Inflation & Supply Chain Issues (How You Can Still Have Your Dream Wedding for Less)

Now that we’re moving towards a post-pandemic world, the wedding industry is booming. According to the Wedding Report, nearly 2.5 million weddings will be held in America this year—that’s up 30 percent from last year.

While brides and grooms are eager to get married and celebrate, the industry is still trying to catch up to the demand. With rising inflation costs, staff shortages, and supply chain issues, engaged couples are having to plan early and focus on only the must-haves for their big day.

The good news is that you can still have your dream wedding; you just need to plan and know what to expect. Here are some things to keep in mind during this period of wedding influx.

Courtesy: Adobe Stock

Your Wedding Gown

One of your biggest wedding-day purchases is your wedding gown, and dresses are taking longer than ever to be delivered. Many gowns are made in China, and port delays are pushing some delivery dates 1–2 months, meaning gowns are taking at least 6–9 months to be delivered.

If your gown was made in the U.S. you may find faster delivery, but if you wait too long you’ll pay a higher rush fee than before the pandemic. Our advice? Order early and find ways to save money.

With a shortage of materials, designers are having to charge more money for their dresses, so now is the best time to buy pre-owned. We’re seeing more inventory than ever, since so many brides bought their gown and then had to cancel or postpone their wedding due to COVID. Plus, saving money on your gown allows you to spend your money on something else for the big day.

If you decide to go the pre-owned route, some of the best websites to check out are Nearly Newlywed, Preowned Wedding Dresses, and our own site. Here are some real listings available right now:

Dresses on Nearly Newlywed

Ivory fit-and-flare gown by Mori Lee: $1,400 retail; $750 on Nearly Newlywed

Ivory a-line ‘Maeve’ gown by Monique Lhuillier: $10,000 retail; $5,500 on Nearly Newlywed

Dresses on Preowned Wedding Dresses

Low-back, fit-and-flare Privee gown by Berta: $9,220 retail; $4,200 on Preowned Wedding Dresses

Fit-and-flare, spaghetti strap gown by Maggie Sottero: $1,500 retail; $850 on Preowned Wedding Dresses

Dresses on Once Wed

Sheer illusion a-line ‘Remmington’ gown by Hayley Paige: $4,100 retail; $900 on Once Wed

Sheath white and ivory ‘Langdon’ gown by Jenny Yoo: $1,095 retail; $440 on Once Wed

Courtesy: Adobe Stock

Your Vendors

Vendors are also feeling the burn with the rising cost of materials and raw goods. Thanks to inflation, certain items like meats and flowers are more expensive, not to mention common wedding materials like glass, wood, and paper.

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To save money, look to buy flowers that are in season and grown locally. Instead of imported wine from California, hit up a nearby winery. You can also swap out pricey meals for something less expensive.

Many companies are also short on rentals and working with a smaller staff. If you have a favorite vendor in mind, book them first. Wedding vendors are in such high demand, and their calendar is filling up fast. Be mindful that their prices may have increased as well.

Courtesy: Adobe Stock

Your Venue

Another way to save money during this time is to consider your venue. Explore getting married on a Friday or Sunday—or even a weekday! The venue will typically charge you less for these lower demand days, and you can save money by inviting fewer people.

Tented events are also rising in cost, thanks to labor and supply issues. It takes twice as much labor to plan an outdoor event, and it’s more expensive. To save some dough, consider a smaller venue with indoor and outdoor options.

During this time, industry workers are asking couples to please be patient and considerate during this time of shortages and inflation issues. They’re trying to control everything they can while still providing you with a level of service you deserve.