A girl goes viral on TikTok after claiming she was blindsided by an enormous, sudden payment for a marriage lehenga she thought she had already paid for.

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Katie Mac (@whatsonkatesplate) mentioned she ordered the lehenga months in the past, nicely earlier than President Donald Trump’s tariffs went into impact. Then, out of nowhere, she obtained a discover stating that “the U.S. government is forcing me to pay thousands of dollars” with solely someday’s discover if she wished the supply in time for her huge day.

In her now-viral clip, Mac used her expertise to spotlight how tariffs are affecting on a regular basis Americans, calling the scenario an “arbitrary punishment.” As of Friday, the video had garnered greater than 456,200 views, resonating with consumers who’re annoyed by sudden charges.

What occurred? 

Mac mentioned she purchased her lehenga “multiple months ago,” however it didn’t ship till simply final week. She posted her TikTok on Thursday, noting that she had fastidiously saved for the garment however didn’t reveal the precise quantity she had paid.

When her bundle lastly shipped, there was no point out of how the tariffs may have an effect on her. She assumed she was within the clear. That assumption evaporated when she obtained an e mail from UPS saying the bundle would arrive the following day—and that she owed “thousands of dollars” upon supply. 

@whatsonkatesplate a foolish little rant about wanting my marriage ceremony lehenga and being pressured to pay hundreds of {dollars} on a day’s discover due to the US tariffs!! And belief me, I do know there are approach worse issues occurring rn, however this is only one small instance of many displaying how these tariffs are impacting individuals #tariffs #lehenga #publichealth #marriage ceremony ♬ authentic sound – Kate Mac

Mac mentioned it felt fully unfair that the burden fell on her slightly than, say, the federal authorities.

“[It’s] one of the most significant pieces of clothing in my entire life,” she mentioned. Mac additionally claimed it was “extremely unfair for anyone to have to assume these costs.”

On high of that, she’s at the moment unemployed. 

“I don’t have thousands of dollars to pay on one day’s notice,” Mac mentioned.

Planning her marriage ceremony had been a “welcome escape” from on a regular basis stress, she added, however getting this shock payment introduced her abruptly again to actuality—dissatisfied that she had already paid for the lehenga, solely to be hit with further prices.

Tariffs are impacting weddings—particularly gown prices

Tariffs have been driving up the price of weddings throughout the board, they usually’ve made lehengas even pricier by elevating the worth of imported clothes and supplies—particularly these from China and India. Designers typically move off elevated manufacturing prices to brides as surcharges. 

Some retailers eat a part of the associated fee, however costs can nonetheless soar considerably, and up to date orders typically face delays.

Lehengas are comprised of high-quality supplies, together with silks, lace, and complex beading, a lot of which is sourced abroad. Tariffs on these parts increase the general value, placing strain on designers and retailers. Some retailers now tack on separate tariff surcharges, whereas others have raised their base costs. Brides who ordered months in the past are sometimes shocked to get hit with an sudden invoice proper earlier than their marriage ceremony.

For anybody attempting to keep away from sticker shock, shifting quick can assist. If you discover a lehenga you’re keen on, shopping for sooner slightly than later may spare you one other value hike—particularly since tariff ranges might nonetheless change. Some brides are turning to consignment retailers for pattern attire to chop prices. It’s additionally value double-checking your bill or contract for clauses that permit sellers to move alongside shock tariff expenses.

But as Mac’s expertise exhibits, even with cautious planning, these charges can really feel like a intestine punch and switch what ought to be a joyful a part of marriage ceremony planning right into a nerve-racking scramble to give you extra cash on the final minute.

Viewers supply help 

Commenters on Mac’s video shortly jumped in with provides to assist—some wished to chip in for the tariff invoice, others even provided to lend her their very own lehenga.

“When is your wedding?” one requested. “You can use my lehenga [which] I wore for my wedding three years ago.”

“Drop that Venmo, sis,” one other mentioned. “The women of TikTok will support you.”

Many agreed with Mac’s frustration over tariffs, saying they didn’t perceive them both and that the prices appeared to fall hardest on American clients.

“Tariffs are a tax on Americans,” one lady mentioned. “It’s wild that anyone would think otherwise. I’m so sorry!”

“From an economist, tariffs do not support an economy. The revenue goes straight to the government for its own spending purposes,” one other mentioned. “I’m so sorry this is happening to you.”

“Tariffs are a regressive tax on working people,” a 3rd added.

And loads of commenters blamed Trump and his supporters for the coverage.

“This administration is good at one thing, making it harder for us to live here,” one particular person mentioned.

“I hate that we didn’t vote for this and yet we have to suffer because other people voted with their hate and not their brains,” added a second.

“I hate this administration,” a 3rd commenter mentioned.

The Daily Dot has reached out to Mac by way of a TikTok remark.

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