Meghan Ely and OFD Consulting Highlight the Power of Responsible Storytelling as Wedding Costs Face Scrutiny
Weddings have always reflected the times in which they take place shaped by cultural shifts, economic realities, and the personal priorities of couples. In 2025 that reflection is increasingly framed through the lens of rising costs. From global tariffs affecting imported goods to higher operating costs across venues, catering, and floral design, couples and professionals alike are navigating a season of adjustment. As these conversations move into the media spotlight, one expert has remained focused on an often-overlooked piece of the puzzle: how these stories are told.
Meghan Ely, founder of OFD Consulting, has long helped wedding professionals elevate their visibility through strategic media connections. But during a time when headlines about pricing are frequent and emotionally charged, her approach leans not toward splashy coverage but toward responsible storytelling that informs, supports, and empowers.
The Cost of Going Viral vs. Getting It Right
In a media environment built on clicks and quick takes, wedding costs are often oversimplified. A floral budget becomes a viral talking point, or a guest count trend turns into a national headline. For many wedding professionals, the nuance of their work, the logistical constraints, the market realities, and the thoughtful decisions made with each client can get lost in the noise.
“It’s easy for wedding coverage to lean toward extremes,” Ely notes. “But our job is to help shape the narrative in a way that honors the complexity and humanity of what vendors and couples are experiencing.”
This perspective became particularly timely when the Associated Press published a widely circulated series on how tariffs and inflation are impacting weddings. Several OFD Consulting clients were included, offering grounded, honest insights on how costs are shifting and what professionals are doing to support their clients amid those changes. The coverage was praised for its balance, a reflection of the effort made behind the scenes to connect the right voices to the right stories.
Ely’s role wasn’t to push a narrative. It was to open the door for thoughtful contributors who could share their experiences with clarity and care.
Strategic Visibility Rooted in Purpose
For over 15 years, Meghan Ely has worked at the intersection of media and events, bridging the gap between creative professionals and the publications that help define public perception of the industry. Through her agency, OFD Consulting, she has facilitated features in outlets such as The New York Times, Brides, People, and Martha Stewart Weddings. But for Ely, success isn’t measured in column inches, it’s measured in the quality and relevance of the stories being shared.
“There’s a difference between being visible and being useful,” she says. “During moments like this when pricing, inflation, and value are under the microscope, our visibility should serve a purpose. It should help people understand, not just react.”
That mindset has led to a renewed focus on educating clients not only on how to pitch but also on how to identify the most meaningful stories to tell. Whether through press features, interviews, or thought leadership pieces, the goal is to build trust both with editors and with the audiences they serve.
Transparency Without Alarmism
In today’s climate, the wedding industry is having to defend its value more than ever. Budget-conscious couples are asking harder questions, while social media continues to amplify snapshots that don’t always represent the full picture.
This makes transparency vital. But as Ely emphasizes, transparency must be paired with accuracy and context. A price increase is never just about inflation, it’s about supply chains, labor shortages, vendor experience, and the quality of service delivered. Helping professionals speak to that holistically, rather than defensively, is part of the work Ely sees as crucial right now.
“Our clients want to be transparent,” she explains. “But they also want to protect their relationships, their teams, and their integrity. We help them navigate that line in a way that feels authentic and aligned with their values.”
A Moment of Responsibility for the Industry
As wedding media continues to evolve, Meghan Ely hopes more professionals will embrace the opportunity to contribute to it thoughtfully and responsibly. That means engaging with journalists, yes, but also preparing internally: refining messaging, understanding your numbers, and identifying what truly sets your business apart.
For those unsure of where to begin, Ely offers a starting point: think about the questions your clients are asking you right now. Those same questions are likely the ones couples are searching online and that editors are looking to answer in their coverage.
“Your everyday conversations hold the key to stories that matter,” Meghan Ely says. “You don’t need to be controversial to be compelling. You just need to be real.”
Looking Forward
At a time when the wedding industry is under public and financial pressure, the call for responsible storytelling has never been louder. Through OFD Consulting, Meghan Ely continues to advocate for a media landscape that reflects the depth, diversity, and resilience of the professionals behind every celebration.
As prices rise and expectations shift, her approach offers a roadmap for how the wedding industry can stay visible not by chasing headlines, but by building narratives rooted in honesty, empathy, and leadership.
To learn more about Meghan Ely and her work with OFD Consulting, visit https://ofdconsulting.com.
