How Wedding & Event Planners Can Guide Clients through Tariff-Driven Price Increases.

As an event or wedding planner, you're the linchpin holding together the many moving parts of the day. You’re not just managing timelines—you’re balancing dreams, budgets, and vendor relationships. In the dawn of upcoming government trade policies and newly implemented tariffs, planners are facing a fresh challenge: navigating the ripple effects of industry-wide price increases.

Tariffs on imported raw materials like steel, aluminum, and even certain agricultural goods have already begun impacting many sectors—including ours. Floral supplies, linen and furniture rentals, custom décor materials, and even imported food and beverages may now come with a higher price tag. These changes are trickling down to florists, designers, rental companies, caterers, and other creative professionals, which means pricing adjustments are inevitable.

Here’s how planners can stay ahead of the curve, support vendor relationships, and keep clients well-informed and at ease.

1. Stay Proactive and Informed: Understand How Vendors Are Affected

Educate yourself on how tariffs are impacting your vendor partners. For instance:

• Florists may see increased costs on commonly imported blooms or floral supplies like containers, tools, etc.

• Rental companies could be paying more for furniture, structures, glassware, linens, or textiles commonly manufactured overseas.

• Caterers might adjust menus based on food and alcohol import costs (including more popular or in-demand items not found domestically).

📌 Planner Tip: Schedule short vendor check-ins to ask if their pricing or sourcing has changed and if there are alternatives or packages they’re offering to help planners or clients adjust.

2. Equip Yourself with Talking Points for Clients

Clients may not be aware that global trade policy can affect their floral arrangements or table linens. While you don’t need to dive deep into geopolitical matters, you can provide a calm, clear explanation.

Here’s some sample client verbiage:

“As we finalize your budget, I wanted to share that some vendors across the industry have had to make small adjustments due to changes in import tariffs on materials like metals, fabrics, and flowers. It’s not uncommon right now, and I’m staying in close contact with all of our vendors to ensure we stay within your priorities. I’ll also present creative alternatives if there are ways to save without compromising your vision.”

By normalizing these conversations, clients feel informed rather than surprised.

3. Plan with Flexibility & Creative Solutions in Mind

Now is the time to embrace collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking. Work with your vendors early in the process to build flexibility into the design and sourcing plans.

Tactical Solutions:

• Encourage local and seasonal sourcing for florals and menus.

• Opt for multi-purpose décor items or floral installations that serve dual functions (e.g., ceremony backdrop + photo booth).

• Suggest renting fewer high-impact statement pieces rather than many smaller ones.

Planner Tip: Use phrases like:

“Let’s focus on the elements that will have the most visual and emotional impact. That way, we honor your style while keeping costs manageable in this evolving market.”

Final Thoughts: Lead with Transparency, Empathy, and Collaboration

Tariff-driven price increases may feel like another obstacle, but with transparency, creative collaboration, and thoughtful planning, they can become an opportunity to reinforce trust with both clients and vendor partners.

Remember, as planners, you're uniquely positioned to be the bridge between clients and creative professionals — guiding everyone through uncertainty with professionalism and poise.