Planning a Wedding in Uncertain Times: Why Now is Still the Right Time to Celebrate Love

If you’re newly engaged and feeling a mix of excitement and unease, you’re not alone. Lately, many couples have shared their concerns with me about the rising cost of weddings and how recent tariff changes may impact vendor pricing. With everything happening in the world—from global supply chain issues to inflation—it’s completely understandable to feel anxious as you begin planning one of the most meaningful days of your life.

Let me offer you some reassurance: this isn’t a disaster. You can have the wedding you’ve been dreaming about. There are ways to navigate this moment with intention, creativity, and confidence. In fact, if you’ve been thinking about getting started with planning, now might be the perfect time to do just that.

A Time to Dream, and a Time to Begin

With the new tariffs, many wedding vendors are bracing for changes in the cost of doing business—everything from flowers to linens to gear. Some will inevitably have to raise their prices in the coming months, and we support them fully. They are small business owners, artists, and craftspeople trying to sustain a livelihood while continuing to serve couples with care and excellence. At the same time, I want to personally assure you that we have no immediate plans to raise our photography pricing.

Still, I encourage you to start early. Many vendors traditionally increase their prices at the beginning of each year—even without outside pressures. Booking sooner rather than later could give you more flexibility and options, and the peace of mind of knowing you’ve locked in rates during a time of change.

Joy Is Not Frivolous—It’s Necessary

If you’re questioning whether it’s “okay” to have a wedding right now, I want to speak to your heart for a moment. Your desire to gather your loved ones, to celebrate your love, and to mark this milestone in a way that’s meaningful to you—that is not frivolous. That is beautiful. That is human.

Spending on a wedding isn’t just about centerpieces and cake. It’s a powerful investment in your community. Weddings support local, self-employed florists, bakers, rental companies, musicians, caterers, and photographers. Your budget is keeping food on the tables of families, sustaining artists and entrepreneurs, and making it possible for small businesses to continue doing what they love. It’s one of the most ethical ways you can spend money—because so much of it stays right in your community.

In times of uncertainty, choosing joy is an act of resistance. Refusing to put your life on pause, refusing to shrink your dreams, refusing to let fear dictate your story—that’s powerful. Now more than ever, it’s essential to love our lives, make memories, and hold tightly to the people and moments that matter most.

Quality Over Quantity: Making the Most of Your Wedding Budget

Weddings are personal and unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. But here are a few tips to help you make the most of your budget while staying true to your values:

• Start planning early: As mentioned, booking early can lock in current rates and give you access to the vendors you truly want.
• Consider a smaller guest count: An intimate wedding allows you to invest more in the experience and quality of your vendors, rather than stretching your budget thin across a larger crowd. Fewer guests often means a richer, more personal experience for everyone involved.
• Be open and honest about your budget: A good vendor will appreciate your transparency. But go into those conversations knowing your priorities. If photography is at the top of your list (as it often is for couples who want to preserve their memories), make room for that while staying flexible in other areas.
• Have a real-time conversation: Schedule a phone or Zoom call with vendors you’re considering. A price list only tells part of the story—meeting face-to-face can help you understand the full value of what someone offers, and it may open unexpected doors or creative solutions.
• Explore alternative approaches: For some, a DIY wedding might be a meaningful and budget-conscious route; for others, it can be overwhelming or impractical. We’ll be publishing a future post with tips and things to consider for couples thinking about going the DIY route—so stay tuned!

Don’t Overlook Wedding Insurance

In a time when uncertainty feels like the norm, wedding insurance can provide a valuable safety net. While it’s not the most exciting part of planning, it can be one of the smartest. From unexpected weather to vendor cancellations or last-minute emergencies, wedding insurance helps protect your investment and gives you added peace of mind. Policies vary, so it’s worth taking a little time to understand what coverage makes sense for your particular plans. In a season when flexibility and security matter more than ever, having that extra layer of protection can make a big difference—and help you breathe a little easier as your day approaches.

Why Photography Matters More Than Ever

Whether you end up hosting a big celebration, a backyard micro-wedding, or an elopement with just the two of you and your dog—your memories deserve to be preserved with care. Years from now, when the details have faded, it’s the photographs that will take you back. They’re what you’ll hold in your hands and share with loved ones, including those who couldn’t be there. They’re what your future selves—and maybe even future generations—will look at and smile.

And while the scale of your wedding might shift, the quality of your photographs shouldn’t have to. That’s a value I hold close: you deserve imagery that reflects the depth of your love and the beauty of your day, no matter how grand or simple it may be.

We’re In This Together

We’re all navigating new terrain—couples and vendors alike. But the wedding industry is filled with passionate, resilient, heart-centered people who want to help you bring your vision to life. We are in this together, and together we can still create celebrations that are joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable.

So if you’re feeling unsure, just know this: your wedding is still worth having. Your love is still worth celebrating. And your story is still worth telling—beautifully.

If you’re ready to talk through ideas, get clarity around photography options, or just want someone to help you feel grounded in the planning process, I’d love to connect. Reach out anytime for a conversation—I’m here to help.

With heart,

Tara