Dani Nicole Photography, Candler Reynolds Live Painter, The Mint Museum
Supporting small businesses is more important than ever before. Between the pandemic and limiting regulations, local businesses are dwindling in size and stature. Weddings are the perfect opportunity to show your support, since many vendors already operate in this capacity.
By purchasing goods or services from a small business, you are directly supporting the individuals behind the brand, namely helping them provide for their families and day-to-day life needs. In the wedding industry, networking is HUGE. So not only does your purchase provide instant financial support, it gives them an opportunity to advertise their service.
As planners, we mention vendors in our social media posts, on our blogs, and by word of mouth to other vendors and clients we work with. This provides each small business with the chance to be found by others who may have never heard of their company! We work with so many talented individuals and are always honored to meet new wedding professionals. Without further ado, keep reading to find out how you can support small businesses through your wedding.
Guest Favors
Dani Nicole Photography, Morgan Amanda Photography, Creative Designs AF
In place of a standard favor you'd normally find on Amazon, consider shopping local for a special guest treat. Adorn your place settings with a gift from somewhere local to pay homage to your venue locale or hometown.
A yummy dessert from a local bakery
Donation coins for a local charity
Soap from a neighborhood boutique
Family farm harvested honey or fruit
Gift Bags
Party of Two Photography
Give your guests a warm welcome to their hotel room with a gift bag full of hand selected goodies. Gift bags don't have to break the bank! Get creative with your choices to show intentionality and meaning - remember, quality over quantity.
A local map of your weekend's location
List of nearby attractions & favorite places
Fresh drink or snack founded locally
Hand poured candle from local boutique
Stationery
Haley Lynette Photography, Tree Bird Photo, The Lettered Lily, Willow Floral Boutique
Every couple's day deserves a custom look, all the way down to the stationery details. Consider working with a local designer to support their small business. We'd suggest browsing through Etsy shops, social media, and local vendors online to find the best local designer for you and your vision [or chat with your planner for their recommendations! ;)]
Custom watercolor map for guests
Venue painting incorporated into invite
Name tables after local streets, monuments, or sentimental places for place settings
Local Cuisine
Amanda Somerville Photography, Best Impressions Catering, We Are One Photography, Sweet Anne's Bakery, Jimmy Bloom Florals, Kelsey M Spry Beauty
Every city has its own cuisine that it's known for, branding it as part of that locale's experience. When traveling, there's nothing like trying a local meal whose story originated there. Think about having lobster in Maine, deep dish pizza in Chicago, or a fresh baked bagel on a crisp New York morning. After awhile, we start to associate these delicacies with their respective locations, so why not incorporate the same values into your wedding weekend?
Include local beers in your bar service from a local brewery
Add wine too from a vineyard nearby
Work with a local mom & pop restaurant for your catering service
Hire a small business bakery to make your wedding cake & desserts