Industry Insights: Meghan Ely Featured in Special Events with Timely Advice on Weddings and Tariffs

As wedding professionals continue to navigate rising costs, particularly due to inflation and tariffs, Meghan Ely, founder of OFD Consulting, has been assembling wedding professionals to offer practical advice to help couples manage their wedding budgets effectively. Recently, she shared insights in Special Events Magazine, where her guidance focused on adapting to the challenges posed by inflation and tariffs on everything from decor to photography gear.

Why the Timing Matters

Ely’s recent contributions are particularly timely as wedding vendors and couples alike are feeling the impact of rising costs. In her Special Events Magazine feature on July 3, 2025, Ely discussed how tariffs are driving up the cost of floral supplies, photography equipment, and other essential wedding services. These increases are forcing couples to reconsider their budgets, and Ely’s advice offers practical steps to manage wedding expenses without sacrificing quality.

For more details on the impact of tariffs, check out her article in Special Events Magazine:

🔗 Special Events: How Tariffs Are Impacting the Industry

Client-Focused Strategy for Navigating Price Shifts

In her contributions, Meghan Ely emphasizes that the advice she offers for couples comes from industry professionals and experts. The goal is to help couples navigate potential price increases caused by economic factors such as tariffs, without losing sight of their wedding dreams. Here’s a look at the insights for couples:

1. Balancing Client Expectations: Ely highlights the importance of couples having open discussions with wedding professionals to understand the potential for cost increases due to inflation or tariffs. Clear, upfront communication is essential for avoiding surprises and ensuring both parties are aligned.
2. Menu Creativity: Ely suggests that couples work with their catering teams to leverage seasonal and local ingredients, which can help manage catering costs without compromising on flavor or presentation.
3. Transparent Pricing: Ely also stresses the importance of transparent pricing. Couples should ensure that all potential costs are clearly explained by their vendors early on in the planning process, avoiding unexpected charges down the road.

This advice, based on feedback from wedding pros, helps couples feel confident in their decisions and prepared for price shifts without compromising their vision for their big day.

Business Operations Insights in Special Events

In her Special Events Magazine feature, Meghan Ely provided guidance on how wedding professionals can adjust their business operations to better manage inflation and tariff-related costs. The advice, directed at vendors and industry pros, includes:

1. Cost Audits: Wedding pros are encouraged to regularly review their supplier contracts, explore alternative sourcing options, and negotiate terms to offset tariff increases.
2. Value Messaging: Wedding vendors need to articulate the value they offer. Wedding pros should focus on explaining to couples what they are paying for, ranging from expertise to service quality. Clear communication helps justify price increases while maintaining strong client relationships.
3. Systemization: Wedding Pros should invest in efficient operational systems, such as automated proposals, standardized invoices, and clear communication workflows, to reduce overhead costs and streamline business operations.

These tools help wedding professionals stay resilient and efficient, even when external factors threaten their bottom line.

Learning from Meghan Ely’s Broader Thought Leadership

This series of articles aligns with Meghan Ely’s broader contributions to the wedding industry, where she continues to address how external factors like tariffs and inflation impact both vendors and couples. Her writing in Special Events Magazine highlights her focus on transparency and clear communication, which are essential for navigating these challenging times.

As an expert in media strategy and visibility, Ely’s contributions provide actionable insights for couples as they plan their weddings amidst rising costs. These articles also underscore her role as a thought leader, consistently offering valuable advice grounded in the real-world experiences of wedding pros.

Why This Matters to Couples

With inflation and rising prices affecting every aspect of wedding planning, couples need reliable guidance to manage their budgets effectively. Ely’s advice gives couples the tools they need to navigate the wedding planning process while avoiding unexpected financial strain:

1. Have transparent discussions with wedding vendors about pricing.
2. Invest in creative, cost-saving strategies, such as using seasonal ingredients in the menu.
3. Establish a solid, clear foundation for the planning process to prevent future misunderstandings.

By focusing on transparency and flexibility, Ely helps couples stay on track with their wedding plans, even in the face of external pressures.

Bottom Line

With rising tariffs and inflation continuing to disrupt the wedding industry, Meghan Ely’s recent features in Special Events Magazine offer essential advice for couples navigating these challenges. Through clear, actionable insights, Ely helps couples manage their wedding budgets while ensuring a memorable, meaningful celebration.