Keeping it Local

Good afternoon everyone! Today I want to touch base on something that I believe in with every fiber of my being. Keeping things local.
In my experience I find that local business appreciate business and are very willing to work with brides or any kind of event. They know that those attending your event will more than likely ask where you got certain items and that will in return bring more business for them.
Local Florists are able to take the time to sit down with you and really give you many options. I suggest making an initial appointment and talking to the florists. Do not be afraid to shop around. This is your day and you need to make sure you are getting the most out of ALL of your bookings. Different florists offer different
Locations! Check in with MANY local locations. Get the venue that you want for your wedding. Make sure it meets all of your requirements. Do you want in house catering? Do you need a place to get ready? Do you have anyone attending your wedding who may need a ramp to get in? Make a list of all of the things you want from a location and make sure you get it. Price a concern? Talk to other brides or what have you and see what they got it for- that way you know if you are being taken advantage of. Also ask why the price difference maybe something is going on at that time that we do not know about.
Hair salons are important too. The best advice I can give you is try to use your own stylist. If you do not have one I would look for a salon that offers the one stop shop. The place that offers tanning, nails and hair! That way you make all of your appointments in one area. Go somewhere that you feel comfortable. Make sure that you make trial appointments with your hair stylist.
Cakes?! You know when it comes to birthdays or weddings you have to have a wonderful cake that is the expression of yourself. The down side to this is that in some areas it is a who knows who deal. You have to really talk to people who have had weddings done by bakers find out who they used and contact that person. In bigger areas you may have more options and the best bet is to do a tasting!
Photography is key- this is how you and others will see your wedding. Most photographers will have portfolios. When you make an appointment with a potential photographer make sure that you ask for them to bring the portfolio. When you interview any one but especially the photographer- make sure they are easy going and able to blend in with your guests. This will make candids easier.
Videography is an amazing tool for some of us to use to bring the wedding to those who cannot attend. The same rules for hiring that apply to the photographer should apply for the videographer.
Entertainment for the wedding is also a big thing to think about. Do you want a live band or a DJ? The best bet is to decide the mood you want to set for your event and then follow through with it. Want to rock out at your wedding? Go with a local band! Most DJ companies come with Emcees which is a big help. They can keep the flow of your event going- so it is best to make sure you interview all options.
Invitations are how you will communicate with all that you want to have at your wedding. There are two ways to go with these. You can have them handmade by a local artist or go to a vendor for them. Make sure that your plans are solidified before you print. You really want to order these only ONCE. Make sure the invitations match your theme and colors. Place RSVP cards in them as well.
Jewelry and accessories are also very important. If you chose to do something custom check in with local arts organizations to see if there is anyone out there who does custom work. These are pieces that you can pass on to others and something that will be unique to you.
Dresses are the hardest thing to find local. Some seamstresses will do custom dresses but buyer beware this will be expensive. My suggestion would be to go to a bridal outlet and then use local seamstress' to do the alterations!
No matter what local vendor you choose to use make sure you meet with them early enough to book so that you have your event in their calendar!
If you live in the Presque Isle area and would like some information about the local companies I use please let me know!