As rising tariffs drive up the cost of imported wedding dresses, Bridal Elegance's Christine Wells shares how her shop is adapting to keep dream gowns affordable for local brides.

"We have seen an increase. We just started getting the letters this week about the tariffs because everything we have is from overseas."

Letters from their dress suppliers notifying that, as a result of the additional 10% tariffs on imports from China, an increased cost will take effect.

Christine shares she will do everything she can to avoid raising prices just yet, but if push comes to shove, she will have no other choice. She also discusses other methods the store has been relying on instead.

"Where you can cut something back, you cut something back. Not so much on what you're buying, but you have to look at value on things."

Whether it's Bridal Elegance or another local bridal shop, Christine emphasizes the importance of shopping locally now more than ever.