Say yes to the dress — at a higher price

Yahoo

03-04-2025

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — You can still say yes to the dress, but tariffs will likely increase its cost.
President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs Wednesday as part of a plan to boost U.S. manufacturing and punish other countries for what the president says are unfair trade practices. The big concern — the impact on you.
Trump announces sweeping 'reciprocal' tariffs
'Foreign leaders have stolen our jobs, foreign cheaters have ransacked our factories, and foreign scavengers have torn apart our once-beautiful American dream,' Trump said in an announcement Wednesday declaring a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries, as well as higher tariff rates on dozens of countries running trade surpluses with the U.S.
Tariffs are impacting everyday life, including the biggest day of your life — your wedding. One of the biggest expenses for a bride-to-be is that show-stopping dress.
Allison Alderman, owner of Virginia's Daughter Bridal Boutique in Suffolk, is just one of several shop owners who will be affected by Trump's tariffs, meant to boost U.S. manufacturing and punish other countries for what he calls unfair trade practices.
'We were just coming in this morning to take a look at some of the increases to update some of our prices,' Alderman said.
A lot more goes into a gown than one might think, and it all adds up, 'including the materials and veils, the accessories and whatnot. So we have to mark up our prices accordingly.
Alderman said she may have to mark up her dresses from anywhere between $100 to $200 more to compensate for the tariffs. And while brides should budget accordingly, Alderman said she tries to work with customers on that. 'We were just coming in this morning to take a look at some of the increases to update some of our prices,' Alderman said.A lot more goes into a gown than you might think–that all adds up.'Including the materials and veils, the accessories and what not. So, we have to mark up our prices accordingly,' she added.Alderman says she may have to mark up her dresses anywhere between $100 to $200 more to compensate for the tariffs. A bride should budget accordingly, but Alderman says they try to work with customers on that.'We try to make it easier for them by offering a payment plan,' Alderman said. 'We only require half down to order your dress, while the second half can be made with payments as we wait for it to come in. They're pretty much understanding. Prices are increasing everywhere. So the weddings aren't the exception. They're increasing here too.'Alderman opened in 2021 just after the pandemic — so business was good. Now, the future is a little more uncertain. She's hopeful people will be willing to pay more. 'I hope so,' she said. 'It'll keep me in business.'
Alderman carries dresses by four designers in her shop, and only one of them is based in the U.S. She said she might be ordering more from that designer in the future.
Other options for brides on a budget include local thrift or consignment stores.
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