How Trade Wars and Inflation Are Hitting Mainstream Wedding Planning
You think you’ve got a handle on the budget. Maybe you’ve even made a spreadsheet. $15,000 should be enough for a fun, meaningful wedding, right?
Then the quotes roll in.
Venue: $8,000.
Catering: $10,000.
Photographer: $4,500.
Dress alterations: another $400.
And that doesn’t even include the “surprise” costs no one warned you about: setup fees, rentals, vendor gratuities, and that extra delivery charge because your venue is technically outside the city limits.
So what happened?
The Real Wedding Price Tag in 2025
In 2025, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is hovering between $30,000 and $35,000, according to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study (source). That’s not for a luxury affair. That’s just the going rate for a standard celebration. Even smaller weddings, backyard receptions, or destination elopements aren’t immune to rising costs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of average wedding expenses:
- Venue: $7,500 to $10,000 (Zola)
- Catering (per person): $75 to $150 (WeddingWire)
- Photography/Videography: $3,000 to $6,000 (The Knot)
- Attire (including dress, suit, shoes, alterations): $2,000 to $3,500 (The Knot)
- Decor + Rentals: $2,000 and up (Zola)
- Music: $1,500 to $3,000 (WeddingWire)
- Planner/Coordinator: $1,500 to $5,000 (Brides)
Add in transportation, guest favors, marriage license fees, and maybe a last-minute floral upgrade, and you’re well past that $15K starter budget.
Why Is Everything So Expensive?
It’s not just you. Global economics are playing a role.
Trade wars and supply chain disruptions have made everything from imported flowers to steel rental chairs more expensive. Linens, lighting, and catering equipment are all impacted by higher import costs or domestic shortages (Fortune). Many vendors are still catching up from pandemic-era losses and have adjusted pricing to reflect both rising operational costs and the new normal of inflation.
Even small weddings are affected. That “budget” venue may now charge premium rates for basic services simply because their costs have gone up too.
The Hidden Costs Couples Don’t See Coming
Let’s talk about the stuff that catches people off guard:
- Setup and breakdown fees that aren’t always listed upfront
- Vendor gratuities, which can add 15 to 20 percent
- Service charges tacked onto bar packages
- Insurance, especially for certain venues or large events
- Overtime charges if the party runs late (and it usually does)
These extras can easily add $2,000 to $5,000 to your total budget without improving the guest experience. They just… exist.
What Can You Do About It?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news. You’re not powerless either.
1. Set category limits.
Give each major expense a hard cap. Know where you’re flexible and where you’re not. Prioritize what matters most to you, not what Instagram says is standard.
2. Be upfront with vendors.
Tell them your total budget, not just your dream vision. A great vendor will help you tailor your choices to fit both.
3. Space out your payments.
This is where platforms like Clusivi come in. Instead of maxing out credit cards or delaying your vision, Clusivi’s Plan-to-Pay lets you gradually fund your wedding ahead of time. No interest. No hidden fees. Just structure.
It’s not a loan. It’s a plan. And it keeps you in control. Learn more at clusivi.com.
Bottom Line: Weddings Are Beautiful, but Budgets Are Real
Inflation and economic uncertainty aren’t just buzzwords. They’re reshaping what weddings look like for everyday couples. Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or a ballroom celebration, it’s more important than ever to stay clear-headed and strategic.
Your wedding should be a memory, not a financial burden.
Planning it on your own terms, at your own pace, makes all the difference.
