‘PLAN LOCAL’
Hiring local vendors, shopping local can be beneficial
Local vendors are often a goto
choice when couples are
planning their wedding ceremonies
and receptions.
As the “buy local” movement
grows in popularity, weddings present
a prime opportunity to embrace
this movement.
Boosting the local economy
Obviously, buying local when planning
a wedding helps keep neighborhood
shops afloat.
Whether it’s renting tuxedos, purchasing
other wedding finery such as
jewelry, linens, bridesmaids dresses or
decor, hitting the local boutiques can
help suppport area commerce and
keep tax revenues and jobs local.
Couples may have different ideas
regarding where to tie the knot, but
once they’ve chosen their venue, local
vendors can be hired, affording
many great options and benefits.
Brides magazine says the biggest
factor influencing wedding location is
the size of the guest list and the number
Local vendors have intimate knowledge of the areas they serve, and that
can make for a more personalized, eco-friendly wedding.
of people who wouldn’t be able
to attend if the wedding was in a particular
locale.
Some of the benefits of “hiring
local” when it comes to vendors include:
Familiarity
Local vendors will be familiar with
the area and possibly even the location
where the wedding will be held.
That can help couples avoid having
to give directions, discuss venue protocols,
and handle other tasks that
must be worked out with non-local
vendors.
For example, local photographers
familiar with a particular venue
will know all of the best places to
get shots, and some vendors may
have preexisting relationships with
venue representatives that could
ensure wedding day operations go
smoothly.
Proximity
Local vendors can meet with brides
and grooms more readily throughout
FILE PHOTO
the planning process, making things
less stressful on the happy couple.
This also makes it easier to drop
off deposits, attend meetings, make
fitting appointments, or attend styling
sessions.
Environment
Individuals who take great strides
to conserve resources by reducing
their energy consumption and protecting
the environment often find
that shopping local is beneficial.
Local vendors are more likely to
source their materials from other local
businesses, reducing their carbon
footprints along the way.
For example, local caterers may
rely on local farmers for their foods,
affording couples the chance to host
eco-friendly or even farm-to-table
weddings.
Customization
Working with local vendors often
translates into getting more personalized
service and attention than mass
retailers or merchants can provide.
20 | Exquisite Bridal Guide • 2020 Published by Eagle News