Rachel writes about Going Local and why using local product is best for your wedding, San Diego and the environment.
Who doesn’t LOVE San Diego? And if you are getting married here, you must really love it! Did you know there is a way to support the local farmers, artisans, craftsmen/women, designers, musicians, and manufacturers… AND have an amazing wedding… AND be environmentally friendly? Here is the way to do it: GO LOCAL! By contracting San Diego vendors that use local products, you are not only supporting the local economy but also reducing the cost of shipping products from out-of-state (or country), as well as minimizing the pollution of trucking the products in from elsewhere. We are very fortunate in San Diego to have a huge array of awesome local products… here are some ideas:
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| Photo by Tangerine Tree Photography |
San Diego has many produce farms that grow fruit and vegetables year-round, plus California, especially the San Diego area, is among the top five seafood producing states in America. Your caterer can create a beautiful fresh fish entrée and colorful veggies on the side, what a treat for your guests! Look a bit north to Temecula for some delicious local wine. We can’t forget to mention San Diego’s growing community of microbreweries, some awesome local beer will be easy to get and much appreciated.
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| Photo by White Haute Photography |
Attire & Accessories
With a bit of internet research and some phone calls, you can easily discover some local wedding gown designers with serious talent. There are also many jewelry designers that would love to accessorize you and your bridesmaids with some gorgeous and unique creations.
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| Photo by Sunday Romance Photography |
Did you know that San Diego is home to over 200 commercial flower and potted plant growers? This is incredible news for the modern bride who wants to go local. Many florists opt to use local and in-season flowers, which helps keep the cost down for you while delivering the freshest and most vibrant flowers possible. Be sure to have a conversation with your florist about using local flowers to make sure they are not shipping anything in from out-of-state (or country).
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| Photo by Bob Hoffman Photography |
Our lovely city is home to some major musical talent, from solo musicians to bands that rock! Instead of flying in a band from elsewhere in America, check out the local music scene and inquire with musicians and bands to find out if they are available to book for private events.
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| Photo by Bob Hoffman Photography |
Where do I start with all the brilliant graphic designers and amazing stationery stores in San Diego? There are so many! So much better than ordering your invitations on the internet, a local graphic designer will work with you to customize paper goods that are truly your own and express your unique personalities. If you opt to go to a stationary store, ask them which invitation books are from local designers, or if they have a graphic designer they work with in San Diego.
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| Photography by David Santos Photography |
When your guests arrive in Sunny San Diego for your wedding weekend, and check in to their hotels, there is no better treat than a “welcome gift bag” filled with local goodies! Locally made chocolates, baked goods, granola bars, and the locally grown fruit we mentioned earlier, will delight your guests. Fun places to brainstorm ideas and meet growers and artisans are some of the amazing Farmers Markets around the county. Ditto on favors for your reception… there are so many creative products out there that are made in our fine city.