In a world where every detail of a wedding can be posted and judged on social media, the pressure to plan a perfect celebration is higher than ever. But in 2025, it’s not just aesthetic stress brides and grooms are facing. A combination of skyrocketing costs, logistical nightmares, and even the sudden collapse of trusted venues is casting a shadow over what should be the happiest day of their lives.
When the Wedding Venue Disappears
Elisabeth Trinko and her fiancé Matthew had spent over a year planning their October wedding at the Homestead at Stillwaters Retreat in Hancock County, Ohio. The rustic barn venue was ideal for their vision—until it abruptly shut down.
Without warning, Elisabeth’s mother, Jessica Trinko, received a refund check and a short letter stating that the venue was ceasing operations immediately due to “unforeseen circumstances.” There was no offer of assistance, no alternative options, and no further explanation.
“I saw something from Stillwater and thought that was weird,” Jessica said. “Everything before had been emails or phone calls. Then I opened it and saw the check. No heads-up. No phone call. Nothing.”
Attempts by WTOL 11 to contact the venue were unsuccessful. The office was empty, and the Stillwaters website and social media accounts made no mention of the closure.
The family is now scrambling to find a new venue with just five months to go. “We want to give her the wedding she dreamed of,” Jessica said. “But this has completely blindsided us.”
Construction at the Altar
In Delafield, Wisconsin, another bride might make it to the altar—but only after navigating a maze of detours.
Rustic Manor 1848, a popular wedding venue in Waukesha County, finds itself at the center of a major road construction project on Highway 83. The project, which began in April and is set to continue through the fall, impacts access to the venue during peak wedding season.
Owner Whitney Shneyder says she’s working closely with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to ensure guests can reach the venue.
“Nobody wants to see a road closure on their way to a wedding,” she admits. “But Highway 83 really needed the repairs.”
With full road closures between Gold and Vettelson Roads, guests must plan ahead to avoid delays. “It’s like adding a little orange to your white wedding,” Shneyder joked, referencing the construction cones that now pepper the area.
Sticker Shock and the Rise of “Micro Weddings”
These complications come on top of the already rising financial burden of getting married in America. According to The Knot, the average wedding now costs $36,000—up nearly 50% from a decade ago.
“Social media has glamorized weddings to a point where the expectations are just massive,” said Brittiny Gibson, a Florida-based planner and host of the Wed Zen podcast. “People feel like they need the most ‘aesthetic’ wedding, but that comes at a cost.”
Gibson says some of her clients now spend between $80,000 and $250,000 on their weddings, and she warns that a so-called “wedding tax”—where vendors charge more for wedding services than similar events—isn’t a myth. “It’s the added hours, custom details, and pressure. It’s not just gouging—it’s labor-intensive.”
With inflation, international shipping delays, and supply chain issues still lingering, even flowers and catering prices are climbing.
Couples Choose to Scale Down
These challenges are pushing many couples to rethink their wedding priorities. Courthouse ceremonies, backyard receptions, and “micro weddings” with fewer than 50 guests are becoming more popular.
Anthony Metz and Laura Perez, who married at the Lee County Clerk of Courts office for just $30, are part of this trend. “We wanted to save money and use it for a trip,” Metz said. “We didn’t need all the extras.”
Planners like Gibson encourage couples to shift their mindset. “Cut your budget by $5,000 right from the start,” she advises. “That’ll help cover all the things that inevitably pop up.”
A Call for Transparency and Reliability
For couples like Elisabeth Trinko, the emotional toll of a venue’s sudden closure goes beyond logistics—it’s about trust and transparency in an already stressful process.
“Even a few weeks’ notice would’ve helped,” her mother said. “But this was just—done.”
Industry experts say venues must communicate proactively and have contingency plans, especially when operating during periods of financial or operational instability.
Until then, couples will continue to adapt—choosing smaller, more personal celebrations over extravagant displays, and prioritizing peace of mind over Pinterest perfection.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not the venue or the photos that make a wedding unforgettable—it’s the people, the promises, and the love that endures long after the guests go home.
