Wedding Costs Soar 8.5% This Year Amid Inflation and Tariffs

The cost of saying "I do" has significantly increased, with couples spending 8.5% more on weddings this year compared to last, according to a new analysis by the Bank of America Institute. This surge in spending is attributed to a combination of broad-based inflation, which reached 4.2% annually in May, and the impact of tariffs on imported goods.

The financial commitment for weddings is substantial, often rivaling the cost of purchasing a car. In 2025, the average wedding cost an estimated $36,000, a $3,000 increase from the prior year, based on data from the registry site Zola. The Bank of America Institute's study analyzed credit and debit card transactions, as well as bank transfers, to track spending on various wedding-related expenses, including venue rentals, catering, photography, attire, and floral arrangements.

Tariffs, in particular, have emerged as an unexpected expense, driving up prices for items like flowers and cocoa, essential for desserts. Businesses facing these increased import costs often pass them on to consumers. The analysis also revealed regional disparities, with wedding spending growing five times faster in the South than in the Midwest, potentially reflecting differences in the cost of living or regional wedding customs.

Furthermore, the data indicates a generational shift, with weddings among Gen Z individuals tripling since 2019, while millennial weddings saw a roughly 20% decrease in the same period. This suggests that the milestone of marriage may be increasingly embraced by younger generations. Alongside these trends, traditional wedding practices are evolving, with more couples opting for lab-grown diamonds over natural stones, likely seeking more affordable alternatives for engagement rings.