Couples are spending significantly more to get married in 2026 as tariffs and inflation push up the cost of everything from flowers to catering, according to a new report released this week by Bank of America Institute. Wedding-related spending rose 8.5% year over year through May, based on aggregated credit card, debit card and bank transfer data from Bank of America customers. The report tracked spending on wedding-related services such as venue rentals, catering, photography, florists and apparel.

The increase comes as broader inflation remains elevated. In May, U.S. consumer inflation climbed to 4.2%, the highest level since April 2023, as energy and service costs continued rising.

Tariffs Add Pressure

Bank of America said rising prices are a major reason wedding spending continues climbing. Tariffs have added fresh pressure on small businesses serving the wedding industry, especially vendors relying on imported goods. Tariff-related uncertainty has also remained elevated. Recent supply-chain data showed U.S. retailers are accelerating imports from China ahead of potential tariff increases later this year, pushing shipping costs higher and adding pressure to imported goods such as décor, fabrics and specialty wedding supplies.

Flowers are one major example, since much of the floral supply sold in the U.S. comes from overseas. Imported commodities such as cocoa, commonly used in desserts and chocolates, have also become more expensive, forcing many vendors to pass higher costs to customers.

Cost and Affordability

The average U.S. wedding cost reached $36,000 in 2025, up $3,000 from the prior year, according to Zola data cited in the report. Affordability has already become a growing concern for couples. Earlier survey data from Zola showed 84% of couples said weddings cost more than two years ago, while 78% worried tariffs would push prices even higher. About 31% said they were using credit cards or personal loans to help cover wedding expenses.

Gen Z Drives Demand

Despite rising costs, wedding demand remains strong, particularly among younger consumers. Bank of America found that the number of Gen Z weddings has tripled since 2019, while millennial weddings have fallen roughly 20% over the same period, suggesting marriage activity is shifting toward younger Americans. Wedding activity also remains highly seasonal. May continues to be the busiest month for wedding-related spending, followed by October.

Spending trends are also evolving as couples look for ways to manage costs without sacrificing the overall experience. More consumers are choosing lab-grown diamonds over natural stones because of lower prices, while fewer households are purchasing formal attire, suggesting growing interest in renting, thrifting or rewearing outfits.

Former Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the American two-party political system, arguing it is designed to divide the majority of the population to serve elite interests. Greene stated that the system functions to ensure 99% of Americans view each other as enemies rather than uniting against the "real enemy," which she identified as the elites. She made these remarks late Wednesday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Greene asserted that this political structure has "enslaved" Americans in a $40 trillion debt. She further predicted that Social Security and Medicare will face bankruptcy by 2032. Additionally, she argued that the current system is actively "ruining" the value of the dollar.

Context of Political Shifts

Greene's comments coincide with increased discussions regarding the formation of third political parties. Tucker Carlson, a media personality, recently stated his intention to do everything possible to create a "new political party," describing the United States as a "one-party state." Carlson announced last month that he had exited the Republican Party after 35 years, citing disagreements with foreign policy decisions regarding Iran and Israel.

Historical Precedents and Obstacles

The concept of a third party has previously been explored by prominent figures. Last year, entrepreneur Elon Musk teased plans for an "America Party" but ultimately shelved the idea to maintain ties with the Republican movement. In 1999, Donald Trump, then a businessman, expressed frustration with both major parties in an interview with CNN's Larry King, stating that Democrats were "too far left" and Republicans were "too far right."

Election experts note that establishing a third party in the U.S. involves significant legal and logistical challenges. The process requires navigating a complex web of state laws and stringent ballot access regulations, which vary widely and can be difficult to overcome.