How to support small businesses while planning your wedding

Since so much money is poured into the wedding planning industry every year, spending on your wedding is a great opportunity to support some small businesses. Here are a few ways to do that!

1. Small Businesses on Etsy

Anytime you're buying something off of Amazon, whether that's bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts, wedding favors, or any materials needed for DIY decor, try taking a look at Etsy first. You may actually find that the variety and the quality on Etsy is better, and you'd be supporting a small business along the way!

2. Local Caterers for Pre-Wedding Events

If you're hosting any smaller, pre-wedding functions, especially if they are outside of your main wedding venue, consider using a small, local caterer for food for these events. Often times, smaller caterers do not have the necessary insurance policy to be able to cater at big venues, but they can offer awesome hospitality and yummy dishes to your smaller, pre-wedding events. 

3. Local Flower Shops

South Asian weddings use a lot of flowers, so sourcing your flowers can be a great opportunity to support smaller businesses. Try looking into local flower shops, or what options you have to locally source your flowers. You can speak to your wedding decorator or wedding planner about this as well if you're not sure where to start!

4. Printing & Stationery

Lastly, for all of your stationery or printing needs, try looking into a local print shop or smaller print shop. Once again, Etsy is a great place for this, instead of giving your printing business to a large merchant. We printed out our welcome posters from Etsy!

@arushihariani supporting small businesses in the wedding industry! #supportsmallbiz #smallbusiness #smallbusinesstiktok #weddingvendor #localflowers #caterer #supportsmallbusiness #weddingtiktok #etsy #bridetobe ♬ original sound - Arushi Hariani