Meghan Ely Discusses the Impact of Tariffs on Wedding Costs in Latest Podcast Appearance and Thought Leadership
Richmond, VA – [31 July 2025] – Meghan Ely, founder of OFD Consulting, has been sharing insights on how rising tariffs are impacting wedding budgets, particularly with rising costs in key wedding categories while also assembling experts to share its impact on wedding gowns, decor, and floral arrangements. Recently, Ely was featured on the Bridechilla Podcast and offered thought leadership on the subject, providing practical advice to couples navigating financial challenges in the wedding industry.
The Bridechilla Podcast: Revisiting Pop Culture Weddings and Tariff-Driven Price Shifts
In the latest episode of the Bridechilla Podcast, titled “90s & 2000s Pop Culture Weddings: The Bridechilla Nerd Club Returns,” Meghan Ely joined host Leah and colleague Kevin Dennis to reflect on how pop culture from the 90s and early 2000s continues to influence wedding trends today. As the trio delves into iconic wedding moments from The Wedding Singer to Say Yes to the Dress, they explore how nostalgia influences current wedding aesthetics.
However, Ely also used the opportunity to touch on a critical current challenge facing couples today—the rising costs due to tariffs. She highlighted how many couples, especially those dealing with tight wedding budgets, must adjust their expectations or get creative to make their dream weddings a reality despite increased costs in categories like wedding attire, flowers, and decor.
“Wedding planning shouldn’t be about feeling restricted by rising costs. Instead, couples can focus on prioritizing what matters most to them and navigating their wedding plans with intention,” Ely remarked during the podcast. “Even though tariffs are affecting many industries, we have the ability to create beautiful, meaningful celebrations without sacrificing quality or experience.”
Impact of Tariffs on Wedding Costs
Ely has been a vocal advocate for couples facing the challenges of rising wedding costs in the wake of tariffs by connecting media outlets with wedding professionals currently navigating these challenges. By giving a voice to prominent event professionals, she is actively contributing to the broader conversation around how tariffs are reshaping the wedding industry. In the piece, couples discussed how they were affected by higher prices for wedding attire, floral arrangements, and wedding cakes due to tariff increases on imported goods.
Ely’s leadership role in the wedding media space continues to bring attention to these concerns. Gathering perspective from insiders encourages couples to approach the situation with a focus on managing their expectations and understanding how external factors like tariffs are impacting vendors’ pricing structures.
“Tariffs are having a ripple effect across the wedding industry, from the cost of imported wedding gowns to the price of flowers,” Meghan Ely said. “Couples are facing financial pressures, but the key is to plan strategically. Having transparent conversations with vendors and understanding the cost breakdown will allow couples to make informed decisions.”
For further reading on how tariffs are impacting wedding planning, AP News provides an in-depth analysis of the situation, highlighting how some couples are coping with these rising costs:
🔗 AP News: Weddings, Tariffs, and Price Increases
Guidance for Couples: Navigating the Current Wedding Landscape
Ely provides the following tips to help couples adjust their wedding plans while staying within their budget:
- Focus on Priorities: Couples should identify what matters most to them on their wedding day—whether it’s the venue, the food, or the entertainment and allocate their budget accordingly.
- Shop Local: Ely recommends working with local vendors to avoid the increased costs associated with imported wedding goods. Local suppliers may offer more affordable options, reducing the impact of tariffs.
- Stay Flexible: Ely encourages couples to remain flexible with their wedding choices. If one option becomes too expensive, consider alternative solutions that still align with their vision and style.
By focusing on what truly matters, couples can ensure that their wedding day remains a joyful celebration, even in the face of economic challenges.
About Meghan Ely and OFD Consulting
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations firm that specializes in helping wedding professionals build visibility and brand authority. Ely has been a thought leader in the wedding industry for over 15 years, regularly contributing to major publications and podcasts. Through her work, Ely continues to empower couples and wedding professionals alike to communicate with intention and authenticity.
To learn more about Meghan Ely and her work with OFD Consulting, visit:
