5 Ways to Support Your Local Vendors Right Now, From a Wedding Planner!

The wedding industry, among others, has been hit pretty hard this year. Vendors such as florists, DJs, caterers and planners have been forced to pivot their businesses in new ways to support clients as well as generate income. In support of the industry, I’ve come up with 5 ways you can patronize your local wedding industry favs. We’re all in this together, right?

Photography by Cagdas Yoldas

1. Purchase gift cards for family and friends

Although you may only know a small percentage of people getting married, most services wedding vendors offer can be used by anyone. Know a family who just had a baby? A family looking to update their photo albums? Purchase a gift card from a local photographer to have their photos taken! Know a couple in need of a date night? Purchase them a gift card to your local wedding venue’s restaurant for a romantic night out on the town.

Photography by Cagdas YoldasCatering by Traiteur Brera

 

2. Order your weekend dinners from your local caterer

Saturday is usually take-out night for a lot of households. Support your local caterer by ordering a meal for the family or just for yourself once a week. Even though restaurants in your area may be closed for seating, you can always create “restaurant style” ambiance by adding small details to your table. It could be anything from napkins to candles or a nice floral arrangement.

 

3. Leave your vendors reviews and share their work

A short review can go a long way. On top of managing current clients, your wedding vendors would likely love to generate new business. How can you help? By spreading word of mouth and leaving a nice review. If you haven’t yet tied the knot but have been working with your planner on details – you can leave a review  based on your current experience in planning your big day. Reviews are a great way to get your favorite vendors recognized and help them drum up new business.



Photo by  The Pink Dream

 

4. Sign up for floral subscriptions

Signing up for weekly deliveries is a great way to brighten your space as well as support your local florist. Not a fan of flowers in your home? You can also purchase subscriptions for friends and family members too!

 

5. Order holiday and/or birthday cards from your local stationer

We’re taking it back to 2005 but who doesn’t love a personalized card? Ordering holiday or birthday cards with your own special flare is a good way to personalize gifts for your friends and loved ones. As well, these projects will help keep your stationer creative and may even help them generate new clients. It’s really a win-win!

Photography by Carlie Statsky 

The effects of COVID may last a while for the industry we all love. A concerted effort at supporting local businesses can really shift things for many business owners. Hopefully these tips can provide you with fun and cost effective ways to support your favourite local vendors.