Shop Local

Shopping online is often the most efficient way to get the best bargains. Nevertheless, it is often best to shop locally if service, expert advice and dependability is required. In our experience, we have found that shopping for products and services that require significant customization are best done in person. Specifically, if you are planning a wedding, shopping for a wedding dress, flowers and wedding stationery with a qualified and experienced store owner in your neighborhood will generally provide you with the best shopping experience. Indeed, finding the “right” photographer or caterer for your wedding is generally done through a series of interviews rather than taking “pot luck” from an online referral.

Found below are links to LOCAL wedding resources to help you find qualified stores in your neighborhood.

Wedding Invitations and Wedding Stationery

The Stationers Guild is an organization of leading independent stationery stores across the United States. Each of these stores have been in business for more than three years and many have over 20 years of experience in serving bridal couples in their community. If you are looking for expertize, a wide variety of wedding invitations at different price points and service to match, shop locally with a member of the Stationers Guild. Some things are best done in person and shopping for a wedding invitation is certainly one of them.

Local Wedding Flowers and Floral Arrangements

Stop and smell the roses. As most people will tell you, flowers make the wedding. Shopping locally for fresh-cut flowers and floral arrangements will save you both time and money. Shop Local Flower Shops is a relatively new website that has a useful search bar to help track down Flower Stores in your neighborhood. Some of the stores may be know to you, but it is best to interview potential candidates to make sure that you are getting the best advice and service. Also, don’t forget floral wholesalers. Buying in bulk and having some of the wedding guests build floral bouquets keeps your guests gainfully occupied and costs down.

Local Caterers for Weddings

Like flowers and invitations it is always wise to shop locally to find an experienced and dependable caterer for your wedding. Local Catering is a tremendous planning resource to help get you moving in the proper direction. While there are a number of on-site tools to collect bids and menus from various caterers, we strongly recommend interviewing your short list of caterers. A visit to their facilities is often recommended to determine cleanliness and the quality of their staff.