Not only does Michigan have wonderful venues, fantastic settings and lots of fun activities. It also has a wonderful population of small business owners, unique shops and unusual finds. I am a huge supporter of buying local, as many of you know, but this also extends to the way I conduct business.

Photo Source

Weddings are the sum of many, many parts and if you use local companies and individuals for each of those parts, you are creating a huge amount of revenue for the state and local region where you are holding your event. Below are a few of my favorite ways to support Michigan economy AND possibly keep some of that hard earned wedding budget in your wallet!

1. Do yourself a favor. Getting creative with a Michigan wedding is easier than one would think! If you have guests coming in from out of town, they would probably love a little slice of the Mitten State to take home with them. A few of my favorite ideas are some delicious ones! Check out local companies, like Too Hot Mamas and Valentine Vodka for unique favor ideas!
2. Lost & Found. The most simple way to make a discovery is to get lost. Take a drive around the town where you plan on hosting your event and you are bound to find some of the most unique stores! For instance, if you plan on getting married in Royal Oak, be sure to stop by Vintner’s Cellar, Dale & Thomas Popcorn, Write Impressions and Creative Arts Studio for brilliant ideas!
3. Homegrown discoveries. One of the most interesting reasons to get married in Michigan, is that this is a state where you can find almost anything you need in homegrown and local ways. We produce cherries, apples, wine, potato chips, soda (Pop, for all us Michiganders!) and so much more! We are also home to some of the most creative individuals in the world. Think photographers, videographers, event designers, and more!
4. Green comes in many colors. If you drive for 30 minutes in any direction, you are sure to come across a farmer’s market or two (or three, four, five)! This is especially helpful for those of you planning to DIY your own flowers or centerpieces, or even if you are looking for someone to do the flowers for you in a green way! Some of the most beautiful flowers come from right here in the area.
5. Make a difference. On top of the reasons listed above, one of the most important is the satisfaction you can get by donating to a charity in lieu of favors or gifts. Try out these local charities for inspiration: Camp Casey, Last Chance Rescue, Michigan’s Children.

Well, we have a huge announcement! Are you looking for something pretty? Visit our brand spankin’ new Etsy Page! We are offering handmade hair accessories, birdcage veils, corsages, boutonnieres and other gorgeous details for your wedding day and more!

Just a reminder: You can find us every day at the following places.

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

As most of you know, I am an avid blog stalker. Since not everyone has the ability to spend hours each day catching up on all the wedding related blogs around the web, I wanted to share a few of my favorite recent posts. Click on the links within each description to view the full post. Enjoy!

Liene Stevens, The Blue Orchid Blog, shared a very insightful post about one of the many hidden wedding planning costs. The Plus/Plus rate.

The fabulous Always A Blogsmaid blog created a delightful post about entertaining the little ones on your wedding day.

Visit Earth Friendly Weddings to read a post about a great post featuring beautiful frame-worthy ketubahs.

For some completely awesome cake displays, visit Wish Special Events blog.

Want to win a fun prize? Check out Hostess With The Mostess to win a $100 Gift Card to Gallery 19!

And last, but definitely not least, feast your eyes on this gorgeous Inspiration Board from Snippet & Ink. I am in love with these colors!

Courtesy of Snippet & ink

10 Bright Ideas For Your Spring Wedding

1. Bright Colors

www.kreedphotography.com

2. Unusual Entertainment

www.nicoleladonne.com

3. Brunch Reception

www.churchillcaterers.com

4. Tents

www.arisingimages.com

5. Unique Favor Ideas

http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com

6. Tea Length Dresses

http://blog.thehandcraftedwedding.com

7. Fun & Funky Hair

http://www.nancyhellsten.com

8. Giving Back

http://www.kaboodle.com

9. Fresh Menu

http://www.catering.com

10. Flowers with a punch

www.stressawaybridal.com

I was searching through the printable coupons page at Retailmenot.com and found some great deals on all things wedding related! Here are a few of the best. Happy Shopping! Oh, and Happy Holidays!

Well, 2009 is right around the corner and to celebrate, we created an entire year of inspiration boards for your big day. Take a look at all of the months and let us know what you think! Did we miss a color or theme that you’d like to see? Let us know! Your’s may be chosen as one of our future inspiration boards.

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Turquoise is the perfect summer color and when paired with a bright and vibrant red, it makes a great color scheme for July.  

Photo credits: Adam Welch Photography, Bella Figura, Etsy, Michelle M Waite, Boutwell Studio, Brides In The City, Canlas Photography,

I came across these fabulous ring orb Christmas ornaments today. How great would it be to receive these before your wedding day and be able to use them year after year? Love it!

Source: Red Envelope