits brides seeking quality arrangements. However, flowers from Hawaii, which are in high demand, have also seen price hikes due to tariffs on imports from other countries, complicating efforts to find cost-effective alternatives.
These tariff-driven price increases add to the overall stress and financial strain on couples planning weddings, forcing some to adjust their floral choices or budgets.
Wedding planners and vendors report that the uncertainty caused by tariffs is delaying decisions and increasing cancellations, as couples seek to lock in the lowest prices possible amid rising costs.
