Are China Tariffs About to Shake Up the Bridal Industry?

There’s a lot of buzz lately about new China tariffs on wedding dresses—and if you’re anything like me, you might be wondering what this means for our side of the industry. Will it change how brides shop? Will dress prices go up? And how will that ripple into your world of bridal alterations?

I have a FB post from my dear friend Barbie Berg about her concerns with the China tarriffs. You can read it here.

I can’t predict the future, but what I do know is that peace comes from being prepared. With nearly 40 years in bridal I have learned that there is a lot of uncertainty. We get busy seasons and slow seasons. And the best way to calm that stressful “what if” feeling is to prepare like the slower times are guaranteed to come (because they usually do).

Let’s Talk Strategy:

Use the Busy Season to Your Advantage​
It’s tempting to spend more freely when work is flowing and the income is steady—but now is the time to be intentional. A little planning now can go a long way when business slows down.

Try one of these simple strategies:

• Simple: Cover your basic budget, then move all extra earnings into a separate savings account.
• Strategic: Take last year’s total sales, divide by 12, and treat that as your monthly baseline. Any extra goes into savings.

Right now, we’re in the thick of the busy season. Money’s coming in, and it’s tempting to loosen the purse strings—order a little extra, grab takeout because there’s no time to cook, stock up on supplies “just in case.” I’ve been there. Still am, honestly.

But what if we used this season to pad the slow months instead?

Smart Budget Habits to Avoid the Slow-Season Scramble

• Don’t panic-buy supplies you may never use up (remember the COVID mask elastic rush?). Shortages with supplies usually resolve themselves within a year at the latest.
• Look over your inventory calmly—buy what you need for the next year or two, but don’t overdo it. That money spent might better serve you in a bank account than in a storage room full of supplies that are not getting used. (I’ve learned this the hard way.)
• Cook at home when you can. My crock pot is my best friend when I remember to use it!
• Watch your daily spending. Takeout adds up fast! (Yes, I’m talking to myself here too )

Let’s save when we can, so we don’t stress when we can’t.

New Academy Student Graduate

Jazmyn Turell

Training Videos:

I have two sweet friends, Barbie McCormick and Nadine Bozeman who have some classes coming up in June. They are both excellent teachers and I wanted to share their info with you guys. (No, I am not getting paid for this, I just want you guys to be aware of fantastic in person training opportunities out there. )

Have a wonderful May,

Love

Dee Dee Anderson